Kuala lumpur: The Malaysian Trades Union Congress (MTUC) has been temporarily dissolved by the Registrar of Societies (ROS) for failing to submit essential financial documents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the dissolution notice was issued under Section 14(5) of the Societies Act 1966, following MTUC's non-compliance with a directive dated April 6. The directive required the submission of financial statements, audited balance sheets from 2020 to 2025, and details of foreign financial contributions.

The notice, dated May 7, 2026, allows MTUC 30 days to appeal to the Home Ministry under Section 18 of the Societies Act 1966. The document, signed by Selangor ROS Nurul Azhar Husin, was sent to the MTUC secretary, with copies to MTUC president Datuk Abdul Halim Mansor and treasurer Bindu Girdharlal Patel.

ROS warned that without an appeal or if the appeal is rejected, the dissolution would become permanent, rendering MTUC an unlawful association. Under Section 42 of the Societies Act 1966, managing or assisting an unlawful association could lead to a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine not exceeding RM15,000, or both.

MTUC, established in 1949, is Malaysia's oldest national union for workers. Despite the current challenges, it retains the right to appeal the dissolution order within 30 days from its issuance.

ROS emphasized that its decision was made in strict adherence to the law and is not influenced by external interests. The department stressed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and integrity in regulating registered organizations.