Get compliant foreign worker accommodation and secure JTKSM workers' hostel approval in Malaysia.
Our expert guide covers Act 446 compliance requirements, Ministry of Human Resources standards,
and the complete workers' housing certification process to avoid penalties up to RM50,000.
Dapatkan kelulusan penginapan pekerja asing yang mematuhi piawaian JTKSM dan elakkan penalti sehingga RM50,000 di bawah Akta 446 Malaysia.
This section offers a complete overview of Malaysia’s Employees’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446), focusing on foreign worker hostel compliance. It covers key facility requirements, employer responsibilities, and the step-by-step process for securing certification from the Department of Labour (JTKSM).
As part of our commitment to ethical employment practices, Agensi Pekerjaan Ukhwah Sdn Bhd, in strategic partnership with Andaraya (M) Sdn Bhd, delivers professional consultancy and end-to-end assistance. We support employers across Malaysia in meeting all legal and regulatory requirements related to worker accommodations, ensuring full compliance with Act 446 and related enforcement standards.
Achieve complete compliance with Malaysia's Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing Act 446 (Akta 446). Our expert consultants help you obtain JTKSM certification, meet worker accommodation standards, pass Ministry of Human Resources inspections, and avoid RM50,000+ penalties. From foreign worker housing requirements to facility upgrades - we ensure your workers' hostel meets all legal standards.
The Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) sets the legal requirements for foreign worker accommodations in Malaysia. Enforced by JTKSM, the law mandates certified, hygienic, and safe housing that preserves worker dignity and complies with federal labour standards.
Employers must ensure all worker housing meets Act 446 standards or risk serious penalties.
Ensure worker well-being with accommodation that is clean, secure, and compliant.
Get your accommodations certified and inspection-ready under Act 446.
Act 446 compliance is not optional. It’s a legal requirement under the JTKSM Act 446 Portal and enforced by the Ministry of Human Resources. Failure to comply can lead to fines, business suspension, revoked quotas, or criminal charges.
We assist with full JTKSM certification for employer-owned or rented hostels.
Stay audit-ready and minimize the risk of enforcement or shutdowns.
Ensure all required layouts, space metrics, and records are ready for JTKSM checks.
Learn more at the official JTKSM Act 446 Portal.
The Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Employee Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446) permits various building types for worker accommodations, provided they meet structural integrity, safety, and hygiene requirements. Approved categories include:
Residential and commercial properties adapted for worker lodging, usually found in urban or industrial zones.
Standalone units or blocks in residential buildings, suitable for small and mid-sized workforce groups.
Traditional housing within agricultural estates or plantations, often accommodating on-site field workers.
Specially constructed accommodations aligned with JTKSM's compliance criteria for long-term worker housing.
Under Malaysia's Act 446 (Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities), worker accommodations must meet specific minimum space requirements based on room type and occupancy limits, as outlined in the 2020 Housing Regulations.
Note: Failure to meet these space and infrastructure requirements may lead to fines, suspension, or revocation of your accommodation license under Section 24D(1) of Malaysia’s Act 446.
Calculate the minimum space requirements for your worker accommodation based on Act 446 standards.
Individual sleeping arrangements and personal storage must meet specific standards to ensure worker dignity and privacy.
Each worker must be provided with adequate personal sleeping space that meets legal and safety standards.
Workers must be provided with hygienic, durable bedding that supports restful sleep and personal comfort.
Each worker is entitled to personal lockable storage to ensure privacy, safety, and dignity.
Bunk beds must be built to safe structural standards and accommodate comfortable, secure usage.
Every worker accommodation must provide comprehensive facilities ensuring health, safety, and basic comfort for all residents.
Ensure hygienic and adequate toilet and bathing provisions that comply with regulatory standards.
Provide safe, functional spaces for food preparation, cooking, and dining that support worker wellbeing.
Maintain continuous access to essential utilities and ensure safe, livable infrastructure in all hostel areas.
Comply with fire safety regulations and prepare all occupants for potential emergencies.
Create spaces that support cleanliness, relaxation, and positive mental health for all residents.
Employers in Malaysia are legally required to provide safe, compliant accommodations for foreign workers. Under Akta 446, employers must ensure full JTKSM certification, maintain housing standards, and bear all associated costs to avoid legal penalties.
💡 Important Reminder: Under Act 446 (Akta 446), employers in Malaysia are legally responsible for all accommodation-related costs for foreign workers. This includes rent, utilities, maintenance, pest control, and compliance documentation.
Critical Note: Employers are strictly prohibited from deducting any accommodation expenses from worker wages. Non-compliance may result in penalties, legal action, or revocation of JTKSM certification.
Complete documentation checklist for Certificate of Accommodation application and JTKSM compliance.
📝 Document Preparation Tips: Ensure all documents are current, certified where required, and available in both Bahasa Malaysia and English. Incomplete documentation will delay the application process and may result in rejection.
Ensure your worker hostel in Peninsular Malaysia meets Act 446 compliance and follow this detailed submission process to obtain the Certificate of Accommodation from Jabatan Tenaga Kerja Semenanjung Malaysia (JTKSM). Avoid delays and rejections by preparing the right documents and steps.
Conduct a self-audit to ensure your accommodation complies with Act 446. Prepare all necessary documents including tenancy agreements, fire department approvals, utility bills, and layout plans.
Fill in Form JTKSM 1A (for employer-owned hostels) or Form JTKSM 1B (for rented units). Ensure the form is complete with authorized signatures and company stamp.
Create an employer account on the JTKSM e-Services Portal. Complete your company profile and upload necessary documentation as per the official checklist.
Submit your completed forms and supporting documents via the JTKSM portal or in person at your state office. Pay the processing fee via bank draft or approved payment method based on your accommodation type and worker count.
JTKSM will review your application within 7–14 working days. Respond promptly to any clarification requests or document re-submissions to avoid delays.
JTKSM will arrange a physical inspection to verify safety, hygiene, and structural compliance. Ensure all areas are accessible and properly maintained during inspection.
If your facility passes inspection, you will receive the Certificate of Accommodation, valid for 3 years. Print and display it prominently at the hostel premises.
21–45 working days from complete application submission. Incomplete or non-compliant applications will take longer.
Renew every 3 years. Begin renewal at least 60 days before expiry. Major changes in facility structure or ownership require fresh application.
For detailed guidance, visit the official JTKSM Portal or contact your nearest JTKSM office for assistance.
Use the checklist below to ensure your worker hostels fully comply with Act 446 requirements before any official JTKSM inspections.
⚠️ Critical Compliance Note: All space calculations are based on usable floor area only — excluding toilets, storage areas, corridors, and stairwells. Measurements must be verified during JTKSM inspections to avoid non-compliance.
Non-compliance with Act 446 results in severe legal and financial consequences under Malaysian law.
Understand your responsibilities under the Workers' Minimum Standards of Housing and Amenities Act 1990 (Act 446). These FAQs address common concerns about JTKSM hostel approval, worker housing standards, and compliance procedures in Malaysia.
Act 446 (Akta 446) is Malaysia’s legal framework requiring employers to provide safe and humane accommodations for their workers, particularly foreign employees. It outlines standards for space, hygiene, safety, and facilities. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties including fines and imprisonment.
Compliance means that housing for foreign workers meets the minimum standards required by Malaysia’s Labour Act 446. This includes proper sanitation, fire safety, ventilation, sleeping space, and gender separation. Employers must obtain JTKSM certification and keep documentation up to date.
All employers or parties responsible for housing workers—including those in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, services, and recruitment agencies—must comply with Act 446. This also applies to landlords or hostel operators who lease accommodation to foreign workers.
Our services include:
Yes. Employers are legally required to provide separate housing for male and female workers. This ensures privacy, safety, and compliance with the ethical housing standards outlined in Act 446.
Employers who fail to comply may be fined up to RM50,000 per offence, face imprisonment, or have their licenses suspended. Repeat offences can result in blacklisting or termination of foreign worker quotas.
Inspections must be carried out at least twice per month by a designated supervisor. All inspections should be documented, and any deficiencies must be addressed immediately to maintain compliance and worker safety.