KUALA LUMPUR: The government will raise the salary threshold for employment contracts exempted from stamp duty — from RM300 to RM3,000 per month — effective Jan 1, 2026.
The move, announced under the 2026 Budget by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Parliament, aims to further ease the cost of doing business by reducing administrative costs for employers and providing greater relief to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and microbusinesses.
In line with efforts to boost business efficiency, development financial institutions (DFIs) will also provide nearly RM1 billion in financing and grants to support business process automation and digital operations.
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will meanwhile allocate RM350 million to strengthen its National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI) nationwide, including mentoring rural entrepreneurs to increase their income through online businesses.
New Straits Times. (2025, October). 2026 Budget: SMEs, microbusinesses to benefit from stamp duty relief, RM1bil digital financing https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/1291643/2026-budget-smes-microbusinesses-benefit-stamp-duty-relief-rm1bil
- THE HEART WORK REVOLUTION
TEN years after its inception, the Life at Work Awards (LAWA) 2025 marked not just a milestone but a movement that celebrates how Malaysia’s workplaces are evolving with compassion, flexibility and purpose. Hosted by Talent Corporation Malaysia Bhd (TalentCorp), the gala night honoured organisations leading the way in shaping a fairer, more progressive, human-centred world […] - Group wants clear framework, pilot projects before expanding EIS to gig workers
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Industrial, Commercial and Service Employers Association (Micsea) has called on the government to set a clear policy framework and run pilot projects before expanding the Employment Insurance System (EIS) to gig and platform-based workers. The association said the plan, announced by human resources minister Steven Sim in the Dewan Rakyat on […] - Employer group seeks clarity on foreign worker pay rules after court ruling
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 3): The Malaysian Industrial Commercial & Service Employers Association (MICSEA) is calling on the Ministry of Human Resources (MOHR) to issue clear and structured guidelines on wage payment timelines for foreign workers, following a recent court ruling that employers must pay wages from the moment these workers arrive in Malaysia. The call […] - HR minister: Court backpay ruling a warning for employers over unpaid migrant wages
PUTRAJAYA: Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said the Shah Alam High Court’s ruling on unpaid wages to foreign workers should serve as a clear warning to employers, as withholding salaries is a serious breach of Malaysia’s labour laws. Referring to the ruling delivered on Friday, he said the Human Resources Ministry would not compromise with […] - Malaysia steps up efforts to ensure fair, dignified worker housing, says HR minister
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 28 — Malaysia is committed to ensuring that accommodation provided to workers meets international standards. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim Chee Keong said the government is taking a firm stand to regulate and enforce the Workers’ Minimum Standards of Housing, Accommodations and Amenities Act 1990. He said compliance with ESG requirements is […] - Gig workers can be represented by family members, associations in disputes, says HR Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: Gig workers who are unable to represent themselves during dispute mediations in the Tripartite Council can be represented by family members or a body such as an association of gig workers, says Steven Sim. The Human Resources Minister also stated that unions can represent gig workers in the Tripartite Council only if they […] - Malaysia reaffirms commitment to workers’ welfare, regional solidarity at 14th Asean Labour Conference
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysia has underscored its firm commitment to upholding workers’ welfare, human dignity and regional cooperation during the 14th Asean Labour Inspection Conference. Human Resources Minister Steven Sim said Malaysia is committed to ensuring that the accommodation provided to workers is in line with international standards. He said the firm stand of the government […] - ILO chief begins inaugural official visit to Malaysia on Oct 20
PUTRAJAYA: International Labour Organisation (ILO) director-general Gilbert F. Houngbo will undertake a two-day working visit to Malaysia from Monday (Oct 20). The Human Resource Ministry said this marks the first official visit by an ILO director-general since Malaysia joined the organisation in 1957. “This visit signifies recognition of Malaysia’s active role and continued commitment to […] - Govt allows case-by-case foreign worker approvals until year-end, says Home Minsitry
PUTRAJAYA, Oct 14 — The government has agreed to grant facilitation for foreign worker quota applications on a case-by-case basis to three sectors, namely plantation, agriculture, and mining and quarrying, as well as ten subsectors, until December 31 this year, the Home Ministry announced. The subsectors are security services, metal and scrap materials, cleaning and […] - Malaysia to join Global Coalition for Social Justice next year
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia intends to join the Global Coalition for Social Justice at the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) next year. The Human Resources Ministry in a statement on Tuesday (Oct 21) said the matter was revealed by its minister, Steven Sim Chee Keong, during a casual meeting with the Director-General of the International Labour […]