The PLKS (Pas Lawatan Kerja Sementara) is the work permit that legally authorises a foreign domestic helper to work in Malaysia. For employers in Klang Valley, getting this right is non-negotiable — without it, your helper is working illegally and you bear the legal liability. This guide explains exactly what's involved.
What Is a PLKS?
The PLKS is a temporary work pass issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department specifically for domestic helpers (and certain other foreign worker categories). It is issued for a 2-year period and must be renewed before expiry. The PLKS is what distinguishes a legally employed helper from an undocumented worker.
Under the Immigration Act 1959/63, employing a foreign worker without a valid PLKS exposes the employer to fines of RM10,000 to RM50,000 per worker, and mandatory imprisonment of 6 months to 5 years. This is not a technicality - it is actively enforced.
Who Applies - Employer or Agency?
In practice, the PLKS application is handled by the licensed maid agency on behalf of the employer. This is one of the core services a JTKSM-licensed agency provides. You, as the employer, supply the required documents - the agency manages the submission, follow-up, and collection.
If you attempt to apply independently without a licensed agency, you are legally required to use the Immigration Department's online portal (FWCMS) and must still comply with all agency-related requirements. In most cases, this is more complex and time-consuming than working with an agency.
Documents Required
The following documents are typically required from the employer's side:
- Copy of employer's MyKad (front and back)
- Copy of employer's latest salary slip or proof of income (minimum RM5,000/month household income required)
- Copy of employer's EPF statement (if salaried) or business registration (if self-employed)
- Completed employer declaration form
- Copy of employer's utility bill (proof of residence)
From the helper's side, the agency will manage: passport copy, employment contract, source country clearance documents, and FOMEMA medical results.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Employer eligibility check. The agency verifies you meet the minimum household income requirement (RM5,000/month).
- Source country clearance. The helper must be cleared by her home country's government (e.g., BNP2TKI for Indonesia, POEA for the Philippines) before departure.
- Visa with reference (VDR) application. The agency applies for the VDR through the Immigration portal, which allows the helper to enter Malaysia.
- Helper arrival and FOMEMA medical. On arrival, the helper undergoes the mandatory FOMEMA health screening. She cannot commence work until she passes.
- PLKS application submission. Once FOMEMA is cleared, the agency submits the full PLKS application to the Immigration Department.
- PLKS issuance. Upon approval, the PLKS is issued and affixed to the helper's passport. She is now legally authorised to work.
- SOCSO registration. Within 30 days of the helper starting work, the employer must register her under SOCSO. The agency will advise on this.
Costs and Timeline
- PLKS levy: RM1,850 – RM2,100 (paid to Immigration Department)
- Processing time: 3 to 6 weeks from VDR application to PLKS issuance, depending on source country processing speed and Immigration queues
- Total process from consultation to helper's first day: 4 to 8 weeks
For a full cost breakdown including agency fees, see our 2026 maid agency cost guide. For information on what FOMEMA tests for and what happens if your helper fails, see our FOMEMA guide.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Allowing the helper to start work before the PLKS is issued. FOMEMA clearance alone is not sufficient. She must have the PLKS in her passport before commencing work.
- Missing the PLKS renewal date. A PLKS expiring without renewal puts both employer and helper in an illegal situation. Set a reminder 3 months before expiry - see our contract renewal guide.
- Using a non-JTKSM-licensed agent. Only a licensed agency can legally process the PLKS. Any informal "agent" doing this work is operating illegally.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Your helper must not commence work until the PLKS has been issued and endorsed in her passport. Working without a valid permit exposes both you and her to legal penalties.
The minimum household income requirement is RM5,000 per month. This is verified during the PLKS application process by the Immigration Department.
The PLKS is valid for 2 years, aligned with the standard domestic helper employment contract period. Renewal must be initiated before expiry - see our contract renewal guide for the full process.