What Is the Difference Between an Employment Pass and a Work Permit in Malaysia?

What Is the Difference Between an Employment Pass and a Work Permit in Malaysia?

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 […]

Anwar Ibrahim’s RM15 Billion Relief Package: Key Implications for HR and Employers in Malaysia

Anwar Ibrahim’s RM15 Billion Relief Package: Key Implications for HR and Employers in Malaysia

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 […]

Expatriate Employment Pass in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Application Process

Expatriate Employment Pass in Malaysia: Step-by-Step Application Process

Hiring foreign professionals in Malaysia can significantly enhance your company’s capabilities, especially if you’re seeking specialised knowledge, leadership experience, or multilingual skills. But before onboarding global talent, your business must obtain an Expatriate Employment Pass (EP). In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step application process, from preparing your documents to submitting them through the Expatriate Services Division […]

Stamp Duty Update: Exemption for Employment Contracts Signed Before 2025

Stamp Duty Update: Exemption for Employment Contracts Signed Before 2025

KUALA LUMPUR, 6 June 2025 – The Inland Revenue Board (LHDN) has issued an important update concerning stamp duty requirements for employment contracts, providing much-needed clarity for employers nationwide. Summary of Stamp Duty Requirements for Employment Contracts To ease compliance and reduce the burden on employers, LHDN has introduced a phased approach for enforcing stamp duty on employment contracts: Contract […]

Employment Contract Stamping in Malaysia: What Employers Need to Know

Employment Contract Stamping in Malaysia: What Employers Need to Know

Based on: LHDNM’s Requirements on Stamping of Employment Contracts, presented by MEF Adviser Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan Starting January 2025, Malaysia’s Inland Revenue Board (LHDNM) has begun actively enforcing the Stamp Act 1949 in relation to employment contracts. MEF Adviser Datuk Hj Shamsuddin Bardan recently provided an in-depth briefing on this development to over 2,400 HR professionals, clarifying the requirements, […]

Sick Leave Entitlement in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for HR

Sick Leave Entitlement in Malaysia: A Practical Guide for HR

Sick leave is an important benefit that allows employees to rest and recover when they are unwell. In Malaysia, sick leave entitlements are protected by law under the Employment Act 1955, and HR practitioners must ensure that these entitlements are given fairly and managed properly. This article explains what HR teams need to know about sick leave entitlement, how to […]

Stamping of Employment Contracts in Malaysia: Is It Required?

Stamping of Employment Contracts in Malaysia: Is It Required?

Introduction Employment contracts are a key document that sets out the terms of engagement between employer and employee. While many companies prepare and sign these contracts diligently, one question frequently arises: Do employment contracts need to be stamped in Malaysia? This article provides a practical guide for HR managers and employers on stamping employment contracts, including recent updates from the […]

Employment Pass Application in Malaysia

Employment Pass Application in Malaysia

Securing an Employment Pass (EP) is essential for expatriates seeking employment in Malaysia. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the application process, eligibility criteria, required documentation, processing timelines, and common pitfalls to avoid. What is an Employment Pass? An Employment Pass is a work permit that allows foreign professionals, managers, and executives to legally work and reside in Malaysia. […]

How to Submit Form E & CP8D 2025

How to Submit Form E & CP8D 2025

Submitting Form E and C.P.8D is a critical annual compliance requirement for employers in Malaysia. These forms are part of the statutory obligations to report employee income details to the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to accurately submit Form E and C.P.8D for the 2024 assessment year. What Are […]

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