As an employer, you are responsible for ensuring that eligible employees receive social security protection through the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO). Key responsibilities you should be aware of as an employer include: Registering as an Employer with PERKESO Employers with at least one employee are required to register with PERKESO and ensure that their business information is complete and up to date. Registering and Updating Employee Information Every employee who is eligible for PERKESO coverage must be registered for contribution purposes. If an employee leaves the company, their employment information must also be updated through the ASSIST Portal. Making Monthly Contributions Employers are required to pay monthly contributions no later than the 15th day of the following month to avoid late payment charges. Example: Contributions for August 2026 must be paid by 15 September 2026. Reporting Work-Related Accidents If an employee experiences a work-related accident, the employer must report the incident to PERKESO within the stipulated period and provide the relevant supporting documents. Maintaining Employee and Contribution Records Records relating to employee information, salaries, contributions, and workplace accidents must be maintained for compliance and verification purposes. For further details or information regarding employer responsibilities:
If you start hiring employees, you are required to register as an employer with the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). You must register as an employer within seven (7) days from the date you hire your first employee. You must also ensure that both employer and employee contributions are made according to the prescribed rates and deadlines. Contribution Rates Contribution rates are subject to the Third Schedule of the Employees Provident Fund Act 1991. Contribution Payment Deadline Contributions must be paid on or before the 15th day of the following month. For example, contributions for wages paid in January must be settled on or before 15 February. Payments made after the deadline may be subject to late payment charges. As an employer, you should also understand which types of wage payments are subject to EPF contributions and which are exempt. Managing EPF Matters Through i-Akaun (Employer) Once registered as an employer, you can use i-Akaun (Employer) to manage various EPF matters online. Some of the services available through i-Akaun (Employer) include: Registering employees as EPF members Managing employee and payroll information Preparing and submitting contribution details Making EPF contribution payments Reviewing contribution records and payment history
Hiring employees is an important step when a business begins to grow and requires additional manpower to support its operations. For new entrepreneurs, the decision to hire employees should be made carefully, as it involves financial commitments, human resource management, and legal responsibilities as an employer. Before advertising a job vacancy, employers are advised to determine their recruitment needs, including: Job title Number of employees required Job scope and responsibilities Required academic qualifications, skills, and experience Work location and working hours Type of employment, such as permanent, contract, or part-time Salary range offered Employment start date and recruitment period Clear information helps candidates understand the position and facilitates the process of matching suitable job seekers with available opportunities. Entrepreneurs looking to recruit and hire employees can advertise job vacancies and manage applications through MYFutureJobs. This recruitment service is provided free of charge. Benefits of Using the MYFutureJobs Platform Advertise job opportunities Access local job seekers Access employment services provided by the Social Security Organisation (PERKESO)
As an entrepreneur, obtaining licences and permits from Local Authorities (PBT) is essential to ensure that your business premises and activities operate legally, safely, and in compliance with local by-laws. The types of licences or permits required depend on the nature of the business, premises location, business activities, use of space, and the specific requirements of the respective Local Authorities. Therefore, licensing requirements may vary from one local authority to another. Check the list of Local Authorities in your area to register for the necessary licences and permits. To help entrepreneurs identify the relevant registration and licensing requirements based on their business activities and locations, you can check the necessary licences and permits through the MalaysiaBiz portal. BLESS Next Gen System For entrepreneurs who require specific licences and permits, the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives (KUSKOP) also provides an online licence application facility through the Business Licensing Electronic Support System (BLESS Next Gen).
Looking for an affordable business space to get started? Exclusively for Bumiputera entrepreneurs, Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) offers flexible business premises and facility rental options to help turn your business aspirations into reality. MARA's business premises are specifically designed to accommodate various business sizes and sectors, including: MARA Arcade Business premises comprising small retail shops, typically equipped with basic facilities such as parking spaces, prayer rooms, and dining areas. MARA Bazaar Business lots located within a row of commercial units. Commercial Lots MARA business premises located within commercial complexes or developments. MARA Industrial Complex (KIM) and MARA Halal Industry (MHI) Park Industrial lots for manufacturing, service, and enterprise activities. MARA also provides the MyPremis platform to help entrepreneurs check the latest premises availability and submit their applications entirely online.
Why Is MSME Status Important? MSME status enables the government and relevant agencies to identify the size and needs of an enterprise more accurately. It is also used in the implementation of MSME development programmes. MSME entrepreneurs can access various forms of support from government ministries and agencies, including: Financing and financial facilities Entrepreneurship training and development Business advisory and mentoring services Product and technology development Digitalisation and automation Certification and productivity improvement Branding and marketing MSME status verification enables entrepreneurs to apply for specific programmes, assistance, or incentives offered by government agencies. The MSME Status Certificate must be renewed every two years.
Business registration is the first step towards starting a business. It helps establish a legally recognised business identity. Having a legally registered business enables entrepreneurs to obtain licences, permits, and access business facilities such as business loans, grants, incentives, subsidies, and other relevant business support. Choosing the appropriate business entity depends on several factors, including the number of owners, business scale, capital requirements, owners' liabilities, and future business expansion plans. Types of Business Entities Sole Proprietorship A business wholly owned by a single individual under the Registration of Businesses Act 1956. Suitable for entrepreneurs starting a small-scale business or managing a business independently. General Requirements: Malaysian citizen or permanent resident At least 18 years old A business can be registered using: Personal Name: The name as stated on the owner's identity card; or Trade Name: A chosen business name that requires approval from the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) Partnership A business owned by at least two individuals, with a maximum of 20 partners. Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) Combines the characteristics of a conventional partnership with certain features of a company. An LLP is registered under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 (Act 743) and may be considered by entrepreneurs who require a more formal partnership structure. Private Limited Company (Sdn. Bhd.) Incorporated under the Companies Act 2016 (Act 777). Suitable for businesses with larger operational and growth plans or those requiring a more formal ownership and management structure. Ready to register the right business entity for you? Business Registration in Sabah and Sarawak (Sole Proprietorship) Entrepreneurs who wish to register a sole proprietorship in Sabah and Sarawak must complete their registration through the respective Local Authorities (PBT) in their areas. Free Business Registration Scheme (SPPP) Initiative The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) also offers the Free Business Registration Scheme (SPPP) initiative to entrepreneurs from selected categories, including: Full-time Higher Education Institution Students B40 Income Group Entrepreneurs Senior Citizens
The Agropreneur NextGen Programme (PAN) is an initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (KPKM). It aims to support and encourage youth participation in agro-entrepreneurship. The programme covers activities across the value chain of the crop, livestock, fisheries, food and agro-based industries. Target Groups: Malaysian citizens Aged between 18 and 43 years (Agropreneur NextGen Start-Up Grant) Aged between 21 and 45 years (Agropreneur NextGen Scale-Up Grant) Assistance Offered Through the PAN Programme: Agropreneur NextGen Grant (GAN) Agropreneur NextGen Grant (GAN) Start-Up One-time assistance for young agropreneurs. Conditional cash assistance of up to RM30,000. Agropreneur NextGen Grant – Scale-Up Financing to support the adoption of agricultural technologies, such as: Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies, such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mechanisation and automation technologies Adoption of green technologies Conditional cash assistance of up to RM50,000. GAN Second Chance Assistance Assistance to help GAN Start-Up recipients resume projects that have been disrupted or discontinued due to natural disasters. Maximum assistance of up to RM20,000. Technical Advisory Services and Training Provided through programmes conducted by relevant departments and supporting agencies based on the nature of the projects undertaken. Market Promotion Programme Assistance for NextGen agropreneurs to promote their products and expand their marketing networks. If you are a young agropreneur looking to expand your business activities and market reach within the agro-based sector, you can apply for the Agropreneur NextGen Programme online.
MARA Entrepreneurship Training is an entrepreneur development support initiative provided by Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA), aimed at equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge, business skills, and entrepreneurial qualities needed to become successful and competitive. The training covers entrepreneurs from the following industries: Food & Beverage Automotive Construction Lifestyle Services
Would you like to find out whether you have the personality traits and resilience needed to become an entrepreneur? Through the MyNEPT (Malaysian National Entrepreneurship Psychometric Test) personality assessment provided by the Institut Keusahawanan Negara (INSKEN), aspiring entrepreneurs can identify their entrepreneurial tendencies and gain an initial understanding of their personal characteristics before planning their entrepreneurial journey.
