In our list of NGOs & help organisations near Senai/Johor Bahru, the Johor Bahru Labour Department (JTK) isn't an NGO — it's a government department under the Ministry of Human Resources (KSM). But for many workers in Senai, it's the most important channel for any unpaid-wage issue or employer contract violation. This article gives the full picture.
What to do / who to call
- Wages more than seven days late after the wage period? Ask your employer for a written answer (WhatsApp is fine) and keep your payslips and bank statements.
- Call first: Johor State Labour Department 07-2275080 / 81 / 82, or Johor Bahru District Labour Office 07-2222400 / 07-2243188. Head office: 03-8000 8000. The official site does not list office hours, so ask when you call.
- File by email, letter, in person, or the eAduan@JTKSM app (private-sector workers in Peninsular Malaysia only).
- Not sure your pay meets the minimum wage? See RM1,700 minimum wage, and RM2,000 from June 2027 and payslip deductions for foreign workers.
What JTK Is and Why It Matters
JTK is the government agency that enforces the Employment Act 1955 and related labour laws in Malaysia. Unlike an NGO that relies on voluntary assistance, an official complaint filed with JTK can trigger a statutory investigation into the employer, and JTK's decisions carry legal enforcement power behind them.
This means that if your employer:
- Doesn't pay wages according to the agreed schedule
- Doesn't pay overtime (OT) that's owed
- Breaches the terms of a written employment contract
- Makes unlawful wage deductions
— JTK is the official channel to complain to, not just something to negotiate directly with your employer.
What the Employment Act Says About Paying Wages
According to the text of the Employment Act 1955 (Act 265) on the JTKSM website and a copy on CommonLII:
- Section 19 — an employer must pay wages no later than the seventh day after the last day of the wage period. A contract of service must specify a wage period not exceeding one month; if none is specified, the wage period is deemed to be one month.
- Section 69 — the Director General can inquire into and decide disputes between an employee and employer about wages or other cash payments owed.
- An employer who fails to pay within the time set by sections 19, 20 and 21 commits an offence.
A simple example: if your wage period is August (1–31 August), your wages should be paid by 7 September at the latest. If that date has passed and your employer only gives excuses, that is the time to start collecting evidence.
JTK Contact Details in Johor
JTKSM's official page (headquarters and branches) lists two different offices in Johor Bahru. Don't mix them up:
| | Johor State Labour Department | Johor Bahru District Labour Office | |---|---|---| | Address | Level 3, Block A, Wisma Persekutuan, Jalan Ayer Molek, 80888 Ibrahim International Business District, Johor Bahru | Levels 9 & 10, Menara Ansar, 65, Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru | | Phone | 07-2275080 / 81 / 82 | 07-2222400 / 07-2243188 | | Email | jtknjohor@mohr.gov.my | jtkdjbahru@mohr.gov.my |
For general enquiries, JTKSM also lists its headquarters at 03-8000 8000 and the public complaint management system (SisPAA) at mohr.spab.gov.my. The Johor Bahru Labour Office also lists a Telekerja line, 07-2229111, and fax 07-2227717 (Johor State Labour Department: fax 07-2232303). The official page doesn't state office hours, so call before you visit.
Menara Ansar, Jalan Trus — location of the Johor Bahru District Labour Office. Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Wisma Persekutuan, home of the Johor State Labour Department. Photo: Chongkian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
How to File a Complaint
You can file a complaint through any of these channels:
- In person — go directly to the office at the address above.
- By letter — send a written complaint to the office address.
- By email — send your complaint details (name, IC/passport number, employer's name, and description of the problem) to the relevant office's email.
- eAduan@JTKSM app — a mobile app for filing complaints without visiting in person. According to the Malaysia.gov.my portal, it is provided for private-sector workers in Peninsular Malaysia and can be downloaded from Google Play.
- SisPAA and the Working for Workers app — also mentioned as online channels in Jobstreet's guide.
Practical tip: Keep any evidence (payslips, WhatsApp messages with your employer, employment contract, work-hour records) before complaining — this makes JTK's investigation easier and strengthens your case.
Documents and Information Checklist
Based on the Malaysia.gov.my portal and Jobstreet, get these ready:
- [ ] Your full name, IC or passport number, and phone number
- [ ] Employer's company name, address, and the names of people involved
- [ ] A clear description: what wasn't paid, which months, for how long
- [ ] Offer letter or employment contract
- [ ] Payslips, bank statements showing salary payments, attendance or OT records
- [ ] Any messages or letters from the employer (for example a termination notice)
What Happens After You Complain
According to Jobstreet, the process generally goes like this:
- Initial investigation — officers review the complaint and take statements from both parties.
- Mediation session — an attempt to reach a peaceful settlement; if both sides agree, the case closes.
- Labour Court — unresolved cases go to court for a hearing.
- Appeal — a party who is unhappy can appeal to the High Court.
The same article says JTKSM aims to notify the complainant within 21 working days and that Labour Court cases should be resolved within 90 days of filing. These are reported targets, not guarantees — ask the JTK officer about the realistic timeline for your case.
What JTK Can (and Can't) Help With
Can help with:
- Official complaints about unpaid wages
- Complaints about unpaid overtime
- Employment Act violations (e.g. leave, rest periods, basic working conditions)
May need to be referred elsewhere:
- Human trafficking, forced labour, or forcible passport confiscation cases — these are better referred simultaneously to Tenaganita, a human-rights NGO focused on serious exploitation cases.
- Free legal advice for other civil/criminal matters — refer to the Johor Bar Legal Aid Centre (see our full list of NGOs & help organisations).
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long — the longer you wait, the more likely messages and payslips get lost or your phone changes. Keep copies from day one.
- Relying on verbal promises — ask for a written statement or a WhatsApp message about the payment date.
- Not keeping payslips — photograph every slip and store it on your phone or in your email.
- Going to the wrong office — check the two offices in the table above and call first if unsure.
- Signing documents you don't understand — ask for a copy and a translation before signing.
What to Ask Your Employer (Before You Complain)
- What is my pay date, and what is the wage period in my contract?
- Why is this month's salary late, and when will it be paid? (ask for the answer in writing)
- What are the deductions on my payslip and on what basis?
- How is my overtime calculated and paid?
If the answers are evasive or wages keep going unpaid, move on to an official complaint.
FAQ
Q: When are my wages considered late? A: Under section 19 of the Employment Act, wages must be paid no later than the seventh day after the last day of the wage period. Check your contract for the wage period.
Q: Do I have to go to the office in person? A: Not necessarily. You can complain by letter, email or the eAduan@JTKSM app (for private-sector workers in Peninsular Malaysia).
Q: Which office should I contact? A: The JTKSM site lists the Johor State Labour Department (Wisma Persekutuan) and the Johor Bahru District Labour Office (Menara Ansar). Call one and ask which office handles your workplace location.
Q: What should I bring? A: Your IC or passport, contract or offer letter, payslips, and any messages from your employer.
Q: What if it's more serious, like a withheld passport? A: Contact Tenaganita at the same time as JTK.
Sumber / Sources
- JTKSM, headquarters and branches (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- Malaysia.gov.my, eAduan@JTKSM application (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
- Jobstreet, Aduan Pejabat Buruh (accessed 6 Nov 2026)
Note: The addresses, phone numbers, and emails above are taken from JTKSM's official website (jtksm.gov.my, re-checked and accessed 6 Nov 2026; the old jtksm.mohr.gov.my address now redirects there). The section 19 rule is also summarised by ajobthing.com, and the eAduan@JTKSM details are on the Malaysia.gov.my portal. Please refer to the official website for any recent changes.
As a room-rental landlord in Senai, we encourage tenants facing wage problems to take official action rather than stay silent. WhatsApp us at +60 12-708 8789 if you have other questions or need help finding a safe room in Senai.
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