When the year-end approaches, many HR teams face the same question: what do we do with employees’ unused annual leave? Can employers simply let it expire? Are they obligated to carry it forward? Can they pay it out instead? And what does the Employment Act 1955 actually say? This guide gives you the definitive answer — covering the statutory position, […]
The statutory entitlement is 7 consecutive days for each qualifying confinement, restricted to 5 confinements, regardless of the number of spouses. To qualify, the employee must be legally married, must have been employed by the same employer for at least 12 months before starting paternity leave, and must notify the employer at least 30 days before the expected confinement or […]
Every year, Malaysian taxpayers have the opportunity to reduce their taxable income by claiming eligible personal tax reliefs. Planning your expenses throughout the year can significantly reduce the amount of income tax payable when filing your annual tax return. Following Budget 2026, several existing tax reliefs have been expanded, while certain temporary reliefs have also been reintroduced to encourage spending […]
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) has announced a new expatriate employment policy aimed at strengthening local talent development while maintaining Malaysia’s competitiveness as an investment destination. Under this new policy, the minimum salary requirements and employment duration for Employment Pass (EP) Categories I, II, and III have been revised. These changes will take effect on 1 June 2026, allowing […]
Hiring talent in Malaysia has changed dramatically in recent years. More companies are expanding into new markets, building remote teams, and hiring talent before incorporating locally. Because of this, EOR services — also known as Employer of Record services — have become one of the fastest-growing HR solutions among SMEs and global companies. But here’s the challenge: as demand increases, […]
Below is the national calendar of all public holidays in Malaysia for 2026. Mark these dates on your calendar to plan ahead, effectively manage your work schedule, and enjoy a well-deserved break. Public HolidayDateDayAffected StatesNew Year’s DayJanuary 01, 2026ThursdayNational except Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis & TerengganuYDPB Negeri Sembilan’s BirthdayJanuary 14, 2026WednesdayNegeri SembilanIsrak and MikrajJanuary 17, 2026SaturdayKedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perlis & TerengganuIsrak […]
As Malaysia continues to attract foreign investment and position itself as a competitive regional hub, more international businesses are expanding their operations—and hiring foreign talent. However, bringing expatriates into the Malaysian workforce involves a regulated process, primarily centered around the Expatriate Employment Pass. Whether you’re a business owner, HR manager, or looking for an employment pass agency to help with […]
Beginning October 2025, the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) will implement a new policy requiring mandatory EPF contributions for non-Malaysian employees working in Malaysia. This marks a significant shift from the previous voluntary contribution model and aims to strengthen social protection coverage for all workers under the Malaysia MADANI agenda. This article outlines what employers need to know and do to […]
When expanding your workforce in Malaysia, hiring non-Malaysian employees may require you to navigate the country’s immigration landscape. Two of the most common terms you’ll come across are the Employment Pass (EP) and the Work Permit (also known as the Temporary Employment Pass or TEP). While they may sound similar, these two permits serve very different purposes, and choosing the […]
On 23 July 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a comprehensive RM15 billion appreciation package to ease the rising cost of living for Malaysians. This announcement includes nationwide cash assistance, fuel subsidies, healthcare workforce expansion, a toll hike freeze, and a newly declared public holiday. While the measures are designed to support the rakyat, they also present strategic […]