Hiring in Kedah: the local picture
Kedah, capital Alor Setar, is Malaysia’s main rice-growing state and takes in the island of Langkawi. The Department of Statistics (DOSM) records a population of about 2.2 million for Kedah.
Which process applies here
For Kedah: Peninsular Malaysia uses the federal route: the Immigration Department issues the permit and the Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia (JTKSM) licenses the agencies. The Employment Act 1955 applies here.
Kedah is on the federal route, so hiring matches the rest of Peninsular Malaysia — whether you pick a local or a Klang Valley agency, check its licence on the JTKSM register.
Costs and checks that apply here
In Kedah the statutory costs are the ones set nationally: the permit and visa fees — which Immigration's own guidance bundles with the annual foreign-worker levy at approval and at each PLKS extension — the FOMEMA medical and PERKESO cover. Use the first-year cost guide for the current figures rather than an agency estimate.
There is no official cap on the service fee an agency charges a household in Kedah, so compare written, itemised quotes and verify the licence on the JTKSM register before paying — a licence confirms legitimacy, not price.
What to do next
Write a short household brief for Kedah — who needs support, the main duties, timing and budget — then use it in every agency conversation.
Ask any agency serving Kedah for its legal name and licence number, and verify both before paying anything.