Our Story
A Practice That Puts the Workplace Relationship First
Setia Counsel was founded on the belief that employment law — when approached with care and clarity — helps workplaces function with greater fairness and stability.
Back to HomeWho We Are
Founded in Petaling Jaya, Committed to Malaysian Workplaces
Setia Counsel was established in Petaling Jaya with a straightforward purpose: to make sound employment law counsel accessible to both employers and employees across Malaysia. The name "Setia" — meaning faithful or loyal in Malay — reflects the commitment we bring to every client engagement.
Our founding partners observed a consistent gap in the market: employment law advice that was either prohibitively expensive for smaller businesses, or too general to be of practical use to individual employees. Setia Counsel was shaped to address both concerns — offering specialist knowledge with transparent, proportionate fees.
Since our establishment, we have assisted companies refining their HR documentation, employees navigating termination disputes, and organisations seeking to align with Malaysia's evolving labour legislation. We work across sectors — from manufacturing and logistics to professional services and education.
Our Mission
To provide clear, considered, and accessible employment law counsel that helps workplaces across Malaysia function with greater fairness, transparency, and legal confidence.
Our Values
- Clarity: We explain matters plainly, without unnecessary complexity.
- Fairness: We serve both employers and employees with equal diligence.
- Respect: We approach sensitive matters with discretion and care.
- Accountability: We communicate honestly about timelines, costs, and outcomes.
Our Focus Area
Employment and labour law — exclusively. This concentrated focus means our team stays current with legislative amendments, Industrial Court awards, and developments in Malaysian workplace jurisprudence.
The People Behind the Practice
Our Team
Our team combines legal expertise with a genuine interest in workplace relationships and Malaysian labour rights.
Roslan Hamzah
Founding Partner
Called to the Malaysian Bar with over fifteen years in employment and industrial relations law. Roslan has represented clients at the Industrial Court and before the Court of Appeal on landmark workplace matters.
Nurul Izzati
Senior Associate
Specialises in HR compliance and employment contract advisory. Nurul brings a practical, employer-focused perspective shaped by years advising Selangor-based businesses on legislative alignment and internal policy development.
Tan Kah Wei
Associate Counsel
Focuses on dispute resolution and employee-side advisory. Tan Kah Wei handles conciliation matters at the Department of Labour and provides step-by-step guidance to employees navigating termination or dismissal situations.
Our Standards
How We Work
Every engagement at Setia Counsel is guided by clear professional protocols developed for employment law practice in Malaysia.
Client Confidentiality
All information shared with us is held in strict confidence, consistent with the professional obligations of the Malaysian Bar Council. We do not discuss case details with third parties without written consent.
Malaysian Bar Membership
Our practising lawyers hold valid Practising Certificates issued by the Malaysian Bar. All legal advice is provided by qualified, admitted advocates and solicitors.
Written Engagement Terms
Every engagement begins with a written letter of engagement setting out scope, fee, and expected deliverables. There are no verbal commitments without a written record.
Legislative Currency
Our team actively monitors amendments to the Employment Act 1955, Industrial Relations Act 1967, Minimum Wages Order, and related regulations to ensure advice reflects current law.
Regular Client Communication
We provide progress updates at agreed intervals and respond to client enquiries within one working day. You will not be left uncertain about where your matter stands.
Conflict of Interest Checks
Before accepting any new matter, we conduct a thorough conflict of interest assessment to ensure our advice remains independent, impartial, and fully aligned with your interests.
Employment Law Knowledge Rooted in Malaysia
The employer-employee relationship in Malaysia is shaped by a body of legislation that has evolved considerably over the past decade. The Employment Act 1955 remains the primary framework — but its 2022 amendments introduced substantial changes, including provisions on flexible working arrangements, paternity leave, sexual harassment obligations, and the coverage of workers earning above the previous salary threshold.
The Industrial Relations Act 1967 governs dismissal disputes and the rights of workers to challenge unfair treatment before the Industrial Court. Understanding how the Department of Industrial Relations and the Industrial Court interact — and the timelines involved — is essential for both employers preparing for potential proceedings and employees considering their options after termination.
For businesses, the Minimum Wages Order and Employment (Part-Time Employees) Regulations add further layers of obligation, particularly for companies with diverse or part-time workforces. HR policies that appeared compliant several years ago may need revisiting in light of these changes.
Setia Counsel draws on deep familiarity with this legislative landscape to offer employment law advice that is grounded, proportionate, and oriented towards practical outcomes for Malaysian workplaces.
Have a Question About Your Workplace Situation?
Whether you are an employer or an employee, we welcome an initial conversation to understand your circumstances and point you in the right direction.
Get in Touch