Malaysia’s oldest union MTUC hit with temporary dissolution order over missing financial documents

“PUTRAJAYA, May 8 — The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has received a temporary dissolution order from the Registrar of Societies (ROS), effective yesterday, following its failure to submit several requested documents and financial records. According to the notice, dated May 7, 2026, and issued under Section 14(5) of the Societies Act 1966, the organisation was ordered to be temporarily dissolved after it was found to have failed to provide information requested by the Registrar of Societies. The notice stated that MTUC had not complied with a written directive dated April 6, which required the submission of copies of statements of receipts and payments, audited balance sheets for the years 2020 to 2025, as well as a list of financial contributions, assets, funds or benefits received from foreign parties during the same period. The notice also stated that the organisation has 30 days to submit an appeal to the Home Ministry under Section 18 of the Societies Act 1966. The document was signed by Selangor ROS Nurul Azhar Husin and addressed to the MTUC secretary, with copies also sent to MTUC president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor and treasurer Bindu Girdharlal Patel. The ROS further stated that if no appeal is submitted within the 30-day period, or if the appeal is rejected, the temporary dissolution order would become final, and MTUC would then be deemed an unlawful association. Under Section 42 of the Societies Act 1966, any office-bearer or individual found managing or assisting in the management of an unlawful association may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine not exceeding RM15,000, or both upon conviction. However, MTUC retains the right to appeal to the Home Minister within 30 days from the date the order was issued. MTUC is Malaysia’s oldest national union representing Malaysian workers. It was established in 1949 and registered under the Societies Act 1955. Meanwhile, ROS, in a statement, said the decision to issue the Temporary Dissolution Order against the MTUC was made in accordance with Section 14(5) of the Societies Act 1966 following the organisation’s continued failure to comply with the department’s written directives. “ROS emphasises that every regulatory action taken against registered organisations is carried out professionally, transparently and in accordance with the law in force. “This department is not influenced by the interests of any party, and every decision is made based on the examination of documents, facts and compliance with prescribed procedures,” the statement said. ROS also reaffirmed its commitment to carrying out its regulatory responsibilities firmly, fairly and with integrity to ensure that all registered organisations operate in an orderly, transparent and law-compliant manner. — Bernama

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