About this course
In a time where workplace dynamics are constantly shifting, the Malaysian Labour Law continues to stand firm.
The Employment Act isn’t just a relic of the past—it’s a vital tool for today’s employer and employees. As businesses adapt to new norms and expectations, this Act remains central to ensuring fairness, clarity, and confidence in every workplace interaction.
he Employment Act is Malaysia’s key labour law—defining the rules of engagement between employers and employees. From wages and working hours to leave, termination, and workplace behaviour, it sets the legal foundation for how work should be conducted fairly and responsibly, and similarly to the Industrial Relation Act 1967, aim to protect the rights and interests of employees.
Why it matters today:
In a world where workplace expectations are changing fast, this Industrial Relation Act remains a powerful guide. It protects employees, empowers employers, and promotes trust and transparency at every level of the organisation.
Whether you’re leading a team or just starting your career, understanding this Employment Act helps you navigate the workplace with confidence and clarity.
This course covers four essential modules, beginning with an introduction to the Employment Act 1955, its history, purpose and relationship with other labour laws. Participants will learn who is covered under the Act, how wages and wage deductions are treated, and the requirements relating to working hours, shift work, rest days and overtime. The day also covers annual leave, sick leave, hospitalisation leave, public holidays and other employee leave arrangements. Participants will then explore maternity leave and allowances, protection for pregnant employees and paternity leave entitlements. Day 2 introduces four additional modules focusing on workplace sexual harassment, employment termination, retrenchment and employer compliance. Participants will learn about sexual harassment inquiries, termination of contracts of service, termination and lay-off benefits, the Code of Conduct for Industrial Harmony 1975, flexible working arrangements, foreign workers and the differences between contracts for service and contracts of service. The final module covers employment regulations, non-compliance, grievance handling, dispute resolution and the role of labour courts.
Sessions run 9am–5pm, in Simple English and Malay.
Related links:
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/en/borang/employment-act-1955
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-11/Akta%20Kerja%201955%20%28Akta%20265%29.pdf
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/soalan-lazim/akta-kerja-1955-pindaan-2022
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/ms/soalan-lazim/akta-kerja-1955-pindaan-2022/umum/apakah-intipati-utama-pindaan-akta-kerja-1955
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/en/services/employees-retrenchment
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/en/frequently-asked-questions/employees-retrenchment
https://jtksm.mohr.gov.my/sites/default/files/2023-03/8.%20EMPLOYMENT%20%28TERMINATION%20%26%20LAY%20OFF%20BENEFITS%29%20REGULATIONS%201980.pdf
https://jpp.mohr.gov.my/en/coc-pengenalan/
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the history, purpose, scope and key provisions of the Employment Act 1955 and their relevance to Malaysian workplaces.
- Identify employee coverage under the Act and understand requirements relating to wages, wage payments, deductions, working hours, shift work, rest days and overtime.
- Understand statutory leave entitlements, including annual leave, sick leave, hospitalisation leave, public holidays, maternity leave and paternity leave.
- Recognise workplace sexual harassment issues and understand the importance of awareness, employer responsibilities and appropriate inquiry procedures.
- Understand the legal considerations involved in terminating employment contracts, managing retrenchment and determining termination or lay-off benefits.
- Explain flexible working arrangements, employment considerations involving foreign workers and the differences between contracts for service and contracts of service.
- Understand employer obligations under employment regulations and recognise the potential consequences of non-compliance.
- Apply Employment Act principles to practical HR situations, support management decisions and understand grievance handling, dispute resolution and the role of labour courts.