Your notice
Check your contract or offer letter for your notice period. If it states one, that applies.
Minimum notice under the Employment Act
If your contract does not state a notice period, the minimum is 4 weeks for under 2 years' service, 6 weeks for 2 to 5 years, and 8 weeks for 5 years or more.
| Length of service | Minimum notice |
|---|---|
| Less than 2 years | 4 weeks |
| 2 years to less than 5 years | 6 weeks |
| 5 years or more | 8 weeks |
- Same both ways: the notice period must be the same for employer and employee (section 12(2)).
- Contract first: a written notice period in your contract applies, even if longer than the minimum.
- Who is covered: since 2023 the Employment Act covers all employees in Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan under a contract of service, whatever their pay. Sabah and Sarawak have their own ordinances with similar notice rules.
How the last day is counted
The Act does not set a counting rule, so this tool counts calendar days from the day notice is given, the same way most employers do.
- Weeks: 4 weeks' notice given on a Monday ends 27 days later, on a Sunday.
- Months: one month's notice given on 15 July ends on 14 August. Given on 31 January, it ends on 28 February.
- Check your contract or HR policy. Some employers count from the next working day.
Leaving without serving notice
Either side can end the contract without notice by paying an indemnity equal to the wages for the notice period (section 13).
- Our estimate: months of notice × monthly pay, or for weeks and days, pay worked out over the year.
- Annual leave: using leave to shorten notice needs your employer's agreement. Unused leave is paid out on your last day under section 60E.
Common questions
What is the notice period for resignation in Malaysia?
Whatever your contract states. If it states nothing, section 12 of the Employment Act 1955 sets 4 weeks for under 2 years of service, 6 weeks for 2 to 5 years and 8 weeks for 5 years or more, the same for employer and employee.
Can my employer refuse my resignation?
No. You can end the contract with notice, or by paying the indemnity in lieu. The employer cannot withhold your final pay for resigning.
I am on probation. Does the same notice apply?
Yes, unless your contract sets a shorter notice for probation. The Act's minimum still applies if the contract is silent.
Does this apply in Singapore?
No. See the Singapore notice period calculator, which uses MOM's rules.
Sources
Employment Act 1955
- Employment Act 1955 (Act 265), JTKSM consolidated text: sections 12 (notice), 13 (termination without notice), 60E (annual leave).