Many foreign workers hear the word "FOMEMA" but are not sure what it means. In short, it is the compulsory medical screening for foreign workers in Malaysia. This article gathers basic facts from news reports and official systems. It is not medical advice; for health questions, see a doctor.
Information rechecked 30 Oct 2026. We could not open fomema.com.my during our check (certificate error), so the facts below come from Bernama, NST, The Star and the FWCMS help portal. Please confirm on the official site.
What is FOMEMA?
According to The Star (5 Sep 2026), Fomema is a private company appointed by the Health Ministry to run the foreign worker medical examination system.
Employers use the Fomema portal to register workers, buy examination forms and insurance, check results, and track appeals. From September 2026, employers must also review and confirm each worker's accommodation address when registering. If the address is wrong, it must be updated first.
What this means for you: make sure your employer has your current room address.
Who must do it, and when?
- Foreign workers employed in Malaysia. Malaysian citizens, including Sabahans and Sarawakians, are not foreign workers, so this category does not apply to them.
- New arrivals: the employer must register within seven working days of arrival (NST, 28 Dec 2023).
- Permit renewal: registration must be completed three months before the work permit expires (NST, same article).
- Every year: FMT (19 May 2025) reports that Fomema has required annual screening since December 2023, instead of every two years. Check the current schedule with your employer.
Screening before departure in the home country goes through a separate channel. We could not verify the details, so ask your agent or employer.
What is tested?
Per Bernama, the original tests covered HIV, Hepatitis B, syphilis, pregnancy, and drug tests (opiates and cannabis). Filariasis, Hepatitis C and methamphetamine were added later. We do not list other tests because we could not confirm them from sources we opened.
Bernama also reports that employer groups say Fomema does not give copies of test reports to workers or employers. That is the groups' claim, not a Fomema statement.
Who pays?
Bernama (19 Jan 2024) reports that employers bear the cost. Rates reported by NST (28 Dec 2023) were RM207 (male), RM217 (female) and RM27 for refund or cancellation, effective 16 December 2023. The same RM207 and RM217 (up from RM190 and RM207) were also reported by FMT (19 May 2025), so they appear still in force as of that report. But we found no official 2026 fee schedule (the official site would not open), so confirm the current rate at fomema.com.my. If your employer asks you to pay, ask why and request a receipt.
What does "Unfit" mean?
Per the FWCMS help portal, if a worker's result is "Unfit", the employer can ask Fomema for a review. Permit renewal cannot be processed until Fomema gives a "Fit" status.
We found no official source we could verify on what happens after a failed appeal. Ask your employer or the Immigration Department. If you need help, see legal help for foreign workers.
Checking results and clinics
Results and registered clinics are checked through fomema.com.my. The portal supports result checks by employers (The Star). Workers usually ask their employer or HR. Use only clinics listed on the official site.
What to bring: we could not confirm an official document list. Ask your employer or the clinic; usually the passport and any registration slip the employer gives you.
What to do & who to call
| Situation | Action | |---|---| | Not sure when your turn is | Ask your employer or HR; the employer does the registration | | Want to check a registered clinic | Use the official site fomema.com.my | | Your address changed | Tell your employer so it is updated before registration | | "Unfit" result | Employer can request a review; ask for a written explanation | | Employer asks you to pay the fee | Ask why, get a receipt; contact JTK if unhappy |
Common mistakes
- Waiting until the permit is almost expired. Registration must be done three months earlier.
- Going to a clinic not on the list. Check the official site first.
- Not updating your address after moving rooms.
- Believing an "agent" who promises a pass for a fee. Do not pay anyone to "make sure you pass".
Related: foreign worker guide to renting a room in Senai, payslip deductions for foreign workers and when a foreign worker falls sick in Johor.
Looking for a room in Senai?
If you are looking for a worker room near your factory in Senai, see our current rooms and pricing or WhatsApp +60 12-708 8789 (https://wa.me/60127088789) to check availability.
FAQ
What is FOMEMA? A private company appointed by the Health Ministry to run the foreign worker medical examination system (The Star, 5 Sep 2026).
Who pays the fee? Bernama (Jan 2024) reports employers bear the cost. Rates reported: RM207 male and RM217 female since December 2023; check current rates on the official site.
When must new workers be registered? Within seven working days of arrival, per NST.
What happens if the result is "Unfit"? The employer can request a review, and permit renewal cannot proceed until the status is "Fit" (FWCMS).
How often is FOMEMA screening done? Every year, per FMT (May 2025) on the December 2023 policy change. Confirm your schedule with your employer.
How much is the FOMEMA fee? Reported as RM207 (male) and RM217 (female), paid by the employer. We found no official 2026 schedule, so check fomema.com.my.
Can workers or employers see the test report? Business groups claim (FMT, May 2025) that neither employers nor workers can access the screening reports. That is their claim, not a Fomema statement; ask your employer or the clinic.
Do Sabahans and Sarawakians need FOMEMA? It is for foreign workers. Malaysian citizens are not foreign workers.
Sumber / Sources
- The Star, Foreign worker registration to get new address check (5 Sep 2026)
- Bernama, FOMEMA fees and frequency (19 Jan 2024)
- NST, Tighter medical requirements for foreign workers (28 Dec 2023)
- FWCMS Help, health examination result Unfit
- Official FOMEMA site (could not be opened during our check; refer to it for current information)
- FMT, Business group hits out at Fomema policy changes hurting SMEs (19 May 2025)
Looking for a room in Senai? See the rooms at House 114, Taman Senai Baru, check rent, deposit & house rules, or go straight to today's vacant rooms.
