As of 2024, Malaysia's regulations established a revised minimum wage of RM1,700 per month for those working in private companies. However, this excludes to domestic workers, such as housekeepers, gardeners, nannies, and chauffeurs.

This omission has sparked debate about fair pay, particularly for those hired through licensed agencies like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd.

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### Who Are Considered Domestic Workers?

According to Malaysian labor law, domestic helpers refer to those employed to do household work, such as:

- Live-in helpers
- Gardeners
- Caregivers
- Personal chauffeurs
- Cooks in private homes

These roles are excluded from Malaysia's minimum wage regulations.

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### Reasons for Exclusion

The argument for the exemption is the unique conditions of home employment, which often includes:

- Flexible or irregular hours
- Free lodging and meals
- Close working relationship with employers

Because of this, the Malaysian government believe it is difficult to apply a fixed minimum wage to this group.

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### What Employers Should Know

If you hire a domestic helper, here’s what this means for you:

1. **No Legal Duty to Pay RM1,700**
You don’t have a legal obligation pay RM1,700 to your domestic worker.

2. **Wages are Based on Agreement**
Wages can be negotiated depending on the scope of work, country of origin, and skill level.

3. **Other Legal Responsibilities Still Apply**
This includes:
- Ensuring a safe workplace
- Respecting off-days
- Avoiding abuse or elderly taker overwork

Working with a recognized recruiter like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd can help ensure contracts are fair.

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### Impact on Household Workers

For domestic workers:

1. **May Earn Below RM1,700**
Many receive between RM1,000–RM1,500.

2. **Greater Risk of Exploitation**
Especially if no formal contract exists or if they are hired informally.

3. **Foreign Worker Agreements Matter**
For example:
- Philippines requires USD 400/month (~RM1,800)
- Indonesia mandates work condition requirements

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### Calls for Reform

There are increasing calls for the government to:

- Include domestic workers in wage laws
- Improve rights for live-in helpers
- Close the loophole that allows underpayment

Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd supports fair employment practices, ensuring both employer and employee rights are balanced.

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### Final Thoughts

While the RM1,700 minimum wage applies to most sectors, domestic helpers remain excluded. This places responsibility for employers to act ethically.

Partnering with a licensed agency like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd helps protect everyone involved.