Foreign employees play a vital role in Malaysia’s workforce across multiple industries. To ensure their well-being and fair treatment, Malaysian labour laws outline several key rights that employers must comply with.
Below is a clear guide covering employment contracts, working hours, rest days, accommodation, and PPE requirements.
Contract of Employment
Every employee in Malaysia—local or foreign—is entitled to receive a contract of employment. This contract serves as the primary reference for job expectations, compensation, and entitlements.
A proper employment contract must include essential information such as:
- Employee’s name and passport details
- Position or job offered
- Salary and any other allowances
- Working hours and provisions for overtime
- Other benefits (as offered by the employer)
- Length of notice period for termination
- Public holiday and annual leave entitlement
- Duration of wages (i.e., wage period)
Providing a clear and complete contract helps both employer and employee avoid misunderstandings and ensures transparency throughout the employment relationship.
Working Hours
Malaysia’s labour regulations stipulate the maximum working hours to prevent overwork and promote employee well-being. Foreign workers must comply with the working hours set by the employer, but these hours must not exceed the legal limits.
Standard Working Hour Limits
- 8 hours per day
- 45 hours per week
Special Provisions for Younger Workers
The law protects younger individuals with stricter limits:
- 7 hours per day for a young person aged 15 to below 18
- 6 hours per day for a child aged 13 to below 15
Shift Work
Employees working in shifts may work up to 12 hours in a day, depending on their schedule.
This flexibility acknowledges industries that operate around the clock, such as manufacturing and services.
Rest Day Entitlement
Every employee is entitled to at least one rest day per week, completely free from work.
A rest day is crucial for ensuring both physical and mental recovery, which in turn supports overall productivity and well-being in the workplace.
Why These Rights Matter
Having a clear contract, fair working hours, and guaranteed rest days ensures that foreign employees are treated legally and humanely. For employers, compliance reduces risks, promotes better workplace relationships, and upholds Malaysia’s labour standards.
Understanding these rights not only protects workers but also supports a more sustainable and ethical employment environment.
Accommodation for Foreign Employees
Employers are required to provide accommodation to their foreign employees, either directly or through a centralised accommodation provider.
The accommodation must include essential basic amenities such as:
- One bed, with a mattress of at least 4 inches thickness
- One pillow and one blanket
- A locked cupboard for storing passports and valuable items
- Additional amenities include access to:
- Water and electricity
- Kitchen, dining, and living areas
- First aid kit
- Dustbin
- Area to hang clothes
Providing proper accommodation is part of ensuring dignity, safety, and comfort for foreign workers.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Every foreign employee must be provided with suitable PPE based on the job requirements.
This includes items such as:
- Gloves
- Safety glasses
- Safety shoes
- Earplugs or earmuffs
- Hard hats
- Respirators
- Coveralls, vests, or full protective suits
PPE is essential in preventing workplace accidents and ensuring a safe working environment, especially in high-risk industries.
Need help ensuring your HR practices comply with Malaysian labour laws?
Our team can guide you through proper documentation, contract setup, statutory requirements, and compliance best practices.
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