What is the Industrial Court?
Your case did not settle and you keep hearing this name mentioned next.
The Industrial Court is where an unfair dismissal case ends up once conciliation fails to produce a settlement.
What does the Industrial Court do?
It is a dedicated tribunal, separate from the regular civil courts, created under the Industrial Relations Act 1967. It hears disputes like unfair dismissal claims and issues a binding decision called an award.
The court sits in six places. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, with branches in Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.1
Why does it matter to you?
Reaching this stage means your case is heard on its merits, not negotiated informally. Both sides can bring a lawyer, unlike at conciliation, and evidence is presented formally.
This stage also takes longer than conciliation, since cases are heard in the order they are received. Patience matters as much as preparation.
Which branch hears your case?
JPPM confirms which branch hears your case, so ask early how far you may need to travel for hearings.
Before a full hearing, your case starts with a shorter mention, and cause papers are filed to set out the dispute in writing.
If you are unsure whether your original filing was in time, confirm it on the deadline calculator, since that earlier deadline shapes everything that follows.
If your claim may reach this court and you want a lawyer to act, an independent employment lawyer can review your facts and advise whether it is worth pursuing.
If your claim may reach the Industrial Court and you are weighing your next step, an independent lawyer can review what happened. They can handle the claim if it is worth pursuing.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.
Common questions
Is the Industrial Court the same as a normal civil court?
No. It is a dedicated tribunal set up under the Industrial Relations Act, focused only on employment and industrial relations disputes. Its procedure differs from a regular civil trial.
Can I use a lawyer once my case reaches this stage?
Yes. Unlike conciliation, representation is allowed once a case reaches the Industrial Court, so a lawyer can appear for you at a hearing.
Sources
- The Industrial Court is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, with branches in Penang, Ipoh, Johor Bahru, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. Mahkamah Perusahaan Malaysia, contact
Keep reading
If your claim may reach the Industrial Court and you are weighing your next step, an independent lawyer can review what happened. They can handle the claim if it is worth pursuing.
For people seeking legal representation. For general information, please use our guides and tools.
First contact: general facts only, such as date, location, employment status and a short summary. Keep documents private until an identified independent lawyer contacts you and specifically requests them.