Legal

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 15 April 2025 | Effective Date: 15 April 2025

Restu Bahagia ("the Firm", "we", "us", "our") is committed to protecting the personal data of every person who contacts us or uses our services. This Privacy Policy describes what information we collect, how we use it, and the rights you hold in relation to it under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA) of Malaysia.

1. Introduction and Scope

This policy applies to personal data collected through our website at https://restubahad.world, via telephone, email, and in-person at our office at Wisma Damai, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It covers all clients, prospective clients, and visitors who interact with the Firm.

2. Data We Collect

We may collect the following categories of personal data:

Identification data: Full name, identity card number (where required for legal proceedings)
Contact data: Email address, telephone number, postal address
Matter details: Information about your family law matter shared during advisory sessions or correspondence
Technical data: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and duration of visit (collected via analytics cookies, with your consent)
Communication records: Emails, call records, and meeting notes

3. How We Collect Data

Directly from you — via our contact form, telephone calls, email, and in-person consultations
Automatically — via cookies placed on your device when you visit our website (subject to your consent)
From third parties — where permitted, such as from courts or opposing advisers in connection with your matter

4. Legal Basis for Processing

We process your personal data on the following grounds under the PDPA 2010:

Contract performance: To provide the legal services you have engaged us for
Legal obligation: To comply with professional and regulatory requirements imposed on legal practitioners in Malaysia
Legitimate interests: For the administration and security of our practice
Consent: For optional analytics and marketing cookies

5. How We Use Your Data

To provide family law advisory and drafting services
To communicate with you about your matter and respond to enquiries
To prepare and file legal documents on your behalf
To maintain accurate records as required by Malaysian Bar Council guidelines
To improve our website based on aggregated, anonymised analytics data (only where consent is given)

6. Data Sharing

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal data. We may share your data only in these limited circumstances:

With courts, tribunals, or government bodies in Sabah as required for your matter
With opposing parties or their legal representatives, to the extent required by your matter
With qualified family mediators coordinated as part of your engagement, with your knowledge
With professional indemnity insurers, as required under Bar Council regulations
With our data processors (such as secure file storage providers), who are contractually bound to protect your data

7. Data Retention

Client files are retained for a minimum of seven (7) years after the close of the matter, in accordance with Malaysian Bar Council guidelines and limitation periods under the Limitation Act 1953. After this period, files are destroyed securely. Technical and analytics data is retained for no more than 26 months.

8. Data Security

Client files are stored in locked physical filing systems and password-protected digital systems
Access to client data is restricted to the adviser and staff working on the matter
Email communications involving sensitive data are handled with reasonable care; we may suggest encryption for highly sensitive matters
Any suspected data breach is reported to the relevant authority and affected clients without undue delay

9. Cookies

Our website uses cookies to remember your preferences and, with your consent, to collect anonymous analytics data. You can manage your cookie preferences at any time via our Cookie Policy page.

10. Your Rights Under the PDPA 2010

Under Malaysian data protection law, you have the right to:

Access the personal data we hold about you
Correct inaccurate or incomplete personal data
Withdraw consent for processing based on consent (this does not affect processing already carried out)
Request that we cease processing your data for direct marketing purposes
Make a complaint to the Personal Data Protection Commissioner of Malaysia if you believe your rights have been violated

To exercise any of these rights, contact us at [email protected] or by post to our Kota Kinabalu office. We will respond within 21 days.

11. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to external websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of those sites and encourage you to read their policies separately.

12. Children's Privacy

Our services are intended for adults aged 18 and above. We do not knowingly collect personal data from minors. If you believe a minor has submitted data to us without appropriate supervision, please contact us and we will delete the information.

13. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. The revised version will be posted on our website with an updated "Last Updated" date. Continued use of our services after any change constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.

14. Contact for Privacy Matters

For questions or concerns about this policy or about your personal data:

Email: [email protected]
Post: Restu Bahagia, Wisma Damai, Jalan Gaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Telephone: +60 8-9264 7385 (during office hours)