How much will an unskilled foreign worker in Malaysia earn on average?

Wages depend on the industry and place. According to the latest job advertisements and the information offered by the governmental sources, average unskilled wage can be between RM1,500 and RM1,700 per month (USD 320 and USD 360, respectively). These are basic amounts of money that one earns and other benefits such as housing allowances and overtime can be added to the amounts.

What are the most job opportunities states of foreign workers?

The economic giants of Malaysia are where most of the employment centers are found. Selangor, Johor, and Penang are the front runners in the manufacturing sector, and Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru are the main cities leading in the construction and services industries. The rural areas and East Malaysia, namely, Sabah and Sarawak are the most notable in terms of agricultural sector.

Could I switch jobs or employers under a Temporary Employment Pass?

Generally, no. The TEP is also bound to a particular employer and job. In case of any desire to switch jobs, you will need to cancel your TEP with your current employer and request a new employer to get you a new one. It is not a sure alternative and a complicated process.

What to do to get a legitimate recruitment agency?

The most effective method is to ensure that an agency is registered by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources and the immigration department. Do not trust the agencies which require you to pay huge initial fees without any explicit job opportunities and legal obligations. Find agencies whose process is transparent and has a favorable record.

What are the new policy amendments that have an impact on foreign workers in Malaysia?

In October 2025, the Malaysian government will introduce a major change in policy with its Budget 2025, and this will necessitate that all non-Malaysian employees undergo a mandatory contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) by their employers. This gives foreign employees a new dimension of social protection and financial security, which enables them to take home their money when they eventually move out of the nation.

Unskilled Jobs In Malaysia For Foreign Workers

You are an international employee willing to take new opportunities in other countries? The economy and the rising industries within Malaysia have made the country a choice of individuals seeking unskilled work. Striking a balance between the job market and visa procedure can be difficult, however. This guide is a complete guide that will make the process easy as you can know about the most demanded industries and at the same time the legal requirements and how to secure a job safely.

The Thriving Job Market: Sectors Hiring Unskilled International Workers

The Malaysian economy is on a boom and this growth has been driven by the demand within the major sectors that are highly dependent on foreign labor. These are the industries that you need to target in case you want to work as a foreign worker with little skills or formal education level:

Manufacturing: The economy of Malaysia is based on manufacturing and they are always in demand of factory workers, production operators, and assembly line workers. These jobs are essential in the day-to-day activities of electronics to furniture.
Construction: As a result of large scale construction projects and the high pace of urbanization in cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru, there will always be a need of general labourers and building maintenance helpers.
Agriculture & Plantations: The palm oil and rubber plantations, particularly in the states of Sabah and Sarawak are also the major employers of foreign labor. Plantation workers and farmworkers are on demand.
Services: This is a wide industry that encompasses such services as cleaning and hospitality services, food, and beverages. There are prospects as a cleaner, housekeeping employee, or kitchen assistant in restaurants, hotels and retail.

The Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) (Q1 2025 report) indicates that despite the manufacturing and construction industries following the services sector in terms of employment, the services sector is the most stable and continues to demand all levels of skills.

Understanding the Legal Pathway Work Visa in Malaysia

This is the most important stage of your trip. As in other nations, you cannot come to Malaysia on a tourist visa and begin seeking employment. This is a regulated procedure that should be instigated by an employer.

The Temporary Employment Pass (TEP) is the main work permit of low-skilled jobs in Malaysia. The most important point to keep in mind is that you should ask your employer to obtain this pass on your behalf. This is what is referred to as employer sponsorship.

Figure below presents a simplified description of how it works:

Employer Sponsorship: A Malaysian company having been granted a quota of foreign workers by the government will offer you a job.
Visa with Reference (VDR): The employer requests a Visa withReference, which is a pre-approval of the Immigration Department.
Access to Malaysia: After the VDR is granted, you may apply at any Malaysian embassy in your country of residence to get your visa after which you can travel to Malaysia.
Medical check-up and Pass Endorsement: You have to receive an obligatory medical check-up (by FOMEMA) and have your TEP stamped on your passport.

The process provides your safety and disallowed illegal employment which can result in severe legal action such as fines and deportation.

FAQs

How much will an unskilled foreign worker in Malaysia earn on average?

Wages depend on the industry and place. According to the latest job advertisements and the information offered by the governmental sources, average unskilled wage can be between RM1,500 and RM1,700 per month (USD 320 and USD 360, respectively). These are basic amounts of money that one earns and other benefits such as housing allowances and overtime can be added to the amounts.
What are the most job opportunities states of foreign workers?

The economic giants of Malaysia are where most of the employment centers are found. Selangor, Johor, and Penang are the front runners in the manufacturing sector, and Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru are the main cities leading in the construction and services industries. The rural areas and East Malaysia, namely, Sabah and Sarawak are the most notable in terms of agricultural sector.
Could I switch jobs or employers under a Temporary Employment Pass?

Generally, no. The TEP is also bound to a particular employer and job. In case of any desire to switch jobs, you will need to cancel your TEP with your current employer and request a new employer to get you a new one. It is not a sure alternative and a complicated process.
What to do to get a legitimate recruitment agency?

The most effective method is to ensure that an agency is registered by the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources and the immigration department. Do not trust the agencies which require you to pay huge initial fees without any explicit job opportunities and legal obligations. Find agencies whose process is transparent and has a favorable record.
What are the new policy amendments that have an impact on foreign workers in Malaysia?

In October 2025, the Malaysian government will introduce a major change in policy with its Budget 2025, and this will necessitate that all non-Malaysian employees undergo a mandatory contribution to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) by their employers. This gives foreign employees a new dimension of social protection and financial security, which enables them to take home their money when they eventually move out of the nation.

Final thoughts

The process of seeking employment in Malaysia among foreigners is an exciting process, although it must be done with proper planning and extensive knowledge about the legal environment. With the appropriate industries, knowledge of the TEP process, and employment through licensed recruitment firms to find jobs in Malaysia, it is possible to get a legitimate and safe job.