In late 2023, Malaysia’s economy sailed past expectations, bringing it in line with the government’s target of 4%, based on domestic demands. GDP expanded by 3.3% from the year prior––and a significant amount of this growth is the result of the country’s robust food and beverage industry.
This article explores the state of the Malaysian hiring market within the food and beverage industry. Here, you will learn how to go about hiring staff, how much chefs and waitstaff earn, and the top job websites for sourcing the best talent in the country.
How to Hire Restaurant Staff in Malaysia?
The laws for hiring restaurant workers in Malaysia are governed by several key regulations, all of which are aimed at ensuring fair employment practices and protecting the rights of both employees and employers. The Employment Act 1955 features many of the country’s laws regarding standards and practices when it comes to hiring; despite being assembled over 60 years ago, it still includes relevant information that all businesses must follow, like setting the minimum standards for working conditions, including hours of work, rest days, overtime rates, and annual leave entitlements.
According to the Employment Act of 1955, employers must provide written employment contracts to all employees within two months of their start date. Employers are also required to register their employees with the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) to ensure comprehensive social security coverage.
Regulations on foreign workers also play a crucial role in the industry. Restaurants must obtain work permits through relevant authorities such as the Immigration Department and comply with guidelines set by the Ministry of Human Resources for hiring foreign talent. By sticking to these hiring laws and regulations, restaurants in Malaysia can foster a harmonious workplace environment while safeguarding the interests of both workers and employers alike. While some employers consider the registrations and paperwork to be overwhelming, it protects both businesses and their employees in the long run.
What are the Best Restaurant Job Sites in Malaysia?
When it comes to hiring qualified hospitality workers in Malaysia or any workers, for that matter GrabJobs is the best option. This cost-effective job board and recruitment solution is ideal for employers looking to fill vacancies in bars, restaurants, and other venues thanks to its many features, including auto-sourcing and candidate screening. Plus, with over 5,000 companies using GrabJobs for their staffing solutions, its wide reach means plenty of eyes are on your job postings at any given time. As for candidates, auto-generated profiles mean that users can start applying for new jobs in seconds, making it ideal for businesses looking to hire quickly and easily.
2. Mitula
Another helpful source for Malaysians, Mitula is designed to cater to the needs of individuals seeking information about real estate, vehicles, and, most importantly, jobs. The site is incredibly easy to navigate, serving as a centralized hub for users to search and compare listings from multiple sources. With an intuitive interface and advanced search capabilities, job seekers can easily filter results based on their preferences and requirements, while employers can quickly and easily create job posts.
3. Mudah
Mudah is a comprehensive and user-friendly online platform that connects job seekers with potential employers in Malaysia. With its extensive database of job listings across various industries, Mudah offers individuals the opportunity to find suitable hospitality job opportunities that match their skills and qualifications. It also provides useful tools and resources to help job seekers in their career development, including resume-writing tips and interview advice. The website also allows employers to post job vacancies and streamline their hiring process by gaining access to a wide pool of qualified candidates.
4. Craigslist (Malaysia)
A popular website in many different countries around the world, Craigslist is a one-for-all stop for classified jobs, plus real estate, romance, and general retail sales. In Malaysia, qualified candidates can search the site’s platform for jobs in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Job profiles are typically simple, layouts are clean, and postings are free. It remains one of the most effective sites for quick job searches in the country.
5. Ricebowl (Malaysia)
Ricebowl is a useful resourcing platform that offers a streamlined approach to job hunting in Malaysia. With its extensive database of job listings, Ricebowl provides job seekers with a one-stop solution for finding employment opportunities across various industries and career levels. The website incorporates advanced search filters, allowing users to refine their searches based on specific criteria such as location, salary range, and desired position. It also offers additional features like resume-building tools and interview tips.
6. Trovit
An immensely influential and popular site in Malaysia, Trovit is a classifieds search engine that allows users to search through job postings from different sources from across various industries. With a clean and user-friendly interface, Trovit offers a convenient platform for job seekers and employers looking to make quick matches for restaurant and bar work. Users can also save searches and set up alerts for newly listed jobs from companies they like, and even share their findings with friends via social media channels.
7. TipTopJob
Tiptopjob is a highly regarded website in Malaysia that effectively serves as a centralized hub for job seekers and employers. The platform offers an extensive range of job opportunities across various industries and locations worldwide, catering to individuals seeking both local and international employment (perfect for foreign workers hoping to find work in Malaysia). Tiptopjob also provides resources such as CV reviews, career advice articles, and interview tips to help candidates secure their dream job.
8. Jobstore
Jobstore has been called the #1 employment site in Malaysia and it’s easy to see why. With its user-friendly platform that seamlessly connects job seekers with employers, it also offers a host of additional features and tools specifically designed to help candidates find their dream job. Best of all, Jobstore provides detailed company profiles and reviews, enabling potential employees to gain insights into the culture and working environment before applying for a position.
9. Foundit
Formerly Monster.com, Foundit is a major job site popular with audiences in many different Asian markets––mainly because the listings are easy to look up and, for employers, posting about your vacancy is typically free (depending on the volume of posts you place). Foundit is not only a great tool for sourcing skilled laborers and restaurant workers, but also for students and recent grads who are looking for a place to start in the hospitality trade.
10. Indeed (Malaysia)
Indeed is a useful platform for employers and job seekers alike. The simple user interface means that candidates can access job postings and respond with their CVs directly. And, given the site’s global popularity, it has one of the largest databases of clients available for restaurant owners who need to find qualified staff members, and fast.
11. Jobrapido
Jobrapido is a leading job search engine website that provides Malaysians with an efficient and comprehensive platform for finding job opportunities across various markets and locations, especially in the food and beverage industry. It not only enables users to search for jobs but also provides useful features such as email alerts and saved searches, making it convenient for job seekers to stay updated and simple for employers.
12. Recruit
For those job posters and job seekers in Malaysia who need a little extra help, Recruit is a great platform. Hundreds of jobs are added to the platform each week, while job seekers can add a simple resume to the platform and have employers contact them directly. For more advanced roles, the site is also helpful for connecting matches and facilitating screening and interviews.
13. Jora
Jora is a very popular search engine in Malaysia. In fact, it serves as a go-to source for job opportunities in many of the country’s major urban areas, making it ideal for employers looking to hire qualified candidates fast. Additional resourcing can be found on Jora’s blog for job seekers looking to brush up on skills and CV writing; employers can also put together a simple posting that will find its way through many additional databases.
14. LinkedIn (Malaysia)
While LinkedIn, the globally recognized employment-based social platform is primarily known for linking executive and specialized industry players with one another, it is still a valuable search option for those looking for work in the food and beverage industry especially at the management or director level. Because it is such a useful and widely used site, business owners can typically advertise job positions within their feed, or create simple and effective job posts for a minimal fee.
15. JobStreet
JobStreet is a highly reputable and widely used job search portal in Malaysia. It serves as a comprehensive platform connecting employers and job seekers thanks to its sleek interface and easy navigation. The website allows users to effortlessly comb through various job postings and respond with a CV to the ones that suit them best.
What is the Average Salary for Chefs in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, being a chef is not only a fantastic occupation preparers of food are especially valuable because they, mostly, are responsible for feeding societies and using traditional Malay cooking methods and ingredients in the process. It is a noble and rewarding career for many reasons outside of money.
That being said, the average salary for chefs in Malaysia typically ranges between RM2,500 and RM10,000 per month. Entry-level chefs or those with limited experience may earn around RM2,500 to RM4,000 per month, while more experienced chefs who have worked in renowned establishments could make upwards of RM5,000 to RM10,000 per month. However, it is important to note that these figures are just averages and individual salaries could be higher or lower based on individual circumstances, like experience, qualifications, and location. Additionally, chefs working in high-end restaurants or hotels in major cities like Kuala Lumpur might expect higher salaries compared to those working in smaller towns or rural areas. Factors such as culinary expertise and a strong portfolio can also contribute to higher earning potential within the profession.
What is the Average Hourly Rate for Waiters and Waitresses in Malaysia?
While waiters and waitresses bring a different skill set and expertise level to the table, it is important to remember that they are just as vital to a restaurant or bar business’s success as the higher-paid chefs and cooks. As for how much they typically earn in Malaysia: these figures can vary depending on factors such as location and level of experience. Generally speaking, the average hourly wage for restaurant workers in Malaysia ranges between RM10 to RM15 (which is approximately $2.50 to $3.75US). However, it’s crucial to highlight that some establishments may pay higher wages, particularly popular and high-end restaurants in major cities like Kuala Lumpur.
It is also worth mentioning that Malaysia’s hospitality industry (like just about any hospitality industry around the world) is known for its fast-paced environment and staff can be expected to work long hours (within legal limits), so while the hourly wage might be moderate, the dedication and hard work put into this line of work are commendable.
TOP 15: The Best Job Sites in Malaysia for Hiring Restaurant Staff
There you have it! A comprehensive and detailed look at the hiring process within Malaysia’s food and beverage industry. This includes insights into how to hire restaurant staff in Malaysia, both local and foreign, understanding their expected salaries for various front and back-of-house positions, and the 15 best job sites for sourcing qualified talent. With this information, restaurant owners in Malaysia should have a much better understanding of where to start and how best to run their businesses efficiently. For all your hiring needs, Malaysian restaurant owners: don’t forget to check out GrabJobs.
There you have it! Fifteen popular job boards and employment portals in Malaysia. Now that you’ve got the best options available at your disposal, you should have a much easier time sourcing talent for your business. Happy hiring!
