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Related Topics

• Firing
• Sexual Harassment
• Disputes
• Pensions
• Workmen's Compensation
• Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
• Social Security Organization (SOCSO)
• Occupational Safety & Health Act (OSHA)

WHAT IS THE MINIMUM AGE OF A PERSON I CAN EMPLOY ?

In Sabah, an employer is prohibited from employing a child under 14 years to work in construction, manufacturing, transportation, mining sector or other places such as restaurants, coffee shops, bars, hotels or offices.

In Sarawak, no young person under the age of 16 years shall be employed on underground work in any time.

In Peninsular Malaysia, under the Children and Young Persons (Employment) Act 1966 (Act 350), children under the age of 14 years are

• only allow to work between 7 AM until 8 PM
• not allow to work for 3 consecutive hours without a period of rest. Period of rest shall be at least 30 minutes
• not allow to work more than 6 hours a day. If attending school, total working and schooling hours shall not be more than 7 hours a day

and can only be designated by the employer to carry out

• light activities in family business or other jobs authorized by the government

children between the age of 14 and 16 years are

• only allow to work between 7 AM until 8 PM
• not allow to work for 4 consecutive hours without a period of rest. Period of rest shall be at least 30 minutes
• not allow to work for more than 7 hours. If attending school, total working and schooling hours shall not be more than 8 hours a day
• not allow to commence work with less than 12 rest hours a day

and can only be designated by employer to

• carry out light activities which are reasonably believed to be in accordance to their abilities
• be a domestic servant or maid
• work in an appropriate industry
• engaged in any capacity in any vessel under the guardians of their parents.

An employer who fails to comply with the above has committed an offense under the Act and the penalty upon conviction shall be a fine up to RM2,000 or jail term not exceeding 6 months or both.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ON EMPLOYMENT ?

The Department of Labour provides advisory services to both employers and employees on all aspect of the labour laws in the country.