Employment Law in Malaysia

Your Rights, Protections & Obligations Under the Employment Act 1955

At EmploymentLawMalaysia.com, our role as a leading employment law advisors in Kuala Lumpur is to empower both employees and employers with a clear understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities under Malaysian law. Our team of experienced professionals includes some of the most trusted employment lawyers in Malaysia, dedicated to providing actionable and accurate employment law advice in Malaysia.

Central to Malaysia’s employment framework is the Employment Act 1955, which governs minimum employment standards for certain categories of employees. Understanding this Act is essential to ensure fair treatment and compliance in any workplace.

📘 Understanding the Employment Act 1955 – Your Legal Foundation

The Employment Act 1955 applies primarily to:

Employees earning RM2,000/month or less,
Manual labourers (regardless of salary),
Domestic employees, and certain other classes of workers.

The Act sets out minimum standards on issues such as:

Working hours and rest days
Overtime rates
Paid public holidays
Maternity protection
Sick leave
Termination and dismissal procedures
Wages and deductions

If your rights under this Act have been violated, speak to an employee rights lawyer in Malaysia today.

💼 Contract vs. Permanent Employment – Legal Differences That Matter

In Malaysia, employment relationships can be either contractual or permanent. While the Employment Act 1955 applies to both types, contract employees may be subject to terms that override protections—particularly in short-term or project-based work.

A skilled employment contract lawyer in Malaysia can help:

Draft fair contracts that comply with the Act
Review existing agreements for hidden risks
Ensure clarity on termination clauses and benefits

Knowing the difference helps you understand your legal standing during disputes or retrenchment.

⏱️ Probation Period in Malaysia – What the Law Says

While the Employment Act 1955 does not explicitly define probation, case law recognizes it as a period during which an employer assesses an employee’s performance. Probationers still enjoy full protection under the Act, including minimum notice periods and lawful termination procedures.

If you are terminated during probation without just cause, you may have grounds for a claim. Consult with a wrongful termination lawyer in Malaysia or an employee rights lawyer in Malaysia to evaluate your case.

⏳ Working Hours, Overtime, and Rest Days – Your Entitlements

The Employment Act 1955 mandates:

Maximum of 8 hours per day and 48 hours per week
Overtime pay at 1.5x for extra hours, 2x on rest days, and 3x on public holidays
One rest day per week

Many employees are unaware that refusing to pay overtime is a violation. Our employment lawyers in Malaysia can advise you if you’ve been unfairly denied rightful compensation.

🌴 Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Public Holidays

Employees covered under the Act are entitled to:

Annual leave: Between 8 to 16 days, depending on years of service
Sick leave: Between 14 to 22 days per year, with hospitalization up to 60 days
Paid public holidays: At least 11 days per year (5 of which are compulsory)

If your employer refuses leave or deducts salary unlawfully, contact an employee rights lawyer in Malaysia for support.

⚖️ Legal Support for Disputes and Discrimination

Whether you’re facing wrongful dismissal, harassment, or bias, our team of experts is here to help:

Wrongful termination lawyer in Malaysia – For unfair dismissals or forced resignations
Workplace discrimination lawyer in Malaysia – For issues related to race, gender, religion, disability, or pregnancy
Industrial relations lawyer in Malaysia – For union-related disputes, collective bargaining, or Industrial Court claims

As a trusted employment law firm in Kuala Lumpur, we’ve helped countless employees reclaim their dignity and rights under the law.

📍 Looking for Employment Lawyers Near Me?

Whether you're based in Klang Valley, Penang, Johor, or anywhere in between—our legal team is ready to support you. From drafting compliant contracts to fighting for your rights in wrongful dismissal cases, we provide clear and strategic employment law advice in Malaysia.

If you're searching online for employment lawyers near me, know that we are just a call or message away.

📞 Contact Us Today for a Consultation

Let us help you navigate Malaysia’s employment laws with confidence.
WhatsApp: | Email : general@employmentlawmalaysia.com | Visit Us: Kuala Lumpur Office