Working in Malaysia

Malaysia is a three to four hour flight from Manila, which makes it a practical choice if you want to stay closer to family. The cost of living is lower than Hong Kong, and Filipino workers are well established there.

What the job is

Domestic work in a private household: cleaning, cooking, laundry, and often childcare or care of elderly family members. Your specific duties should be written into your contract before you travel. If they are not, ask.

Before you accept any offer, confirm these in writing

Your monthly wage, the currency it is paid in, and the date it is paid each month.
Your rest days — how many per month, and whether they are guaranteed in the contract.
Accommodation and food — what is provided, and whether anything is deducted from your pay.
Who pays for your flights, visa, medical and permit, both going and coming home.
Medical cover and insurance while you are there.
The length of the contract and what happens if either side ends it early.

Your protections

Keep your own passport. No employer or agency should hold it for you. This is the single most common warning sign.
Your contract covers one household. Being moved to another family, a shop or a business is not part of the deal.
The Philippine Embassy in Kuala Lumpur and OWWA can assist you if something goes wrong. Save their numbers before you fly.
You should never pay a placement fee. Not to us, and not to anyone claiming to act for us.

Practical notes

Language. English is widely spoken in Malaysia and is usually enough. Bahasa Malaysia helps in daily life.
Religion and food. Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country. Many households are Muslim and will expect halal food handling; others are Chinese or Indian with different customs. Your agency should tell you which before you are matched.
Getting home. Direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Manila, Cebu and Davao make emergency travel realistic in a way it is not from further afield.

Where to check things for yourself