# Legal Aid: How to Get Free or Subsidised Legal Services

> Low-income Malaysians can obtain free or subsidised lawyer services through the Legal Aid Department, YBGK and the Bar Council's Legal Aid Centre. This guide explains the eligibility, means test and how to apply.

- Category: law
- Language: en
- Status: published
- Updated: 2026-08-07
- Canonical: https://negaraku.md/en/law/legal-aid-in-malaysia

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Facing a lawsuit, a divorce or a claim but unable to afford a lawyer? You do not have to face the court alone. Three bodies in Malaysia provide free or subsidised legal services for those on low incomes.

## Who provides legal aid in Malaysia?

There are three main channels, each with a different focus:

- **Legal Aid Department (JBG)** — a government agency under the Prime Minister's Department that operates under the Legal Aid Act 1971 (Act 26). It handles legal advisory services, civil cases, civil family cases, syariah family cases, certain criminal cases, mediation and the McKenzie friend service.
- **National Legal Aid Foundation (YBGK)** — provides free legal aid for criminal cases, including at the arrest, remand, bail application and appeal stages.
- **Bar Council Legal Aid Centre** — run by volunteer lawyers in every state, offering legal advice and representation.

## Who is eligible for JBG assistance?

JBG eligibility is determined through a **means test** that assesses the applicant's annual financial resources. Applicants are divided into three categories:

| Category | Annual financial resources | Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Category I | RM50,000 and below | RM10 registration fee only |
| Category II | Above RM50,001 but not exceeding RM70,001 | RM10 + contribution |
| Category III | Above RM70,001 | RM10 + contribution |

In other words, if your annual income is RM50,000 or less, you receive **full assistance** by paying only the RM10 registration fee. For the higher-income categories, the contribution is calculated according to income level — for example, the RM50,001–RM55,000 band is charged a contribution of between RM500 and RM2,000. The contribution must be paid in full before the case is registered and cannot be paid in instalments.

## What types of cases are covered?

JBG covers a wide range of matters, including road accident claims, workers' compensation, tenancy, hire purchase, small estates, letters of administration, adoption applications, civil and syariah family cases, as well as certain criminal cases (for example, where the accused pleads guilty and makes a plea in mitigation, cases under the Child Act 2001 and the Minor Offences Act 1955).

For broader criminal cases, YBGK provides free assistance to all citizens at the early stages (from arrest to bail), while assistance at the trial and appeal stages is subject to a means test of an income not exceeding RM50,000 a year.

## How do you apply?

At the JBG, the process usually runs as follows:

1. Register at the nearest JBG office.
2. Complete the Means Test Form and the Statutory Declaration Form.
3. Undergo a financial means assessment and an interview session to identify the issues.
4. The application is processed (no more than 3 days).
5. If approved, pay the RM10 registration fee (and a contribution if applicable), and an action file is opened.

Bring supporting documents such as your identity card, salary slips or proof of income, and documents related to your case.

## What's next

- Check your preliminary eligibility using the JBG online means test calculator at [aplikasi.jbg.gov.my/means_test](https://aplikasi.jbg.gov.my/means_test/) before heading to the office.
- For urgent criminal cases (for example, if you have been detained or remanded), call the YBGK toll-free line at 1 800 88 9245 for immediate assistance.
- If you do not qualify financially or your case falls outside the JBG's jurisdiction, get a referral from the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre in your state.

## Sources

- Kelayakan untuk mendapat Bantuan Guaman — https://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php/ms-my/info-jbg/bantuan-guaman/kelayakan-untuk-mendapat-bantuan-guaman (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Malaysia)
- Tatacara Mendapatkan Bantuan Guaman — https://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php/ms-my/info-jbg/bantuan-guaman/tatacara-mendapatkan-bantuan-guaman (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Malaysia)
- Soalan Lazim: Fi dan Sumbangan di Jabatan Bantuan Guaman — https://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php/en/faq/umuma-3 (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Malaysia)
- Legislation and Jurisdiction — https://www.jbg.gov.my/index.php/en/information/legislation-and-jurisdiction (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Malaysia)
- Ujian Kemampuan Kelayakan Bantuan Guaman (Kalkulator dalam talian) — https://aplikasi.jbg.gov.my/means_test/ (Jabatan Bantuan Guaman Malaysia)
- Perkhidmatan YBGK — https://www.ybgk.org.my/Perkhidmatan.html (Yayasan Bantuan Guaman Kebangsaan)
- Find Legal Aid Centres — https://www.malaysianbar.org.my/article/find/bc-legal-aid-centres/legal-aid-centres/find-legal-aid-centres (The Malaysian Bar)

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