How Much Does a Recruitment Agency Charge in Malaysia?
Recruitment is a critical function for any business, and partnering with a recruitment agency in Malaysia can significantly streamline the hiring process. Whether you’re a startup seeking your first hires or a multinational expanding your operations, recruitment agencies offer efficiency, industry knowledge, and access to top talent.
However, one of the most common questions companies ask is: “How much does a recruitment agency charge in Malaysia?”
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of recruitment agency fees in Malaysia, the value you get in return, and how to choose the best recruitment service in Bangsar South or anywhere else in the country. We’ll also show you how Eternity Recruitment can be your go-to solution when you’re thinking, “Who can do the hiring for me?”
Understanding Recruitment Agency Fees
Recruitment agencies typically charge based on the type of service they provide. In Malaysia, the fee structures are generally divided into the following:
1. Requirement-Based Recruitment
This is the most common model used by companies hiring for junior to mid-level roles. The agency is only paid if a candidate is successfully placed.
Typical fee:
15% to 25% of the candidate’s gross annual salary.
Example:
If you hire a candidate at RM60,000 per year and the agency charges a 20% fee, you’ll pay RM12,000.
2. Retained Search
This model is used for executive or highly specialized roles. A portion of the fee is paid upfront to initiate the search, and the rest is paid upon placement.
Typical fee:
25% to 35% of the candidate’s gross annual salary, sometimes split into three phases: initiation, shortlist, and hire.
Why choose this?
Retained searches are ideal for critical roles where urgency and quality are non-negotiable. The agency commits dedicated resources to find the right match.
3. Contract Staffing or Temp Hiring
For short-term roles or project-based work, agencies offer contract staffing services. You pay a monthly rate which includes the candidate’s salary, statutory contributions, and the agency’s markup.
Typical markup:
10% to 25% over the gross salary.
Benefits:
This model is flexible, especially if you need manpower for 3-6 months without long-term commitment.
What’s Included in the Fee?
When you pay a recruitment agency in Malaysia, you’re not just paying for resumes. Here’s what’s typically included:
Job profiling & market insights
Candidate sourcing & screening
Skills and background assessments
Interview scheduling & negotiation
Offer management & onboarding support
Guarantee period – most agencies offer 1 to 3 months of free replacement if the candidate leaves early
These services save your internal HR team hours (and sometimes weeks) of work, especially when you need to hire urgently or scale fast.
Factors That Affect Recruitment Fees in Malaysia
Several factors can influence how much a recruitment agency may charge:
Role seniority and complexity – Executive roles demand more time and a different sourcing strategy.
Industry – IT, engineering, and finance roles often have higher charges due to talent scarcity.
Location – Companies looking for the best recruitment service in Bangsar South, for instance, might expect slightly premium pricing due to the area’s commercial value and demand.
Volume of hires – If you’re hiring in bulk, agencies may offer discounted rates.
Urgency – Expedited searches often require additional effort, reflected in slightly higher fees.
Why Businesses Use Recruitment Agencies
If you’ve ever thought, “I need someone to do the hiring for me,” you’re not alone. Businesses in Malaysia increasingly turn to recruitment agencies for the following reasons:
Speed – Agencies have talent pools ready for deployment.
Expertise – Recruiters specialize in understanding candidate profiles that fit both skill and culture.
Cost-efficiency – Reducing a bad hire can save you thousands. Agencies help you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
Focus – Outsourcing hiring allows your team to focus on core business operations.
What to Look for in a Recruitment Agency in Malaysia
Not all recruitment services are created equal. Here’s how to choose the right agency:
1. Industry Experience
Does the agency specialize in your sector (tech, manufacturing, hospitality, etc.)?
2. Location-Specific Knowledge
If you’re based in Kuala Lumpur or looking for the best recruitment service in Bangsar South, make sure the agency understands the local talent landscape.
3. Guarantee Period
Ensure there’s a solid replacement policy in place.
4. Transparency
The agency should be upfront about its fees, processes, and timelines.
5. Track Record
Ask for client testimonials, case studies, or success rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it worth paying a recruitment agency?
Yes—especially if you’re hiring for specialized roles or need to fill positions quickly. The time saved and quality of hire usually outweigh the cost.
Can I negotiate recruitment fees?
In some cases, yes—especially for bulk hiring or ongoing partnerships.
What if the candidate leaves after a few weeks?
Most agencies offer a replacement guarantee within a specific period (e.g., 60 to 90 days).
Can agencies help with hiring expats or foreign workers?
Absolutely. Many recruitment agencies in Malaysia assist with foreign worker placements and work permit processes.
Why Eternity Recruitment Is Your Best Hiring Partner
At Eternity Recruitment, we understand that finding the right talent goes beyond ticking boxes. We offer tailored recruitment solutions to help your company grow with the right people—whether you’re an SME, a startup, or a large enterprise.
Here’s what makes us different:
✅ Specialized consultants with deep industry experience
✅ Fast turnaround with a quality-first approach
✅ Competitive fees with transparent pricing
✅ Extensive talent pool of pre-screened candidates
✅ Focused service in strategic areas like Bangsar South, Cyberjaya, and Kuala Lumpur
So, the next time you’re wondering, “Who can handle the hiring for me?”, just remember—Eternity Recruitment is your answer.
Let’s Find Your Next Great Hire
Hiring shouldn’t be stressful. Let us take the pressure off and bring you top-tier candidates without the hassle.
📩 Get in touch today for a free consultation.
Visit www.eternityrecruitment.com or call us at +60 16-374 8213 or click WhatsApp to get started.
Whether you need to fill one role or build an entire team, Eternity Recruitment is here to deliver the best recruitment service in Bangsar South and beyond.