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Employers in Malaysia cannot stop eligible workers from voting on polling day
Under Section 25 of the Election Offences Act 1954, employers must allow every voter in their employment a reasonable period to vote.
Employers also cannot deduct pay or penalise workers for being absent during that reasonable voting period.
In simple terms, if you are eligible to vote, your employer should not block you from going to your polling centre.
Does this mean polling day is always a public holiday?
Not necessarily. Sometimes, polling day may be declared a public holiday. When that happens, normal public holiday rules may also apply.
But even if polling day is not treated as a public holiday for your workplace, the voting-time rule still matters. Employers are still required to allow registered voters reasonable time to vote on polling day.
But what actually counts as reasonable time to vote?
There is no single fixed number of hours for every worker.
What is reasonable may depend on your working hours, polling centre location, travel time, queue length, and whether you need to return to work after voting.
An important thing to note is that "reasonable period to vote" does not mean your employer must give you two or three paid days off to travel back to your hometown. The law is about allowing time to vote on polling day, not automatic paid travel leave.
If your polling centre is far away, you may still need to apply for annual leave, unpaid leave, a shift swap, or other time-off arrangement.
Can your employer deduct your salary if you leave to vote?
No, your employer should not deduct your pay for the reasonable period you are allowed to vote.
The law specifically says employers cannot make deductions from pay or impose penalties because a voter is absent during the reasonable voting period. This means workers should not be punished simply for taking the time they are legally allowed to vote.
What if you are scheduled to work on polling day?
Tell your employer early and arrange when you can go vote.
If you work in retail, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, security, food service, or another shift-based job, you may still be rostered on polling day. That does not remove your right to vote. It means you should inform your supervisor or HR early so they can plan shifts, breaks, coverage, or leave arrangements.
If your employer refuses to let you vote, here's what you can do:
- Seek advice from the Election Commission (EC)
- Contact the Labour Department or your union
- Check with a qualified lawyer
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Section 25 of the Election Offences Act makes it an offence for an employer to refuse or interfere with the reasonable voting period required by law.
Frequently asked questions
Can employers stop workers from voting on polling day?
No. Employers must allow registered voters a reasonable period to vote on polling day.
Can my employer force me to work during voting hours?
Your employer can still schedule work, but they must allow you a reasonable period to vote if you are a registered voter.
If I am paid hourly, must my employer pay me while I vote?
Not automatically. Hourly pay may depend on your employment arrangement, but your employer should not stop or punish you for taking reasonable time to vote.
Can my employer deduct my monthly salary if I go vote?
Employers cannot make deductions or impose penalties because a worker was absent during the reasonable period allowed for voting.
Do I get paid leave to travel back to my hometown to vote?
Not automatically. If you need extra travel time, you may need to apply for annual leave, unpaid leave, a shift swap, or another arrangement.
Do I need to take annual leave to vote?
Not necessarily for the reasonable voting period itself. However, annual leave may be needed if you require extra time beyond what is reasonably needed to vote.
What if I work shifts on polling day?
Tell your employer early so your shift, break, replacement hours or leave arrangement can be planned.
Related election guides
- How Is The Prime Minister Chosen After A Malaysian General Election?
- How Many Seats Are Needed To Form Government In Malaysia?
- How Elections Work In Malaysia: Parliament, DUN, MPs, ADUNs, Seats, And How Governments Are Formed
- What Is A By-Election In Malaysia And How Does It Work?
- What Is The Difference Between A Political Party, A Coalition, And A Government?
Last updated: 7 August 2026
