Legal Aid in Malaysia

By the notion of legal aid, it is a provision of assistance to people who are unable to afford legal
representation and access to the court system. Legal aid is usually bestowed upon the deserving
public by legal based organizations such as the Bar Council, Ministry of Legal Affairs and other
established legal organizations. The existence of legal aid is necessary in providing access to
justice by ensuring equality before the law, the right to counsel and the right to a fair trial to
enable deserving individuals to have the conduit, avenue or access to the professional help they
require. By this virtue, legal aid is momentous and paramount in guaranteeing equal access to
justice for all.
Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (BCLAC)
1.0 Background:
Bar Council Legal Aid Center was established by the Bar Council. The first of such center was
set up in 1980 in the state of Penang as Legal Advisory Centre. This was in accordance to the
Legal Profession Act (LPA) 1976, Section 42 (1) (h) which states The purpose of the
Malaysian Bar shall be, amongst others, to make provision for or assist in the promotion of a
scheme whereby impecunious persons may be represented by advocates and solicitors. The first
official Legal Aid Centre was set up in Kuala Lumpur in 1982. In 1983, the Malaysian Bar gave
substance to the LPA 1976 Section 42 (1) (h) by passing a resolution to set up its Legal Aid
Scheme whereby every practicing lawyer is required to contribute MYR 100 per year towards
the scheme. Its head office is the Bar Council, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

1.1 Organizational Structure and Branches

BCLAC has either one or two offices in each state in the Peninsular Malaysia. There are now 15
BCLACs and all are managed by the Bar Council through the National Legal Aid Committee.
Each center is headed by a Chairperson assisted by the Management Panel. The Chairperson and
members of the Management Panel are all active members of the Malaysian Bar. The center is
staffed either by the office administrator, executive officers or office clerks. Lawyers volunteer

give free legal advice or represent the clients on a voluntary basis. Refer to Appendix A for list of
LAC across Malaysia.

1.2 Finance and Budgeting

The budget of LAC hails from the Bar Council Legal Aid Fund. It is mandatory for members of
the Malaysian Bar to contribute a compulsory fee of MYR 100 per year to this fund. The fund
receives about MYR 1.3 million per year from Malaysian Bar members, and it also disburses out
about the same amount to all BCLACs yearly to operate the centers and also to carry out their
outreach activities.

2.0 Function:
The Bar Council Legal Aid Centre (BCLAC) was founded by the Malaysian Bar Council with
the purpose of providing citizens equal opportunity for the enforcements of their fundamental
right to equality before the law. It is one of two organizations in Malaysia which provide free
legal advice & representation, and it has branches to represent each state in Malaysia. The
BCLAC are actively involved in pro-bono work in the community, and conduct many programs
in cooperation with other organization (e.g. All Women Action Society (AWAM), Womens Aid
Organization (WAO), Sisters-In-Islam (SIS), Tenaganitas Migrant Workers Desk, Pink Triangle
Foundation, and United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to provide free legal
advice & representation to relevant parties. The BCLAC is funded by the sole contribution of
members of the Bar and cases are taken on a voluntary basis by dedicated lawyers. Hinging on
this, their services are limited to those who truly have no means to seek representation privately.
In a brief manner, the following depicts the function of BCLAC:
(i) Provide legal aid services to the impecunious
(ii) Attend to complaints from the public against members of the Bar
(iii) Manage a compensation fund to protect interests of members of the public whom as clients
of lawyers have suffered losses arising out of the dishonesty of lawyers.
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3.0 Scope of Statutory Aid:

Matters that BCLAC Handles
Criminal Offences
Public Interest Ligitation
Syariah Cases
Housing / Tenancy
Domestic Violence
Migrant Issues
Labor / Employment
Passport / Identity Card Problems

Matters that BCLAC does not Handle

Motor Accidents
Debt Collection
Defamation Conveyance
Probate / Letter of Administration
Death or Life Sentence

BCLAC handles the following cases: Criminal cases, public interest cases, housing/tenancy
issues, labor/ employment, family law matters, Syariah (Islamic) family law cases, domestic
violence cases, migrant/refugees issues, immigration issues (passport, identity cards) and public
interest litigation cases.

4.0 Legal Aid Programs Offered:

BCLAC provides free legal advice at its centers and free legal representation at courts in
Peninsular Malaysia only. Withal to that, BCLAC also conducts the following programs:
1. Dock Brief Programs
Free legal services such as mitigation of sentences, bail applications and remand matters to
accused at lower courts. Services are provided to those clients who pleaded guilty and need
assistance in mitigation (reducing the sentence), bail applications and remand hearings.
2. Prisons Visits
BCLAC also provides legal advices to prison inmates and the corresponding action necessary to
be taken in follow-up episodes at BCLAC. One of the most notable programs under such scheme
would be Kajang Women's Prison Clinic
3. Legal Awareness Programs

BCLAC also offer talks on legal rights and distribute pamphlets at schools, public places,
villages, and juvenile homes. In certain notable occasions, BCLACs partner with
nongovernmental organizations such as womens organization and youth organizations in
organizing legal awareness programs.
4. Skill Development Programs
On top of that, BCLAC also organize training for volunteer legal aid lawyers on Family Law,
Human Rights, Syariah Law, and Criminal Law, among others.
5. Migrant Workers Clinic (MWC)
This is a joint program with Tenaganita's Migrant Workers Desk, which BCLAC provides free
legal advice, representation and assistance to deserving migrant workers (who came legally to
Malaysia) for instance, in the event of being abused and exploited. They also liaise with relevant
authorities such as but not limited to Police, Labour and Immigration Department and Inland
Revenue and coordinating/participating in negotiating with ex-employers.
6. LAC/ United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees Clinic
This is a joint program with UNHCR (United Nation High Commissioner for Refugees). They
provide legal advice and assistance on refugees issue to refugees such as advises, counsel and
assisting the refugees on legal issues.

5.0 Application Process and Eligibility:

Applicants will be interviewed to review his/her eligibility for their services, using the Means
Test. The counselors will then review the applicants case and provide guidance on future actions
required. If the applicant has not brought all the required documents, the counselors may provide
preliminary advice, but will require these documents to be submitted to proceed further.
The criteria for people who qualify for legal aid from the BCLAC are:
Applicants whose monthly income, after deduction of monthly expenses, should be:
Single person

: RM650

Married couple (joint income)

: RM900

Example: Single person

Salary

: RM1000 p/m

Monthly exp.

: RM450

Balance

: RM550 (QUALIFIED)

Monthly expenses include rental, utility bills, medical bills, personal expenses, monies given to
support parents/family, etc. When visiting the LAC, an applicant should provide proof of income
(e.g. payslip), monthly expenses (e.g. rental receipt, medical expenses etc.) and details of the
case he/she seek help on.
On top of that, the applicants must not have in possession of assets worth over MYR 45,000 (for
house/flat), MYR 20,000 (car), MYR 4,500 (motorcycle) and MYR 5,000 (in savings account).
These figures are solely intended for guidance purposes, some applicants are deemed eligible on
the basis upon merits of the case. The figures may also vary from state to state in Peninsular
Malaysia, where it largely boils down to the standard of living in each state. If the applicant is
qualified for legal aid services, they need to pay disbursements either to the BCLAC or the
volunteer lawyers to cover the cost of transportation for the lawyers to go to court and
documentation fees. Disbursements range from about MYR 300 to MYR 700 depending on the
case. Disbursements can be paid in installments. Lawyers do not charge professional fees for
legal advice and legal representation to the client.

Even if an applicant does not qualify for the afore-conferred requirements, the LAC is still
willing to provide basic guidelines and directions for further action to walk-in clients. They also
hold a directory of legal firms available in the vicinity. They do not entertain legal queries via the
telephone, to ensure the integrity of any information given. On top of that, keep in mind that not
all cases require legal representation. For instance, for a small claims case no legal
representation is necessary. You only need to submit a form to the Magistrate Court 9, Jalan Duta
(available there). Small claims cases include all actions where the money damages claimed are
not in excess of RM500.

Legal Aid Bureau (Biro Bantuan Guaman)

1.0 Background:
Legal Aid Bureau (LAB) was established in 1970 under the semblance of the same name, as
Legal Aid Bureau. In the wake of subsequence, in 1971, the Malaysian Government passed the
Legal Aid Act 1971. The Act makes provisions for the grant of legal aid to certain persons and
for matters connected with it. JBG is administered by the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime
Ministers Department. The status of Legal Aid Bureau was elevated to a governments
department in January 2010. Its head office is in the Federal Administrative Centre, Putrajaya,
Malaysia.
1.1 Organizational Structure and Branches
LAB has offices throughout Malaysia. The Minister appoints from amongst members of the
Judicial and Legal Service a person to be or to act as a Director General. The Director General
shall prepare and maintain panels of solicitors willing to investigate report and give an opinion
upon applications for the grant of legal aid, to act for persons receiving legal aid or to give legal
advice under the provisions of this Legal Aid Act 1971. There may be separate panels for
different purposes and for different courts. Refer to Appendix B for list of branches of LAB.

Figure 1: Organizational Chart and Branches of Legal Aid Bureau

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1.2 Finance and Budgeting

The budget hails from the Malaysian Federal Government. The allocation for 2014 is
approximately MYR 2.5 million. This amount will cover the expenses to run JBG offices
(including purchase of stationery and other office materials), promotional works, and payments
to JBG panel lawyers (about MYR 200,000 yearly). Salaries to JBG lawyers, officers and staff
are not included in this amount and come separately from the salaries for civil servants under the
Federal Government.
2.0 Function:
Synonymous and to close functional proximity with Bar Council Legal Aid Center, Legal Aid
Bureau (Biro Bantuan Guaman) is another organization which provide free legal aid to the
general public in Malaysia. It is a governmental body, under the jurisdiction of Bahagian Hal
Ehwal Undang-Undang, Jabatan Perdana Menteri (Legal Affair Division, Prime Ministers
Department). Provision of legal advices (orally) and legal assistance to deserving members (with
limited means of doing so) of the public are its general objectives. Consubstantial to the Legal
Aid Center (LAC) run by the Malaysian Bar Council, the BBG provides free legal advice and
representation to individuals who are deemed to have passed their qualifying criteria. Withal to
that, they also provide subsidized legal services and in the event that one does not qualify for this
either, guidance will still be provided nevertheless. Its specific functions include the followings:
1. To give legal advice on all legal matters (Fourth Schedule)
2. To represent or provide legal assistance in proceedings in all courts in Malaysia within the
jurisdiction as provided in the Second Schedule (criminal jurisdiction) and the Third Schedule
(civil jurisdiction) Legal Aid Act 1971
3. To provide mediation services
4. To promote legal awareness to the general public on their rights under the law.

3.0 Scope of Statutory Aid:

The LAB provides legal advices on all aspects which pertain to the law. The main distinction
between the LAB and LAC is that the LAB will only represent clients in criminal cases where
the client pleads guilty to his or her charge. The exceptions to this are in small criminal offence
(Kesalahan kecil jenayah) and child criminal (Jenayah kanak-kanak) cases. Cases may be
referred to the LAC or their external panel of lawyers but the cost is borne by the BBG in as
much as clients fulfill their qualifying criteria and their cases are within the scribed purview of
legal assistance. The followings represent the jurisdiction of BBG:
Matters that LAB Handles
Syariah Family Matters

Matters that LAB does not Handle

Criminal Case where the person charged

Civil Family Matters

Civil Cases*
Criminal Cases on Limited Basis*
Mediation for Syariah and Civil Cases

intents to claim trial.

Does not assist legal migrants or foreigners

Notes:
1. Civil cases as afore-conferred, are inclusive of the following cases:
a. workmen's compensation

b. padi cultivators

c. small estate (distribution)

d. road accident

e. moneylenders

f. hire-purchase

g. tenancy matters

h. probate and letters of administration

i. adoption

j. consumer claims

2. Criminal cases

LAB only handles criminal cases where accused plead guilty and need assistance with
mitigation. It has a constrained boundary in handling criminal cases, of which they are identified
as per following:
(i) Representing a child offender charged with criminal offences in proceedings in the Court For
Children (in camera) or in Open Court under the Child Act 2001 [Act 611] in the event that the
child offender is charged jointly with an adult
(ii) Representing an accused person charged with criminal offences under the Minor Offences
Act 1955 [Act 336].
(iii) Representing an accused person who pleads guilty to the charge and wishes to make a plea
in mitigation in respect thereof.
Any other criminal cases that falls beyond the defined constraints or boundaries of LAB, is
referred to BCLAC.

4.0 Documents Required for Application Purposes:

The following documents are required when visiting a LAB branch:
1. Identity Card
2. Childrens identity cards / birth certificate (if applicable)
3. Marriage certificate (if applicable)
4. Divorce certificate / papers (if applicable)
5. Details of defendant (accused party) e.g., name, age, job, employer, etc.
6. Any other supporting and/or relevant documents

5.0 Application Process and Eligibility:

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The applicant will undergo a means test. Upon success, the applicant will be required to pay a
small token sum of registration fee of RM2.00 and to fill up some forms at the premises.
Following the submissions of the forms, an interview will be conducted to determine the full
details of the case with respect to the applicant and necessary actions to be taken thereon. The
applicant will also be mandated to sign a statutory declaration confirming if his/her annual
income is within the qualifying criteria set by BBG, and have this been certified by a
Commissioner of Oaths. Applicants should be cognizant and mindful that provision of false
information, deliberately or non-deliberately during the application process is an offense and
persecutions under Section 31 may ensue or eventuate upon discovery. Upon conviction, one
shall be fined not exceeding RM1, 000 or imprisonment of not more than 6 months
There are two main categories an applicant may fall into. Failing which, you can apply to the
Director of BBG for a special exemption.
i. First category Free Legal Aid
Applicants whose yearly income does not exceed RM25, 000 (i.e. RM2, 083 per month)
ii. Second category Subsidized Legal Aid
Applicants whose yearly income is more than RM25, 000 but does not exceed RM30, 000 (i.e.
RM2,500 per month).
iii. Special exemption
Applicants who do not qualify for the first or second category can apply for a special exemption
to obtain legal aid with the approval from the ministry (Y.B. Menteri). This application is made
through the Director of the BBG.

6.0 Cancellation of Certificate

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Under section 19 of the Legal Aid Act 1971 the Director General of Legal Aid or any person
appointed under subsection 3(2) may cancel a legal aid certificate. Pursuant to regulation 8 of the
Legal Aid and Advice Regulations 1970, a legal aid certificate may be revoked in any of the
following circumstances:
1. at the request of the person to whom it is issued;
2. the applicant has been required to make a contribution and any payment in respect thereof is
more than 30 days in arrears;
3. if the Director General is satisfied that the proceedings have been disposed of;
4. where the Director General is satisfied that the aided person has required the proceeding to be
conducted unreasonably so as to incur an unjustifiable expense to the Department;
5. demise of the aided person;
6. in the event that the aided person has had a receiving order made against him;
7. if the income of the aided person exceeds RM30,000.00 per annum upon further
determination;
8. if as a result of any information the Director General considers the aided person no longer has
reasonable grounds of being a party to the proceedings and it is unreasonable for him to continue
to receive legal aid;
9. if the aided person in furnishing information has knowingly made a false statement or false
representation.

Complaints against Lawyers:

The quality of services provided by the LAD is monitored via client satisfaction forms handed
to clients. Pursuant to accessible statistics, in 2010, the LAD received 31 complaints and in 2011,
27 complaints. Press reports indicated the Advocates and Solicitors Disciplinary Board receives
an average of 900 complaints each year, including for committing criminal breach of trust and
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breaching of solicitors ethics. Between January and May 2011, the board received 538
complaints. In the past five years, 144 lawyers have been disbarred following disciplinary
hearings.

Differences between Bar Council Legal Aid Center and Legal Aid Bureau
Both government and the Bar Council provide avenues for legal aid in Malaysia. In fact, the
recent establishment of National Legal Aid Foundation in 2011 has opened up the conduit to get
legal aid even greater. The provision of legal aid by the Government is through its Legal Aid
Bureaus located in all states whilst the Bar Council provides legal aid through its Legal Aid
Centers in all states in Peninsula Malaysia. For the sake of clarity, whenever mention is made
about the Legal Aid Bureau in Malaysia, it must be borne in mind it refers to the Government
funded Legal Aid Bureau. Reference to the Legal Aid Centres refers to the Bar Council Legal
Aid Centres. The Government legal aid is administered under the Legal Aid Act 1971 whereas
the Bar Council provides legal aid under the provisions of the Legal Profession Act 1976. The
differences between the between the Government Legal Aid Bureaus and the Bar Council Legal
Aid Centers is set out below.

Figure 2: Differences between LAB and BCLAC.

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Challenges / Shortcomings on Legal Aids in Malaysia

1. According to Bar Council Malaysia, the Government of Malaysia merely allocates 0.001% of
its annual GDP for legal aid. This is low by a marginal landslide compared to the allocation of
other government for legal aid funds. It should warrant our attention that Taiwan and Hong Kong
allocate approximately 0.05% of its GDP for legal aid funds. Finland allocates 0.03% of its GDP
for legal aid funds whereas England & Wales allocate about 1.2% of their GDP for legal aid
fund.
2. It is pertinent to be aware of the fact that Legal Aid service providers is that the lawyers
undertaking legal aid work are all paid. In fact, Hong Kong pays the legal aid lawyers at market
rate whereas all other legal aid service providers pay their lawyers about or 1/3 of the market
rate. Whilst the Government funded legal aid lawyers are paid in Malaysia, the Bar Council legal
aid lawyers are not paid any remuneration for the services that they provide. In the wake of that,
the shortage of legal aid lawyers
3. It is respectfully pointed out that all the mature legal aid service providers do have a program
to assist and represent the accused persons in conducting criminal defence. It is pertinent to note
that in Malaysia, the Legal Aid Bureau does not in its ordinary course of duties undertake the
conduct of criminal defence for the accused persons. They are severely restricted by the
requirements of the Legal Aid Act 1971. Most of the criminal cases that fall outside of their
limitations to handle are re-directed to BCLAC.

Recommendation
Albeit it is crucial to acknowledge that there are flaws and inadequacies of both BCLAC and
LAB, it should also not be sidelined that the BCLAC is constrained by its limited resources
contributed by its members, which is the hindrance for it to handle every single aspect of legal
aids. Government support is ostensibly lacking in Malaysia. With a close to 1.5% population
growth rates in Malaysia, it is imperative that the Government of Malaysia assume proactive
action to probe and delve into the dead-pits or flaws of its legal aid structure, according to the
recommendation of Bar Council of Malaysia. Amongst the most prominent recommendations
that is likely to contend to the current rift of legal aid boils down to increased funding by the
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government in matters concerning legal aids and increased awareness amongst lawyers to
support a social on top of taking pride of being associated with legal aid provision entities.

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