Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there any international banks in Perak?
A: International Banks that have branches in Perak are HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank, ABN Amro, OCBC and UOB.
Q: Can we find international audit firms in Perak?
A: Deloitte Kassim Chan, Ernst and Young and Price Waterhouse all have branches in Perak.
Q: Are we allowed to employ expatriate personnel?
A: Foreign companies are allowed to bring in required personnel in areas where there is a shortage of trained Malaysians to do the job. Foreign companies are also allowed a number of guaranteed ‘key posts’ to be permanently filled by foreigners depending on their level of investmnet.
Q: How do we apply for expatriate posts?
A: Application for expatriate posts in the manufacturing sector can be submitted to the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). For other sectors, applications should be submited directly to the Immigration headquarters in Kuala Lumpur. A guidebook on Expatriate Employment procedures is available from MICCI.
Q: What is the situation regarding Free Zones (FZ) in Perak?
Free Zones have been established for manufacturing establishments producing or assembling products essentially for export. Currently Perak has 2 FZs, at Jelapang and Kinta I & II.
Q: Is there any minimum wage law?
A: There is no national minimum wage law applicable to the manufacturing sector in Malaysia. Basic wage rates vary from location to location and within different industrial sectors.
Q: Are non-residents allowed to purchase residential properties?
A: Non-residents are allowed to own all types of residential and commercial properties, either old or new projects costing more than RM250,000 each. Under the “Malaysia My Second Home" programme (MM2H), non-residents are allowed to buy residential properties worth RM150,000 and above in specially designated areas.
Q: How do non-residents manage their bank accounts?
A: Non-residents may maintain external accounts with any licensed commercial bank, merchant bank or finance company in Malaysia. Any transfer of funds between external accounts of different account holders would require prior approval.
