The MTUC is a federation of trade unions and registered under the Societies Act, 1955. It is the oldest National Centre representing the Malaysian workers. The Unions affiliated to MTUC represent all major industries and sector with approximately 500,000 members.

The MTUC is affiliated to the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC). It is a representative, independent and democratic organization that defends employment and trade union rights in Malaysia.

The MTUC has been recognized by the Government as the representative of workers in Malaysia and is consulted by Government on major changes in labour laws through the National Joint Labour Advisory Council. MTUC also represent labour at the International Labour Organisation Conferences and Meetings. MTUC is actively involved in addressing migrant workers including domestic workers' issues in the last 10 years.

MTUC is pressing government to amend the Employment Act 1955 to include migrant domestic workers.  MTUC is strongly advocating:

- The elimination of recruiting agents
- Strengthen the role of governments of origin and the destination country. 
- Advocating for a minimum wage and a standardized contract for the domestic workers.
- To ensure a more efficient and fair recruitment procedure and
- To establish an Association for Migrant Domestic Workers.