Labour Department (JTK)

Overview

The Jabatan Tenaga Kerja (JTK) or Labour Department is the government agency responsible for enforcing labour laws in Malaysia. Operating under the Ministry of Human Resources, JTK ensures that both employers and employees comply with the Employment Act 1955 and other labour legislation.

Services Provided by JTK

1. Employment Complaints

• Unpaid salary and wages
• Unlawful termination
• Overtime disputes
• Leave entitlement issues
• Retirement benefit disputes

2. Employment Act Enforcement

• Working hours compliance (max 8 hours/day, 48 hours/week)
• Rest day and public holiday entitlements
• Annual leave and sick leave provisions
• Maternity protection
• Minimum wage compliance

3. Trade Union Affairs

• Trade union registration
• Collective agreement registration
• Industrial relations advice

4. Foreign Worker Management

• Foreign worker employment pass endorsement
• Employer compliance monitoring
• Foreign worker rights protection

How to Make an Employment Complaint

Step 1: Gather Documents

• Employment contract or offer letter
• Recent payslips (last 3-6 months)
• MyKad or passport copy
• Attendance records (if available)
• Any relevant correspondence (letters, messages, emails)

Step 2: Visit JTK Office

• Go to the JTK office in the state where you work
• Bring all original documents and copies
• Arrive early (offices open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
• Take a queue number at the counter

Step 3: File Complaint Form (Form JTK 1)

• JTK officer will interview you
• Fill out Form JTK 1 (Complaint Form)
• Provide details of employer and complaint
• Submit supporting documents

Step 4: JTK Investigation

• JTK will summon your employer for inquiry
• Both parties present evidence
• JTK officer makes a decision (Section 69 inquiry)
• If employer loses, JTK issues court order for payment

Step 5: Enforcement

• If employer refuses to pay, JTK can take them to court
• Court can order employer to pay owed wages plus penalties
• Employer may face fines or imprisonment for non-compliance

Time Limits for Complaints

Who is Covered by Employment Act?

Covered:

• ✅ All employees earning ≤ RM4,000/month
• ✅ Manual workers regardless of salary
• ✅ Domestic servants
• ✅ Apprentices (registered under Act)

Not Covered:

• ❌ Managers and executives earning > RM4,000
• ❌ Seafarers (covered by Merchant Shipping Ordinance)
• ❌ Domestic workers (some provisions apply)
• ❌ Public officers (covered by General Orders)

JTK Office Locations & Contacts

National Hotline:

• 1-800-88-6600 (toll-free)
• 03-8885 7000 (HQ)
• Website: jtk.gov.my

State Offices:

• Kuala Lumpur: 03-2693 3599
• Selangor: 03-5511 4466
• Johor: 07-224 3533
• Penang: 04-228 2004
• Sabah: 088-246 033
• Sarawak: 082-246 221

Tips for Successful Complaints

• ✅ Keep copies of all employment documents
• ✅ Record your working hours daily
• ✅ Save payslips and bank statements
• ✅ Report issues early (within time limits)
• ✅ Try to resolve with employer first (if safe)
• ✅ Bring a witness if possible
• ✅ Be honest and accurate in your complaint