How to Handle Medical Check (FOMEMA) for Foreign Workers in Malaysia

Every foreign worker entering Malaysia, especially under the TEP/PLKS scheme, must go through a mandatory medical screening.

This process is managed by FOMEMA, which is why it’s commonly referred to as the FOMEMA medical check-up.

We’ll explain everything employers need to know about the FOMEMA medical check: what it is, how to register, how much it costs, and the steps involved.

Keep reading to learn how to handle this process smoothly and avoid unnecessary problems.

What is the FOMEMA Medical Check?

FOMEMA stands for Foreign Workers Medical Examination Monitoring Agency.

It is the body appointed by the Malaysian government to manage the health screening process for foreign workers.

When you bring in workers from overseas under the Temporary Employment Pass (TEP/PLKS), you must arrange for their FOMEMA medical check.

The screening looks for infectious diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, syphilis, and others.

It also involves X-rays, blood tests, and urine tests to make sure the worker is healthy and fit for employment in Malaysia.

The medical check is valid for one year and is repeated at certain milestones, typically in the second, fourth, sixth, eighth, and tenth year of employment.

Who Needs a FOMEMA Medical Check?

Not every foreigner working in Malaysia needs FOMEMA. It specifically applies to workers employed under the TEP/PLKS scheme.

If you are bringing in a foreign worker for the first time through a Calling Visa, you must register them for the medical check soon after arrival.

If the worker stays longer, they must repeat the check during certain renewal periods to confirm they are still fit to work.

Employer's Responsibilities under FOMEMA

As the employer, it is your job to handle the FOMEMA process from start to finish. You need to:

Register your foreign workers for the FOMEMA check.
Choose a FOMEMA-approved clinic or hospital for the medical exam.
Pay the FOMEMA fees (either online or through a bank/post office).
Monitor the medical results and take action if the worker is deemed unfit.

How to Register for FOMEMA Medical Check

There are two ways to register for the FOMEMA medical check: offline or online.

Offline Registration

You must bring the worker’s original passport, copies of the passport, and the Calling Visa (for new workers).

Payment must be made using a bank draft or a postal order. No cash is accepted.

After filling out the registration form at the FOMEMA office, you will be given two copies of the form to bring to the clinic.

Online Registration

If you prefer online, you must first register at the FOMEMA portal.

For individual employers, submit a copy of your ID and worker’s documents.
For companies, submit business registration documents, a letter of authorization, and your representative’s ID. After registration is approved, you can log in, register workers, choose the clinic, and pay online.

It usually takes about two working days for FOMEMA to process the registration.

Medical Examination Process

After your foreign worker is successfully registered through FOMEMA, the next step is the actual medical check-up.

The process is straightforward and usually completed within a few hours on the same day.

So, what can your worker expect during the examination?

Chest X-ray: Checks for signs of tuberculosis or other lung issues.
Blood test: The test screens for infectious diseases like HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis.
Urine test: Assess kidney function and is also used for drug screening.
Physical examination: A doctor will conduct a basic health check, including questions about medical history and a physical assessment.

Most clinics conduct all tests during one visit. It’s best to book an appointment in advance and remind your worker to bring their original passport and the printed FOMEMA form.

Results are typically ready within 5 to 7 working days, and you can check the status anytime through the FOMEMA online portal.

Medical Check Result and Certification

After the FOMEMA medical check is completed, the results are usually available within one week. You can view the status by logging into the FOMEMA portal.

The clinic or hospital will submit the results directly to FOMEMA’s system, and you’ll be notified once they are processed.

There are two possible outcomes:

Fit: The worker is medically cleared to continue or start employment in Malaysia. You can proceed with permit renewals or job placement as planned.
Unfit: The worker has a medical condition that disqualifies them from working in Malaysia. If this happens, you must act quickly. According to immigration rules, you cannot let a worker continue employment after they have been declared unfit. The next step is to arrange for the worker’s repatriation back to their home country.

Validity and Renewal of FOMEMA Check

The FOMEMA medical check is valid for one year.

For workers staying longer, you must schedule renewal screenings every second year of employment (year 2, 4, 6, and so on).

Ideally, this screening should happen three months before the work permit expires, so there is enough time to arrange the worker’s permit renewal or other necessary steps.

FOMEMA Fees and Payment Method

The FOMEMA medical check is not free, and employers must cover the cost:

Female worker: RM201.40
Male worker: RM191.40

Payment options include:

FPX online banking (for online registration)
Bank draft
Postal order

Cash payments are not accepted by FOMEMA offices.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

If you skip or delay the FOMEMA medical check, the consequences can be serious.

You have a legal obligation under the Immigration Act and the Ministry of Health regulations to register your foreign workers for a medical screening.

If you fail to comply:

The worker’s permit renewal can be denied. Without a valid FOMEMA result, you cannot proceed with the renewal of the Temporary Employment Visit Pass (PLKS).
You may face legal fines. Employers who fail to screen their workers through FOMEMA may be fined by the Ministry of Health or face penalties from the Immigration Department. While the exact fine amount can vary, it typically starts from a few thousand ringgit, depending on the severity and number of workers involved.
Your foreign worker hiring quota can be suspended or revoked. This affects your ability to recruit or retain foreign labour in the future.
You may be blacklisted. In serious or repeated cases, your business may be flagged and barred from future hiring approvals.

To avoid all this, always follow the FOMEMA requirements on time.

Set reminders well in advance of each worker’s check-up deadline and keep track of their screening status.

Taking the time to do it right will save you legal stress and protect your hiring credibility.

Tips for Employers

Handling FOMEMA can seem overwhelming at first, but with a few good habits, it becomes manageable:

Keep a master list of when each worker’s FOMEMA check is due.
Register workers early to avoid last-minute panic.
Always select clinics that offer X-ray services to avoid sending the worker to multiple places.
Keep copies of every FOMEMA document for your company’s records.

These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your hiring process smooth and compliant.

FAQ

Is FOMEMA mandatory for all foreign workers?

Yes, it is required for all workers under the PLKS/TEP system.

What is the deadline after arrival for the medical check?

Usually within 30 days after the worker’s arrival.

Can I choose any clinic for the screening?

No. You must pick a panel clinic approved by FOMEMA.

What if my worker fails the FOMEMA test?

The worker cannot continue working and must return to their home country.

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