What Are My Rights If I Am Fired in Malaysia? A Legal Guide for Employees
- Employment Law Malaysia
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
BY EMPLOYMENT LAW MALAYSIA

What Are My Rights If I Am Fired in Malaysia? A Legal Guide for Employees
Understanding Termination of Employment Under Employment Law Malaysia
Losing your job can be a distressing experience. However, employees in Malaysia are protected under various provisions of the Malaysian Employment Act and labour law Malaysia. If you’ve been terminated, it’s important to know your legal rights and whether the dismissal was lawful or constitutes a case of wrongful dismissal Malaysia or unfair dismissal Malaysia.
Was My Dismissal Lawful or Unfair?
According to employment law Malaysia, employers can only terminate employees for just cause and excuse, including misconduct, poor performance, redundancy, or breach of contract. Any termination done without proper reasoning or procedure can lead to a legal challenge under unfair dismissal Malaysia claims.
If you were terminated without:
A valid reason
Due inquiry (Domestic Inquiry)
Proper notice or pay in lieu
…you may have grounds to claim wrongful dismissal Malaysia.
Notice Periods and Compensation
Under the Malaysian Employment Act, employees are entitled to notice before termination:
Less than 2 years: 4 weeks
2 to 5 years: 6 weeks
More than 5 years: 8 weeks
Employees not covered by the Act should refer to their employment contract Malaysia for notice periods. If no notice is given, the employer must provide payment in lieu.
What Are My Legal Options?
If you believe your dismissal was unjust, you may file a complaint with:
The Industrial Relations Department under industrial relations Malaysia
The Labour Department (for those earning ≤ RM2,000 or performing manual labor)
You have 60 days from the date of dismissal to initiate action.
Employee Rights in Malaysia
Your employee rights include:
Fair treatment and due process
Protection against discrimination at work Malaysia
Safeguards from workplace harassment Malaysia
Statutory entitlements such as maternity leave Malaysia, sick leave Malaysia, and overtime pay Malaysia
Role of an Employment Lawyer in Malaysia
Navigating termination disputes can be complex. Consulting an employment lawyer Malaysia or reaching out to an employment law firm in Kuala Lumpur can help clarify your rights and increase your chances of a successful claim. If you're unsure how to proceed, searching for an employment lawyer near me in Malaysia can guide you to reliable representation.
Common Questions Employees Ask:
What is the Malaysian Employment Act?
Can I be fired without notice in Malaysia?
Am I entitled to compensation if I am dismissed unfairly?
These questions highlight the importance of understanding your protections under employment law Malaysia.
Conclusion: Know Your Rights, Protect Your Future
Getting fired doesn’t mean you’re without recourse. If your termination wasn’t handled properly, legal remedies are available. Understanding termination of employment Malaysia and seeking legal advice ensures that your employment rights Malaysia are protected. Don’t hesitate to act—your career and future may depend on it.
For more help, connect with Employment Law Malaysia—your trusted resource for legal clarity and justice.
📍 Find the Right Help – Employment Lawyers Near Me
Looking for employment lawyers near me? Whether you are an employer, HR professional, or employee, our team offers comprehensive employment law advice in Malaysia. From contract review to dispute resolution, our employment law firm in Kuala Lumpur provides the legal protection you need.
Click Here To Contact Us or WhatsApp Us (+6011-1630-0091)
At www.employmentlawmalaysia.com, we are your dedicated employment law firm in Kuala Lumpur, offering expert employment law advice in Malaysia for both employers and employees. Our experienced team includes top-rated employment lawyers in Malaysia, including specialists in wrongful termination, employment contracts, workplace discrimination, and employee rights.
Whether you're looking for an employment contract lawyer in Malaysia, a wrongful termination lawyer in Malaysia, or a workplace discrimination lawyer in Malaysia, our firm is here to help. We are passionate about upholding labour law in Malaysia, protecting clients through every stage of employment—from probation periods, resignation, and termination, to retrenchment laws in Malaysia and industrial court proceedings.
Explore our expertise on:✔ Understanding the Employment Act 1955 – Your guide to employee protections and key legal provisions.✔ Contract vs. Permanent Employment in Malaysia – Understand your rights and obligations.✔ Probation Period in Malaysia – Know the rules on performance reviews and terminations.✔ Working Hours, Overtime, and Rest Days – Ensure compliance with Malaysian employment law.✔ Annual Leave, Medical Leave & Public Holidays – Discover your full legal entitlements.✔ Wrongful and Unfair Dismissal, Constructive Dismissal, and Dismissal for Misconduct – Learn how the law protects you.✔ Resignation vs. Termination – Know the difference and what your rights are.✔ EPF, SOCSO & EIS Contributions, Maternity and Paternity Leave, and Minimum Wage Laws – Understand your compensation and benefits.✔ Employment Contracts in Malaysia – Key clauses and red flags employees should be aware of.✔ Part-Time vs. Full-Time Employment Rights, Sexual Harassment, Whistleblower Protection, Remote Work, and Flexible Work Arrangements – Stay informed on modern workplace issues.✔ Industrial Relations and Industrial Court Disputes – Get help from a trusted industrial relations lawyer in Malaysia.
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