Tools
Notice period calculator for Malaysia
The notice period under the Employment Act 1955, and the last day it runs to, for Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan.
Enter the start date to see the notice period.
A calculation from the text of the Act, not legal advice. Check the contract, and ask a lawyer or the Labour Department where the answer matters.
The notice period rules in the Employment Act 1955
The contract decides first. Under section 12(2), the length of notice is the same for employer and employee and is set by the written contract of service.
If the contract says nothing, the minimum depends on length of service on the day notice is given:
| Service on the notice date | Minimum notice |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 4 weeks |
| 2 years or more, but less than 5 | 6 weeks |
| 5 years or more | 8 weeks |
Closure, redundancy and change of owner. Under section 12(3), when employment ends because the business is closing or moving, the work is no longer needed, the employee refused a transfer their contract did not require, or the business changed hands, the employee is entitled to at least the minimum above, whatever the contract says.
Counting. Notice must be in writing, and the day it is given counts as part of the period (section 12(4)). Either party may waive notice, and under section 13(1) either can end the contract without notice by paying wages for the notice period instead.
Read the Act itself in the consolidated text published by the Labour Department (JTKSM).
Why notice period matters before you hire
A candidate’s notice period decides when they can actually start, and it is one of the questions a first-round interview has to settle, alongside experience, expected salary and availability. Ask for the notice period and the realistic start date as two separate things. More on that in the questions a first round actually has to answer.
Leaving before the notice runs out means paying for the part not served: how a notice period buyout is calculated. And for anyone still on probation, what the Act says about notice during probation. Annual leave taken during notice, and unused leave paid out, are covered in annual leave during the notice period.
Questions people ask
How long is the notice period in Malaysia?
Whatever the written employment contract says, and the same for both sides. If the contract says nothing, section 12(2) of the Employment Act 1955 sets a minimum of 4 weeks for under 2 years of service, 6 weeks for 2 to under 5 years, and 8 weeks for 5 years or more.
Does the day I give notice count?
Yes. Section 12(4) says notice must be in writing and the day it is given is included in the notice period.
How do I calculate a two-month notice period?
Count two calendar months from the day written notice is given, with that day counting as the first day. Notice given on 15 March ends on 14 May.
Can an employer or employee pay instead of serving notice?
Yes. Under section 13(1) either party can end the contract without notice by paying the other a sum equal to the wages for the notice period, or for the rest of it if notice has already been given.
Can notice be waived?
Yes. Section 12(2) says either party may waive the right to notice.
Does it apply if I earn more than RM4,000 a month?
Yes. The provisions the First Schedule excludes for employees earning more than RM4,000 a month do not include section 12.
Does it apply in Sabah and Sarawak?
No. The Employment Act 1955 applies to Peninsular Malaysia and has been extended to Labuan. Sabah and Sarawak have their own labour ordinances.