If you have a trusted helper who fits your family well, renewing her contract is the most important thing you can do to protect that relationship. For Klang Valley employers, missing the renewal window means legal consequences for both of you. Start it right, and you get another two years of continuity.
When to Start the Renewal Process
The standard recommendation is to begin the renewal process 3 months before the PLKS expiry date. Immigration processing can take 4 to 6 weeks, and gathering documents from both employer and helper adds additional time. Starting late risks a gap in legal status - during which the helper technically cannot work.
Check your helper's passport for the PLKS endorsement page. The expiry date is clearly printed. Set a calendar reminder 3 months before that date.
What Gets Renewed
A contract renewal involves renewing three things simultaneously:
- The PLKS work permit - via the Immigration Department
- The employment contract - a new 2-year signed agreement between employer and helper
- FOMEMA medical clearance - the helper must undergo the health screening again
- SOCSO registration update - if salary has changed, SOCSO contributions need updating
Documents Required
From the employer:
- MyKad copy (front and back)
- Latest 3 months' salary slips or proof of income
- Completed renewal declaration form
From the helper:
- Current passport (with at least 18 months remaining validity)
- Current PLKS (for reference)
- FOMEMA medical clearance letter (obtained during the renewal process)
If the helper's passport is expiring, it must be renewed first through her country's embassy in Malaysia before the PLKS renewal can proceed.
Step-by-Step Renewal Process
- Notify your agency 3 months before expiry. Your agency begins collecting documents and checks for any outstanding issues (overstay, medical history, etc.).
- Schedule FOMEMA medical. The agency books the health screening appointment. Results take 3 to 5 working days.
- Sign new employment contract. Both employer and helper sign the renewed 2-year contract.
- Agency submits PLKS renewal application. The full application is submitted through the Immigration Department's FWCMS portal.
- Pay the levy. The PLKS levy (RM1,850 – RM2,100) is paid to the Immigration Department.
- Collection of renewed PLKS. Once approved, the renewed PLKS is endorsed in the helper's passport. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.
Renewal Costs
- Agency renewal service fee: RM800 – RM1,500 (varies by agency)
- PLKS levy: RM1,850 – RM2,100
- FOMEMA medical: RM190 – RM250
- Estimated total: RM2,840 – RM3,850
Renewal costs are significantly lower than a fresh placement because the sourcing, vetting, and travel costs are eliminated. This is one of the strongest financial arguments for keeping a good helper rather than replacing her.
What If You Want to Change Helpers?
If you decide not to renew with your current helper, you have two options:
- Transfer hire. If the helper wishes to stay in Malaysia with a new employer, she may transfer her permit. The new employer takes on the PLKS and a new contract is signed. Costs are lower than a fresh overseas placement.
- Repatriation. If the helper returns to her home country, her PLKS is cancelled and the original employer bears the return airfare. If you are hiring a replacement, the full new placement process applies - see our PLKS application guide.
Jaya Persona handles all renewal and transfer processes as part of our ongoing client service. Our "Most Requested" service - as noted on our homepage - is contract renewals, precisely because families who have a good match want to protect it.
Frequently Asked Questions
If the PLKS expires before the renewal is approved, the helper is technically in overstay. The employer may face penalties. Your agency should flag and manage this - it is one reason to start the process 3 months early rather than waiting until the last month.
There is no legally mandated pay increase at renewal, but many employers choose to review salary at this point. The minimum salary requirement at the time of renewal must be met. It is good practice to discuss salary expectations with your helper before initiating the renewal paperwork.
Yes. You are not obligated to renew through your original placement agency. If you were not satisfied with the post-placement service, you may engage a different JTKSM-licensed agency for the renewal. Jaya Persona handles renewals for helpers originally placed by other agencies.