You work hard every month, the least you expect is to get paid in full, right?
But what if one day your salary comes in short, and your boss tells you it’s because the company suffered some loss or something got damaged?
Can they even do that?
Many don’t know this is illegal
According to Malaysian TikToker @adalynaofficial, who regularly shares workplace advice, the answer is a firm no.
Your boss cannot simply deduct your salary just because something went wrong at work.
In fact, she says this kind of thing happens more often than it should, and employees don’t push back because they don’t realise it’s against the law.
Only certain deductions are legal
So what’s actually allowed?
Adalyna explains that only legal deductions can be made from your salary, and these are usually the ones we’re already familiar with:
- EPF (KWSP)
- SOCSO (PERKESO)
- Other mandatory contributions required by law
But when it comes to things like broken equipment, company losses, or even theft, those don’t fall under valid salary deductions.
Company loss does not mean your payslip takes the hit
Just because something went wrong at the office doesn’t mean your paycheck should take the blame.
Adalyna emphasised that it’s illegal for employers to deduct your salary over these kinds of issues, even if the boss thinks it’s “fair.”
There is a process to follow, and skipping it is a major red flag.
Here’s what they should be doing instead
Let’s say you did accidentally cause some loss. Now what?
Your employer still cannot take matters into their own hands. They have to start with a Domestic Inquiry (DI), which is an internal investigation to determine if you’re actually responsible.
Only if you’re found guilty after that process can they proceed to claim damages through proper legal channels:
- Small Claims Court for anything under RM5,000
- Civil Court for claims above that
So no, your boss doesn’t get to just deduct RM300 from your salary and call it a day.
A lot of people just stay quiet when this happens because they don’t want to lose their job or cause trouble.
But as Adalyna pointed out, not knowing your rights puts you in a vulnerable position. And no one deserves to have their hard-earned salary taken without a valid reason.
So if this ever happens to you or someone you know, don’t be afraid to speak up. Ask for an explanation. Check if the deduction is legitimate. And if it’s not, you have every right to take it further.
Because in the end, your salary is your right, not a shortcut for your boss to fix company problems.
Watch the video here:
