In our list of NGOs & help organisations near Senai/Johor Bahru, Tenaganita stands out as the most relevant organisation for exploitation, discrimination, or human trafficking cases. This article gives you the fuller picture — what exactly they do and how to reach them.
What to Do / Who to Call
- In danger right now (locked in, threatened, detained, need rescue): Tenaganita's 24-hour emergency hotline, +6012 335 0512 / +6012 339 5350 (the hotline is for emergencies only).
- Other questions or a first complaint: Tenaganita office +603 7770 3671 / +603 7770 3691 (Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–6:00 pm) or email general@tenaganita.net.
- Report human trafficking to the government: the MAPO line, 03-8000 8000.
- Late or unpaid wages only: Johor Bahru Labour Office, 07-222 2400 (Menara Ansar, 65 Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Bahru).
- All of the above is as of 30 Oct 2026. Tenaganita's office is in Petaling Jaya; you can start a complaint by phone or email.
Who Tenaganita Is
Tenaganita (meaning "Women's Force") was founded in 1991 and is one of Malaysia's oldest and most respected human rights organisations. Its core focus is protecting the rights of women, migrant workers, and refugees who face exploitation, discrimination, and human trafficking.
Irene Fernandez, founder of Tenaganita, at an event in 2008. Photo: Shubert Ciencia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Tenaganita was founded in Kuala Lumpur by Irene Fernandez. In 1995 she published a report on the treatment of migrant workers in detention; she was arrested in 1996, went through a 13-year trial, and was finally acquitted in 2008. She received the Right Livelihood Award in 2005 and died on 31 March 2014, and Tenaganita continues her work (Right Livelihood).
They're not just a complaints desk — Tenaganita also does public policy advocacy, helps trafficking victims access rehabilitation and the justice system, and runs worker-rights education for migrant communities.
Services Offered
- Migrant worker rights complaint desk — if an employer withholds your passport, doesn't pay wages as contracted, imposes forced labour, or breaches promised work conditions.
- Trafficking & exploitation case assistance — including helping victims understand their rights under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and referrals to the correct authorities.
- 24-hour emergency hotline — for urgent situations (e.g. passport confiscation, being confined and prevented from leaving a house/dormitory, threats). Tenaganita's website says hotline calls are reserved for emergencies such as abuse, rescue, arrest and detention; for other enquiries, contact the office or email (source).
- Support for women workers and refugees facing discrimination or gender-based violence.
- Policy advocacy — Tenaganita also speaks publicly on government policy around migrant workers, though this isn't a direct service to individuals.
How to Contact Tenaganita
| Channel | Details | |---|---| | Office (business hours) | +603 7770 3671 / +603 7770 3691 | | 24-hour emergency hotline | +6012 335 0512 / +6012 339 5350 | | Email | general@tenaganita.net | | Address | 12, Jalan 6/11, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor | | Office hours | Mon–Fri, 9:30am–6:00pm (closed weekends & public holidays) | | Website | tenaganita.net |
Important: Tenaganita's main office is in Petaling Jaya, Selangor — not in Johor Bahru or Senai. For any emergency or complaint, the practical route is to call the hotline/office or email directly; you don't need to visit in person to file an initial complaint.
When to Contact Tenaganita vs. JTK?
Many workers get confused about when to contact Tenaganita versus the Johor Bahru Labour Department (JTK). Quick guide:
- Late/unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, ordinary contract breaches → JTK Johor Bahru (government department, official complaint channel)
- Passport confiscation, movement restriction, forced labour, threats, signs of human trafficking → Tenaganita (human-rights NGO, more focused on serious exploitation cases)
Both can be contacted at the same time if your situation involves both kinds of issues.
Sample Situations and Who to Contact
| Situation | First step | |---|---| | Wages late or unpaid | JTK Johor Bahru | | Your passport is held by your employer and not returned | Tenaganita | | You are locked in or not allowed to leave | Tenaganita emergency hotline or the MAPO hotline | | Work very different from what was promised, but you can move freely | JTK or Tenaganita for advice | | You witness someone else being exploited | MAPO hotline |
This table is a quick guide only, not legal advice. If unsure, contact Tenaganita or JTK and explain your situation.
Passport Held by Your Employer: What Does the Law Say?
According to lawyers quoted by The Sun, Section 12(1)(f) of the Passports Act 1966 prevents employers from holding an employee's passport except for specific reasons such as visa renewal, government investigation or prosecution, or identity verification by the authorities. The Home Affairs Ministry has also warned that withholding passports is illegal (The Star). For your specific case, consult a lawyer or Tenaganita — this article is not legal advice.
Government Hotline: MAPO
Besides Tenaganita, you can report human trafficking or migrant smuggling to MAPO (the Council for Anti-Trafficking in Persons and Anti-Smuggling of Migrants) under the Home Ministry: 03-8000 8000. According to Malay Mail, the line is open every day from 7:30 am to 9:00 pm, and reports made outside those hours are recorded and acted on the next working day. That detail dates from August 2017, so check with the Home Ministry. The anti-trafficking group SHUT says reports are kept confidential (The Sun). We could not confirm a MAPO email address from an official source, so none is listed.
What to Prepare Before You Call
- Your name, phone number, and current location (workplace name or home address).
- The names of your employer and agent, and how long you have worked there.
- A short summary: what happened, when, and who was involved.
- Any evidence: WhatsApp messages, photos, payslips, contract, copies of your passport or permit (keep copies, not originals, somewhere safe).
- If there is someone you trust (a friend, landlord), tell them where you are asking for help.
Common Mistakes
- Waiting too long out of fear — serious cases should be reported quickly.
- Calling only in office hours for an emergency — use the emergency hotline for urgent situations.
- Not keeping evidence — photograph payslips and messages.
- Handing over your passport as security — don't, and offer a copy only if one is needed.
- Treating wage problems and trafficking as the same thing — see the table above.
FAQ
Does Tenaganita charge a fee? This article does not state any fees. Ask Tenaganita directly.
Do I have to go to Petaling Jaya? No; an initial complaint can be made by phone or email, as noted above.
What minimum wage should I be receiving? The minimum wage is RM 1,700 per month in basic pay. From 1 August 2025 it applies to all employers, including those who hire non-citizen workers, except for domestic workers. Sources: HRO and Utusan Malaysia.
When is the Tenaganita office open? Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM; closed weekends and public holidays (source).
Can I contact Tenaganita and JTK at the same time? Yes, if your situation involves both kinds of issues.
Can I call Tenaganita's hotline about late wages? No. Tenaganita's website says the hotline is only for emergencies such as abuse, rescue, arrest and detention. For other matters, contact the office or email; for late wages, complain to JTK.
Can my employer keep my passport? According to a lawyer quoted by The Sun, Section 12(1)(f) of the Passports Act 1966 prevents employers from holding an employee's passport except for specific reasons such as visa renewal. If your passport is being held, contact Tenaganita or a lawyer. This is not legal advice.
What is the government number to report human trafficking? MAPO, 03-8000 8000. The hours reported in 2017 were 7:30 am to 9:00 pm every day; check with the Home Ministry.
What to Check with Your Employer and Landlord
- Employer: who holds your passport? Your contract, payslips, and the promised payday.
- Landlord: never hand over your passport as a rental deposit; ask for a receipt for every payment.
Sources
- Tenaganita, contact us: https://tenaganita.net/contact-us/ (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Right Livelihood, Irene Fernandez: https://rightlivelihood.org/the-change-makers/find-a-laureate/irene-fernandez/ (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- The Sun, employers and passports: https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/illegal-for-employers-to-retain-staff-passports-ah11523344/ (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- The Star, withholding passports is illegal: https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/12/21/withholding-passports-illegal-govt-warns-in-a-bid-to-curb-human-trafficking-the-home-affairs-ministr/
- Malay Mail, MAPO hotline: https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2017/08/02/home-ministry-sets-up-special-hotline-for-human-trafficking-reports/1434465 (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- The Sun, reporting human trafficking: https://thesun.my/news/malaysia-news/don-t-be-afraid-to-report-human-trafficking-activities-shut-jg7954568/ (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- HRO, minimum wage: https://www.humanresourcesonline.net/all-employers-in-malaysia-must-comply-with-rm1-700-minimum-wage-from-1-august-2025 (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- Utusan Malaysia, minimum wage: https://www.utusan.com.my/nasional/2025/07/gaji-minimum-rm1700-wajib-mulai-ogos-tiada-lagi-pengecualian/ (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
- JTK, office list: https://jtksm.gov.my/en/contact-us/headquarters-and-branches (accessed 30 Oct 2026)
If any details change, please refer to Tenaganita's official website for the latest information.
As a room-rental landlord in Senai, we encourage tenants facing any worker-rights problem not to stay silent. WhatsApp us at +60 12-708 8789 if you need help finding a safe room or aren't sure who to turn to — we'll try to point you in the right direction.
Looking for a room in Senai? See the rooms at House 112, Taman Senai Baru, check rent, deposit & house rules, or go straight to today's vacant rooms.
