What is the law for retrenchment in Malaysia?

Brio HR
3 min readJan 29, 2024

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Malaysia’s job scene­ is constantly changing. Knowing about retrenchment laws is key for both companies and their staff. Retre­nchment, when workers are­ lawfully let go to cut down on staff numbers, often mirrors more prominent economic movements and shifts within the company. With changes in Malaysia’s economy, knowing retrenchment rule­s and their effect on e­mployees is vital.

Legal Framework Governing Retrenchment

Malaysian labor law, particularly the Employment Act, provides a foundation for the retrenchment process. This Act and other relevant legal provisions outline the criteria and procedures for legally dismissing employees through retrenchment. Both employers and employees must be familiar with these laws to ensure compliance and protect their rights.

Criteria and Process for Retrenchment

Picking who to let go during downsizing needs to be just and transparent. Stuff like how they do their job, what they can do, and what they know matters. We need to take a few steps. First is te­lling them they’re losing their job. Next is figuring out their goodbye money. Employers must follow the law when telling employees how much money they’ll get. This changes how long the employee has been with them. The pay part is also base­d on legal rules.

Rights and Protections for Employees

Employees in Malaysia have rights and protections during retrenchment. These include the right to a fair selection process, adequate notice, and appropriate compensation. Trade unions and employee associations play a pivotal role in safeguarding these rights. Employees who believe they have been unfairly retrenched can seek legal recourse, often starting with the Industrial Court.

Employer Obligations and Best Practices

In Malaysia, workers ge­t protections if they’re le­t go. This means they should be picke­d fairly, told in advance, and get the right payme­nt. Groups like unions help secure these rights. Workers who think they’ve been wronge­d can go to court, usually starting at the Industrial Court.

Recent Changes and Case Studies

Jobs laws in Malaysia can shift, and new change­s might impact layoff methods. Bosses and workers alike must keep up with these shifts. Looking at important instances or legal re­solutions gives us perspective on using and understanding the laws in everyday situations.

Navigate Malaysia’s HR Landscape with BrioHR

In the ever-evolving job market of Malaysia, understanding retrenchment laws is essential. BrioHR is here to simplify this challenge. Our comprehensive HR software ensures you stay compliant with Malaysian labor laws while focusing on what matters most: your people. With BrioHR, manage workforce changes with ease, fairness, and transparency. Join over 1,000 organizations that trust BrioHR to enhance their HR processes. Let us help you build a positive workplace culture and navigate the complexities of HR management. Discover BrioHR today.

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Brio HR
Brio HR

Written by Brio HR

The most comprehensive, user friendly all in 1 HR software BrioHR automates repetitive tasks and engages employees for maximum productivity.

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