We hired one early this year as we had a 3rd baby otw, and already have a 4yo and 2yo at that time.

Agency fee is going to range from around RM10k-15k

Salary minimum now is about RM1800, their contract bases the minimum wage in USD and not MYR. So if currency exchange is bad, the minimum wage goes up too.

Filipino in general have better English, but depending on where they are from; a lot of "common sense" things to us, is not to them. So have to be clear and detailed with the house rules. This is especially important for things like hygiene and safety.

So far ours is great with the kids, but when it comes to work task and organization always make small mistakes here and there. Quite annoying, but after a few discussions got improvement. Always expect the first 6 months or so to be high friction.

My biggest advice to you is choose the right agency, and I hope you're good at interviewing people. A lot of the candidates we interviewed were obviously lying or answering from a "script" of what the right answer should be. Automatically reject those candidates.

As for agency, we went with PinkCollar. They are quite different in the sense that they don't provide "warranty" and that to me was a plus. Warranty in the maid industry is a bloody scam. By not giving warranty and instead they are committed to solving issues you have with your DH shows they are willing to be responsible and accountable.

You know what most of the warranty agencies do? they just cycle the maids.

So you just replace one f`ked up maid with another.