8 October 2026
Working Hours in Malaysia: Employment Act Limits
Normal working hours in Malaysia are up to 8 hours a day and 45 hours a week. See the break, spread-over and rest day rules and when overtime starts.
Free tool: Overtime Calculator →
Under the Employment Act 1955, as amended by the Employment (Amendment) Act 2022, the normal working week in Malaysia is a maximum of 45 hours. This replaced the earlier 48-hour week from 1 January 2023.
Working hour limits at a glance
The table summarises the main limits in the Act. There are limited exceptions, such as certain shift arrangements, so check with your employer or the Labour Department if your work is unusual.
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Hours a day | Up to 8 hours |
| Hours a week | Up to 45 hours |
| Continuous work | No more than 5 consecutive hours without a break of at least 30 minutes |
| Spread over a day | No more than 10 hours from start to finish, breaks included |
| Rest day | At least one full rest day each week |
| Overtime | 1.5 times the hourly rate on a normal day for covered employees |
Does the 8-hour day include the lunch break?
The 8-hour limit counts hours worked, and your meal break is not counted as work. The Act separately limits how long the day can be stretched, so the whole day, breaks included, generally cannot be spread over more than 10 hours.
When overtime starts
Work beyond the normal hours is overtime. For employees covered by the overtime provisions, meaning those earning RM4,000 a month or less and manual workers, the rate is 1.5 times the hourly rate on a normal working day, with higher rates on rest days and public holidays.
Who this page covers
This is a general summary for private-sector employees. Sabah and Sarawak have their own Labour Ordinances, and some industries and government employees follow different hours.
Work out your overtime
Use the overtime calculator to turn your hours and salary into overtime pay.
Frequently asked questions
What are the normal working hours in Malaysia?
Up to 8 hours a day and 45 hours a week under the Employment Act 1955 since 1 January 2023.
Does the 8 working hours include the lunch break?
No. The 8-hour limit counts hours worked. The whole working day, breaks included, generally cannot be spread over more than 10 hours.
How long can you work without a break in Malaysia?
No more than 5 consecutive hours without a break of at least 30 minutes.
When does overtime start in Malaysia?
After the normal working hours. For covered employees (RM4,000 a month or less, and manual workers) it is paid at 1.5 times the hourly rate on a normal working day.