Malaysia plans to introduce a job-vacancy reporting requirement through PERKESO. Under the proposal, an employer would report a vacant or newly created position before hiring. The employer would then update PERKESO after the position is filled. Parliament approved the amended Bill on 30 June 2026. The approved changes include lower, tiered fines. Business groups have asked the government to start […]
Updated: 7 August 2026 The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (HASiL) has issued an important clarification on the stamp duty treatment of employment-related instruments. The latest announcement provides greater clarity for employers, particularly on employment contracts for employees earning RM3,000 or below per month and the treatment of supplementary employment documents. What Employers Need to Know The key points from […]
Malaysia’s new PERKESO LINDUNG 24 Jam scheme has created an unusual payroll challenge for employers. The scheme took effect on 1 June 2026 as compulsory protection for eligible employees. Following a Cabinet decision in July 2026, participation became voluntary for Malaysian employees but remained compulsory for foreign employees. However, voluntary participation does not mean that employers should immediately stop deductions […]
Renewing an Employment Pass in Malaysia looks straightforward on paper, until a missing payslip or an outdated organisational chart pushes the timeline past the expiry date. Every year, companies sponsoring expatriates under Employment Pass Malaysia rules discover too late that renewal isn’t something to start a few weeks out. This guide covers exactly when to begin the renewal process, which […]
A rejected Expatriate Employment Pass application can derail a hiring plan overnight, especially when the role was meant to start within weeks. Malaysia’s Expatriate Services Division (ESD) rejects a meaningful share of applications every year, often for reasons employers don’t fully understand until after the decision lands. Since May 2026, the window to challenge a rejection has also shrunk dramatically, […]
For many early-stage companies, hiring foreign talent is essential to scale quickly. But a common question among founders is: can startups apply for employment pass Malaysia? The short answer is yes, but with strict conditions. Unlike established companies, startups face additional scrutiny when applying for Employment Passes (EP), particularly around financial strength, business credibility, and regulatory compliance. This guide breaks […]