At the beginning of 1978, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) started with a total of 877 members, including both direct members of the former MECA and six employer trade unions. The transition to MEF allowed the organisation to further consolidate employer representation in Malaysia, drawing in businesses from various sectors such as commerce, industry, and agriculture. The goal of MEF was to foster unity and collaboration among employers and serve as the most representative employer organisation in the country. Over time, MEF expanded its membership and influence, becoming a key institution in shaping labour policies and industrial relations.