Payroll Malaysia Guide

Seamless Malaysia Management

A payroll service in Malaysia handles payroll, tax, and compliance, ensuring businesses meet Malaysian labor laws and superannuation requirements. It simplifies expansion by managing payroll operations.

Contact Us

Table of Content

Get a complimentary cost simulation today!

Book a demo

Malaysia Payroll Guide

Malaysia payroll management requires navigating complex labor laws, statutory contributions, and tax obligations. Employers must ensure compliance with the Employment Act 1955, the Income Tax Act, and other relevant regulations. This guide provides a detailed overview of Malaysia payroll requirements, statutory deductions, and best practices for businesses looking to outsource payroll services efficiently.

Payroll Compliance in Malaysia

Payroll in Malaysia is governed by various laws that define employer obligations concerning salary payments, statutory deductions, and benefits. Companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face penalties, audits, and legal consequences.

Salary Payment Regulations

Under the Employment Act 1955, employees must be paid their wages no later than the seventh day after the end of the wage period. This applies to all workers earning up to RM2,000 per month or engaged in manual labor. While the Act does not cover higher-income employees, most employers follow these best practices for compliance.

Employers must provide itemized payslips detailing basic salary, overtime pay, statutory deductions, and any additional benefits. This ensures Malaysia payroll transparency and reduces potential disputes.

Overtime and Bonuses

Overtime pay is mandatory for employees covered by the Employment Act. The rates are:

  • 1.5x the hourly rate for work beyond normal hours
  • 2x the hourly rate for work on rest days
  • 3x the hourly rate for work on public holidays

Bonuses are not a statutory requirement but are commonly offered as incentives. If included in the employment contract, employers must ensure timely payments.

Statutory Contributions in Malaysia Payroll

Employees Provident Fund (EPF)

The EPF (KWSP) is a mandatory retirement savings scheme for Malaysian employees. Contribution rates are:

  • Employer:
    12% or 13% of the employee’s monthly salary (depending on income level)
  • Employee:
    11% of their salary

EPF payments must be submitted by the 15th of the following month to avoid penalties.

Social Security Organization (SOCSO) and Employment Insurance Scheme (EIS)

SOCSO provides medical benefits and disability coverage, while EIS supports employees in case of job loss. Contribution rates are:

  • SOCSO:
    1.75% (employer), 0.5% (employee)
  • EIS:
    0.2% (employer), 0.2% (employee)

These contributions must also be submitted monthly through PERKESO.

Expand in Asia with AYP's local HR expertise

Onboard in minutes, stay compliant
— let AYP handle the rest

Speak to Expert

Income Tax and Withholding Obligations

Understanding Malaysia’s Income Tax System

Malaysia follows a progressive tax system where tax rates range from 0% to 30%, depending on an employee’s annual income.

Employers must deduct Monthly Tax Deductions (MTD/PCB) from salaries and submit them to the Lembaga Hasil Dalam Negeri (LHDN) before the 15th of the following month.

Employer Reporting Requirements

Employers must:

  1. Submit Form E annually, detailing employee earnings and tax deductions.
  2. Provide employees with Form EA for personal tax filing.
  3. Notify LHDN when an employee resigns or leaves Malaysia.

Failure to comply can lead to financial penalties and legal action.

When Non-Compliance May Occur

Payroll mistakes can lead to audits, fines, and legal issues. Common non-compliance cases include:

  • Late salary payments:
    Employers must meet payroll deadlines to avoid fines and employee complaints.
  • Missed EPF, SOCSO, and EIS contributions:
    Delays in statutory payments can lead to penalties and employer liability.
  • Incorrect tax reporting:
    Underreporting taxes may result in audits and back payments.
  • Non-compliance with leave policies:
    Failing to grant statutory leave can result in labor disputes.

Why Businesses Should Outsource Payroll Services in Malaysia

Managing Malaysia payroll can be complex, especially for companies unfamiliar with local compliance. Many businesses choose to outsource payroll services to streamline operations and ensure accuracy.

Benefits of Outsourcing Payroll Services:

  • Compliance Assurance:
    Ensures adherence to Malaysian labor laws, tax regulations, and statutory deductions.
  • Time and Cost Savings:
    Reduces administrative burden, allowing companies to focus on business growth.
  • Data Security: Minimizes risks associated with payroll fraud and human errors.
  • Timely Salary and Contribution Payments:
    Prevents late salary payments and statutory submission delays.

How AYP Can Help with Malaysia Payroll Management

AYP provides comprehensive outsource payroll services tailored for businesses operating in Malaysia. Our solutions include:

Professional Employer Organization (PEO) Services

We handle all payroll, tax filings, and compliance matters while your business focuses on operations.

Employer of Record (EOR) Services

AYP acts as the legal employer, ensuring payroll compliance, employee benefits administration, and tax submissions.

Payroll Outsourcing Management (POM) Services

Our experts manage Malaysia payroll, covering salary payments, tax deductions, and statutory contributions.

Partnering with AYP helps businesses outsource payroll services with confidence, ensuring compliance and efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the penalties for late salary payments in Malaysia?

keyboard_arrow_down

Employers who fail to pay salaries on time may face fines under the Employment Act 1955 and potential labor disputes.

2. Do foreign employees in Malaysia contribute to EPF?

keyboard_arrow_down

Foreign employees are not required to contribute to EPF but may opt to do so voluntarily.

3. What happens if an employer misses an EPF contribution deadline?

keyboard_arrow_down

Late EPF payments are subject to fines and penalties imposed by KWSP.

4. Is it mandatory to provide bonuses in Malaysia?

keyboard_arrow_down

No, bonuses are not mandatory unless stated in the employment contract.

5. Why should companies outsource payroll services in Malaysia?

keyboard_arrow_down

Outsourcing payroll ensures compliance, reduces administrative burden, and helps businesses manage salaries and statutory payments efficiently.

With AYP’s expertise, businesses can navigate Malaysia payroll with ease and ensure seamless compliance. Contact us today to learn how we can support your outsource payroll services needs.

Malaysia