Last Updated on January 1, 2025
The security guard salary in Malaysia is set to increase as the government raises the basic salary for all employees, effective February 2025.
While the government has allowed small companies to delay implementing the new minimum wage until August 2025, security companies will not qualify for this exemption due to their larger size and higher number of employees.
Malaysia is a leading industrial nation in East Asia. While the economy has traditionally relied heavily on rubber production, the country has evolved significantly.
Today, it hosts numerous international companies that operate manufacturing and assembly facilities, solidifying its status as an industrial powerhouse.
Malaysia is home to a variety of international companies, including those in high-tech industries, manufacturing, aviation, and logistics. Most of these businesses are concentrated in industrial zones spread across different regions of the country.
As the industrial sector has grown, the government has implemented stricter regulations, requiring security firms to comply with the Private Agencies Act of 1971. Any organization intending to offer security-related services must first secure approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA).
Malaysia employs millions of migrant workers from Asia, Africa, and other East Asian countries across various sectors, including manufacturing, construction, rubber plantations, and hospitality.
However, the Malaysian government permits only Nepalese and Malaysian citizens to work in the security sector.
What is the security guard salary in Malaysia?
The salary of a security guard in Malaysia has been influenced by the country’s labor law because there is no specific salary for private security guards. If the country’s minimum wage increases the security guard’s salary is also impacted
Before we go into the security guard wage in Malaysia, I believe there are a few vital points to consider.
- Security guards typically work in shifts, either during the day or at night, with each shift lasting 12 hours.
- Security guards routinely work 4 hours of overtime daily.
- The labor law also mandates that employers provide one rest day per week. However, in practice, security guards may be required to work seven consecutive days without a break.
- Under the law, overtime on regular working days should be compensated at 50% above the regular hourly rate, while work performed on a rest day must be paid at double the normal rate.
- Additionally, if an employee is required to work on a public holiday, the company is obligated to pay triple the standard wage.
Salary breakdown;
Basic Salary
- Monthly Salary for 8 Hours: RM 1,700
- Hourly Wage: RM 1,700 ÷ (26 days × 8 hours) = RM 8.17
- Overtime Rate (50% Extra): RM 8.17 × 1.5 = RM 12.25
Overtime Pay Calculation
For 26 working days, assuming 4 rest days:
- Daily Overtime Pay: 4 hours × RM 12.25 = RM 49.00
- Monthly Overtime (26 days): 26 days × RM 49.00 = RM 1,274
Monthly Salary (Basic + Overtime):
RM 1,700 + RM 1,274 = RM 2,974
Rest Day Overtime Rate
- Hourly Overtime Rate for Rest Day (Double Pay): RM 8.17 × 2 = RM 16.34
- Daily Wage: RM 1,700 ÷ 26 = RM 65.38
- One Rest Day Salary (12 Hours): RM 65.38 + (4 hours × RM 16.34) = RM 130.74
Full Monthly Salary with Rest Day Overtime (30 Days):
- RM 2,974 + (4 rest days × RM 130.74) = RM 3,496.96
Alternative Rest Day Payment (Full-Day Pay):
If the company pays a full day’s salary for rest days instead of overtime:
- Monthly Salary (30 Days): RM 2,974 + (4 rest days × RM 65.38) = RM 3,235.25
Conclusion:
The above calculations reflect the salary of a security guard in Malaysia based on compliance with Malaysian labor laws. However, the company’s compensation for rest days directly determines the full salary.
Guards earning according to labor laws can expect RM 3,496.96 for 30 days, while those receiving only full-day pay for rest days may earn RM 3,235.25.
