In 2024, Malaysia's government has set a revised minimum wage of RM1,700 per month for those working in private companies. However, this is not extended to household employees, such as housekeepers, yard workers, childcare providers, and personal drivers.

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

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### Who Are Considered Domestic Workers?

In legal terms, domestic workers include those employed to do household work, such as:

- Live-in helpers
- Landscapers
- Caregivers
- Personal chauffeurs
- Home-based chefs

These roles fall outside Malaysia's minimum wage regulations.

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### Why the Minimum Wage Doesn’t Apply

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

- Flexible or irregular hours
- Free lodging and meals
- Live-in arrangements

Because of this, the Malaysian government believe it is impractical 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. **Flexible Salary Negotiation**
Wages can be negotiated depending on the worker’s nationality, experience, and duties.

3. **Compliance with Labor Standards Needed**
This includes:
- Providing decent conditions
- Respecting off-days
- Preventing exploitation

Working with a licensed agency like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd can help ensure you follow all regulations.

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### Implications for Domestic Workers

For domestic workers:

1. **May Earn Below RM1,700**
Many receive less than RM1,700.

2. **Less Legal Safeguards**
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 enforces certain standards

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### Calls for Reform

There are increasing calls for the government to:

- Recognize household workers under minimum wage policies
- Professionalize domestic work
- Close the loophole that allows underpayment

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

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### Conclusion

While the RM1,700 minimum wage applies to most sectors, domestic helpers are not included. This puts the onus for employers to provide reasonable compensation.

Partnering with a licensed agency like Agensi Pekerjaan Havannah Sdn Bhd helps ensure clarity.