Malaysian Government Directory

🏛️ Complete Guide to Ministries & Agencies

Confused by acronyms like JPN, LHDN, MCMC? This guide explains what each Malaysian ministry and government agency does in simple English. Perfect for students, jobseekers, and first-time voters.

🧭 Understanding Malaysian Government Structure

Malaysia has about 25 ministries and hundreds of agencies. This guide focuses on the ones that affect your daily life.

🏛️ Major Ministries (Kementerian)

Malaysia has about 25 ministries, each responsible for different areas of government. Here are the main ones that affect daily life:

Ministry of Health (MOH)

Role: Runs hospitals, clinics, vaccination programs, food safety, medical licensing

Examples: Public hospitals, COVID-19 vaccines, restaurant health inspections

Ministry of Education (MOE)

Role: Primary and secondary schools, national exams, teacher training

Examples: SPM exams, school curriculum, teacher certification

Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE)

Role: Universities, colleges, student loans (PTPTN), research funding

Examples: University accreditation, PTPTN loans, research grants

Ministry of Finance (MOF)

Role: National budget, taxes, government spending, economic policy

Examples: Annual budget, tax policies, government contracts

Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA)

Role: Police, immigration, national security, civil defense

Examples: Police force, immigration control, emergency response

Ministry of Transport (MOT)

Role: Roads, railways, airports, public transport, vehicle licensing

Examples: Highway maintenance, MRT systems, airport operations

Ministry of Communications and Digital (MCPD)

Role: Internet, telecommunications, digital services, postal services

Examples: Internet policies, mobile networks, digital transformation

Ministry of Housing and Local Government (MHLG)

Role: Housing policies, local councils, urban planning

Examples: Affordable housing, city planning, local government

🪪 Identity & Documentation

JPN - Jabatan Pendaftaran Negara

What they do: National Registration Department - Issues MyKad, birth certificates, marriage certificates

Services: IC replacement, birth registration, marriage registration, death certificates

When you need them: Lost IC, newborn registration, getting married

JIM - Jabatan Imigresen Malaysia

What they do: Immigration Department - Controls borders, visas, foreign worker permits

Services: Passport applications, visa processing, work permits, border control

When you need them: Passport renewal, visa applications, international travel

💰 Finance & Taxation

LHDN - Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri

What they do: Inland Revenue Board - Collects income tax, corporate tax, handles tax returns

Services: Tax filing, tax refunds, tax investigations, BR1M/STR payments

When you need them: Annual tax returns, tax refunds, tax problems

KWSP - Kumpulan Wang Simpanan Pekerja

What they do: Employees Provident Fund (EPF) - Manages retirement savings for workers

Services: EPF withdrawals, retirement planning, i-Akaun, contribution monitoring

When you need them: Retirement, buying house, education withdrawals

PERKESO - Pertubuhan Keselamatan Sosial

What they do: Social Security Organization (SOCSO) - Provides social security, workplace injury insurance

Services: Disability benefits, medical coverage, workplace injury claims, unemployment benefits

When you need them: Workplace accidents, disability claims, job loss

🎓 Education & Human Resources

JPA - Jabatan Perkhidmatan Awam

What they do: Public Service Department - Manages government jobs, scholarships, civil service

Services: Government job applications, scholarship programs, civil service exams

When you need them: Applying for government jobs, scholarships, civil service careers

PTPTN - Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi Nasional

What they do: National Higher Education Fund - Provides student loans for higher education

Services: University loan applications, loan repayments, scholarship applications

When you need them: University funding, student loans, education financing

🚗 Transport & Licensing

JPJ - Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan

What they do: Road Transport Department - Issues driving licenses, vehicle registration, road tax

Services: Driving tests, license renewals, vehicle registration, road tax renewal

When you need them: Getting driving license, buying/selling cars, renewing road tax

CAAM - Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia

What they do: Regulates aviation, airport safety, pilot licenses

Services: Flight safety regulations, aircraft registration, pilot training oversight

When you need them: Aviation careers, aircraft operations, airport safety issues

📡 Communications & Media

MCMC - Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission

What they do: Regulates internet, TV, radio, telecommunications

Services: Internet complaint handling, broadcasting licenses, telecom regulations

When you need them: Internet service problems, broadcast complaints, telecom issues

🛡️ Health & Safety

PDRM - Polis Diraja Malaysia

What they do: Royal Malaysian Police - Law enforcement, crime prevention, public safety

Services: Police reports, criminal investigations, traffic enforcement, emergency response

When you need them: Reporting crimes, traffic accidents, lost documents, emergencies

BOMBA - Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat

What they do: Fire and Rescue Department - Fire fighting, emergency rescue, safety inspections

Services: Fire safety certificates, emergency response, rescue operations, safety inspections

When you need them: Fire emergencies, safety certifications, rescue situations

🌱 Environment & Resources

JPS - Jabatan Pengairan dan Saliran

What they do: Department of Irrigation and Drainage - Manages water resources, flood control, irrigation

Services: Flood warnings, water supply projects, drainage systems, irrigation management

When you need them: Flood issues, water supply problems, drainage concerns

DOE - Department of Environment

What they do: Environmental protection, pollution control, waste management

Services: Environmental impact assessments, air quality monitoring, waste permits

When you need them: Environmental complaints, pollution reports, waste management issues

📋 Important Notes

  • Different levels: Federal agencies serve the whole country, while state and local agencies serve specific areas
  • Online services: Most agencies now have online portals - check their websites before visiting in person
  • Operating hours: Most government offices are open 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM on weekdays
  • Documents needed: Always bring your MyKad and any relevant documents
  • Contact first: Call or check online before visiting to confirm requirements and opening hours