2024/2025 Malaysian Tax Booklet

Tax Incentives

Malaysia offers a wide range of tax incentives ranging from tax exemptions, allowances to enhanced tax deductions. Generally tax incentives are available for tax resident companies.

Pioneer Status (PS) is an incentive in the form of tax exemption, which is granted to companies participating in promoted activities or producing promoted products, for a period of 5 or 10 years.

The alternative to the PS incentive is usually investment tax allowance (ITA). ITA is an incentive granted based on the capital expenditure incurred on industrial buildings, plant and machinery used for the purpose of promoted activities or the production of promoted products. This incentive is generally given for a period of 5 or 10 years.

PS and ITA are mutually exclusive. Where income is exempted under the PS incentive, tax exempt dividends may be paid out of the exempted income. Unutilised ITA can be carried forward until fully utilised. However unutilised PS losses can only be carried forward for a maximum period of 7 consecutive YAs after the end of the pioneer period. For unutilised PS losses accumulated as at YA 2018, where the incentive has already expired, these losses can be carried forward for another 7 YAs until YA 2025.

Malaysia has undertaken a review of its tax incentives and excluded royalties and intellectual property (IP) income from its tax incentives in line with the requirements of BEPS Action 5 (Counter Harmful Tax Practices More Effectively, Taking into Account Transparency and Substance).

An Approved Incentive Scheme is proposed for high technology activity in the manufacturing and services sectors and other activities which benefit the Malaysian economy. Under the scheme, a concessionary tax rate of not more than 20% is to be prescribed by the Minister of Finance (MoF). 

The Government expects to introduce a New Investment Incentive Framework in the third quarter of 2025, aimed at promoting high-value activities. Additionally, economic clusters will be established based on regional specialisations. Special tax incentives will also be provided for investments in 21 economic sectors across various states in Malaysia, contingent upon the achievement of economic spillovers.

In the following pages, we provide a summary of the main tax incentives for the relevant industry sectors.

Aerospace 

Incentives

 

Years

Aerospace companies in Malaysia undertaking specified high-value manufacturing / services

(Applications received by 31.12.2025)

New company 

Income tax exemption of 70% to 100% of statutory income (SI); or

ITA of 60% to 100% on qualifying expenditure (QE) set-off against 70% to 100% of SI

5 to 10

5

Existing company

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 5

Agriculture

Incentives

Years

Main incentives

Company producing promoted products or engaged in promoted activities

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on qualifying expenditure (QE) set-off against 70% of SI

5

Allowance for increased exports (AIE)

For prescribed agricultural produce

Allowance equal to 10% of the value of increased exports deducted against 70% of SI

 

Enhanced AIE

Company attaining / receiving*:

Rates of allowance, deductible up to 70% of SI:

 
  • Significant increase in export of at least 50%

30% of the value of increased exports

 
  • Penetration of new markets

50% of the value of increased exports

 
  • *Export Excellence Award

100% of the value of increased exports

 

Reinvestment

Company undertaking qualifying project in expansion, modernisation or diversification of its cultivation and farming business excluding the business of rearing chicken and ducks

Reinvestment Allowance of 60% of QE set-off against 70% of SI 

15

Adoption of closed house system in the business of rearing chicken (QE incurred from YA 2023 to YA 2025)

Accelerated capital allowance of 100% of QE; and

Income tax exemption of 100% on QE

 
Company in resource-based industries

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5
Special reinvestment allowance (RA)
   
A special RA granted for YA 2020 to YA 2024 for selected agriculture projects which have exhausted their existing RA period and special RA granted for YA 2016 to YA 2018
Food production project
(Applications received by 31.12.2025)
     

Company investing in a subsidiary company which undertakes new food production project*

Tax deduction up to 3 consecutive YAs equivalent to the amount of investment made

 

Company undertaking food production project * :

- New project

- Expansion project for existing company

 

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI

 

10

5

* including planting of seeds for agro-food and high seas fishing projects, and includes agricultural projects based on Controlled Environment Agriculture.

Angel investor, Equity Crowdfunding and Venture Capital

Angel investor

Resident individual who invests in investee company (Applications received by 31.12.2026)

 

Tax exemption of aggregate income in the second YA following the investment for a sum equal to the amount invested in the investee company (subject to conditions)

 

Equity crowdfunding

Individual who invests (including through a Limited Liability Partnership nominee company) in equity crowdfunding from 1.1.2021 to 31.12.2026

Tax exemption of aggregate income for a sum equal to 50% of the amount invested (subject to conditions). 

 

 

Venture capital (VC)

 

Venture capital company (VCC)

 

Tax exemption on SI from all sources of income, other than interest income from savings or fixed deposits and profits from Syariah-based deposits (first certification from the Securities Commission to be obtained by 31.12.2026)

5

 

Venture capital management company

 

Tax exemption on share of profits, performance & management fees from investment made by VCC (until YA 2026)

-

 

Resident investing in VCC fund

 

Single deduction equivalent to the amount of investment made in a VCC not later than 31.12.2026, limited to RM20 million a year

-

 

Resident investing in VC

 

Single deduction equivalent to the amount of investment in a VC not later than 31.12.2026

-

Automotive

Incentives

 

Years

New manufacturing projects, and expansion and / or diversification projects for:

  • Assembly of Energy Efficient Vehicles (EEV)
  • Assembly of Next Generation Vehicle (NxGV)
  • Critical components / systems for EEV and non-EEV
  • Components for hybrid and electric vehicles
  • Components for NxGV

Income tax exemption;

or

Income tax exemption equivalent to ITA
(Applications received by 31.12.2025)

5/10

Investment in manufacturing of electric vehicle charging equipment

(Applications received by 31.12.2025)

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI from YA 2023 to YA 2032;

or

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI



5

Rental of non-commercial electric vehicles

Tax deduction on rentals incurred from YA 2023 to YA 2027 (capped at RM300,000)

 

Biotechnology

Incentives

Years

Applications received by 31.12.2024

BioNexus status company:

  • New business / expansion* of qualifying activity

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI; or

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

10/5*

5

Industrial building allowance (IBA) of 10%

10

  • Upon expiry of the tax exempt period

Concessionary tax rate of 20% of SI

10

Company or individual investor investing in BioNexus company

Single deduction equivalent to the value of investment in seed capital and early stage financing

-

Cold Chain Facilities

Incentives

Years

New companies (providing cold room facilities for prescribed perishable agriculture produce)

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Existing companies (reinvesting in cold room facilities for prescribed perishable agriculture produce)

PS with tax exemption of 70% of increased SI;

or

ITA of 60% on additional QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Digital Ecosystem Acceleration Scheme (DESAC)

Incentives

 

Years
Application received from 30.10.2021 to 31.12.2025  

Digital Technology Provider

New company

 

Income tax rate of 0% to 10%

 

10

Existing company diversifying into new services or new segments

Income tax rate of 10%

10

Digital Infrastructure Provider
New or existing provider

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% SI

10

Economic Corridors

Incentives

Years

Iskandar Malaysi

The following are three-tier package incentives for approved companies in Medini:

  • Approved developer

Income tax exemption of SI derived from rental or disposal of a building located in an approved area until YA 2025 (Applications received by 31.12.2025)

-

  • Approved development manager

Income tax exemption of SI derived from the provision of management, supervisory or marketing services to approved developers until YA 2024 (Applications received by 31.12.2024)

-

  • IDR status company (Applications and commencement of qualifying activities by 31.12.2024)

Income tax exemption of SI derived from qualifying activities; or 10

ITA of 100% of QE set-off against 100% of SI

5

Non-resident

Withholding tax exemption on royalty and technical fee received from IDR status company 

* from the date of commencement of qualifying activity 

10*

Knowledge workers working in Iskandar Malaysia (Applications received by 31.12.2024)

Income tax at 15% on chargeable income from employment with a designated company engaged in qualified activities

-


Northern Corridor Economic Region(NCER) 
Investments in priority sectors of NCER may qualify for the following broad-based incentives as well as customised incentives:

  1. Income tax exemption up to 100% for a period up to 15 years
  2. ITA up to 100% on QE for a period up to 10 years
  3. Import duty exemption on raw materials, components, machinery, spare parts and equipment
  4. Stamp duty reduction of 50% on instruments of transfer or lease of land (Kedah only)

 

 

East Coast Economic Region (ECER)
(Applications received by 31.12.2024)

 


Qualifying person undertaking qualifying activity

Income tax exemption of SI; or

10

Income tax exemption equivalent to 100% of QE

5

Stamp duty exemption on instruments of transfer of real property or lease of land or building used for the purpose of carrying on a qualifying activity (executed by 31.12.2024)

-

Qualifying person undertaking special qualifying activity 

Income tax exemption of 70% to 100% of SI and for a period as determined by the MoF; or

Income tax exemption equivalent to 60% to 100% of QE incurred and within a period as determined by the MoF

-

Approved developer undertaking development in industrial park or free zone

Income tax exemption of SI derived from:

  • disposal of any right over any land or disposal of a building or rights over building or part of building; or

  • rental of building or part of building

10

Approved park managers

Income tax exemption of SI derived from the provision of park management services in the industrial park or free zone

10

Approved development manager

Income tax exemption of SI derived from the provision of management, supervisory or marketing services relating to the development of an industrial park or free zone

10

Company investing in a related company

Single deduction equivalent to the value of investment made into a related company carrying out qualifying activity or special qualifying activity

-

Company or individual who sponsors any hallmark event carried on in ECER

A deduction against business income of an amount not exceeding RM1 million per YA in respect of contribution in cash or in kind

 
Knowledge worker residing and employed in ECER during the period 1.1.2022 to 31.12.2024 Income tax rate of 15% in respect of chargeable income from employment with a designated company in ECER  


Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy (SCORE)

Investors who make strategic investments in SCORE can apply for customised special incentive packages.


Sabah Development Corridor (SDC)

(Applications received by 31.12.2024)

Resident company undertaking qualifying activities

Income tax exemption of SI equivalent to 100% QE incurred for sectors of:

  • Hotel and resort, creative, manufacturing (specified downstream sectors), education hub, marine (downstream), and shipping.
  • Production of Halal products.

 

 

5

 

10

 

Income tax exemption of SI for sectors of:

  • Creative and shipping.
  • Hotel and resort, manufacturing (specified downstream sectors), education hub, and marine (downstream).

 

 

5

 

10

 

Transfer of real property used in a qualifying tourism project

Stamp duty exemption on instruments executed by 31.12.2024

-

 

Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone

Forest City Special Financial Zone    
Family offices
Income tax rate of 0% on income generated by the Single Family Office Vehicle certified by Securities Commission 10 + 10
Financial global business services Income tax rate of 5% for operators of financial global business services, financial technology (fintech) and foreign payment systems  
Knowledge workers Income tax rate of 15% for individual knowledge workers (including Malaysians) working in Forest City Special Financial Zone  
Special tax deduction on relocation costs, enhanced industrial building allowance and withholding tax exemptions will be provided to banking, insurance, capital market intermediaries and other eligible entities in the financial sector.

Education & Training

Incentives

Years

Kindergarten

Tax exemption of SI derived from the provision and maintenance of the kindergarten business

5

Non-profit oriented school / international school

Tax exemption of SI derived from the management of the school

-

Private / International school

Further deduction for expenses incurred for overseas promotion (not exceeding RM100,000 per YA)

-

Private higher education institution (PHEI)

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI (PHEI in the science field undertaking additional investment to upgrade equipment or expand their capacity)

10

Further deduction for promotion of export of higher education

-

Single deduction of the expenses incurred for the development and compliance of new courses claimed over 3 years (w.e.f. YA 2025 to YA 2030 include the development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) courses by Private Skills Training Institutions)

-

Import duty exemption for educational equipment

-

Non-resident franchisor

Withholding tax exemption on royalty income for providing approved franchised education or training programmes to PHEI

-

New or existing technical / vocational training institute

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

10

Export of private education

Exemption of income equal to 50% of the value of increased exports deducted against 70% of SI

-

Company providing / sponsoring scholarships

Single deduction on expenditure incurred for the provision of scholarship

-

Double deduction for provision of scholarships to qualifying Malaysian students to pursue technical and vocational certificate, diploma, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or doctor of philosophy (scholarship agreement executed from 1.1.2022 to 31.12.2025)  

Double deduction for provision of Structured Internship Programme approved by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad, expanded to structured training conducted by industry regulatory bodies (until YA 2025, extended to YA 2030)

Double deduction for training costs under the Professional Training and Education for Growing Entrepreneurs (PROTÉGÉ-Ready to Work [RTW]) Programme (training programme approved up to 31.12.2025)

Single deduction for expenditure incurred for the provision of practical training to Malaysian resident non-employees

Single deduction for pre-commencement of business training expenses for potential employees

Double / further deduction for expenditure on approved training programmes incurred by companies which do not contribute to Human Resources Development Fund

Financial Services

Incentives

 
Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) / Property Trust Fund (PTF)
  • Tax exemption on all income if at least 90% of total income is distributed and the REIT / PTF is listed on Bursa Malaysia

  • Special single deduction for consultancy, legal and valuation service fees incurred in the establishment of REIT / PTF

  • Final withholding tax on income distribution from a REIT which has been exempted from tax received by:

    • non-corporate or foreign institutional investors - 10% (until YA 2025)

    • non-resident companies - 24% 

  • Transfer of real property to REIT

    • Stamp duty exemption on instruments of transfer / deed of assignment relating to the purchase of real property and instruments of transfer of real property to REIT / PTF

    • Real property gains tax exemption on disposal of real property to a REIT / PTF

    • No balancing charge on disposal of an industrial building from a company to a REIT. The REIT is eligible to claim the balance of unclaimed IBA of the disposer if the disposer company owns 50% or more of the units in the REIT

Unit Trust

Tax exemption on interest income from any licensed bank / development financial institution except in the case of a unit trust which is a wholesale fund which is a money market fund. 

Tax exemption on gains on realisation of investments in real property

Tax exemption on certain interest or discount – Refer to the chapter on “Income exempt from tax”

Closed-end fund company

Tax exemption on gains on realisation of investments

Tax exemption on certain interest or discount – Refer to the chapter on “Income exempt from tax”

Fund management

Tax exemption on SI derived from the business of providing fund management services in respect of (until YA 2027):

  1. At 60% of SI for funds managed in accordance with Syariah principles and certified by Securities Commission (SC) to the following investors:

    • local investors in Malaysia and foreign investors;

    • Business Trust and REIT in Malaysia.

  2. Sustainable and Responsible Investments (SRI) fund approved by the SC

Islamic Finance

Issuance of Sukuk and Retail Sukuk under principles of Wakalah

  • Deduction on expenses for the issuance of Sukuk.

  • Deduction on expenses and double deduction on additional expenses for the issuance of Retail Sukuk 

(until YA 2025)

Issuance cost of SRI Sukuk

Tax deduction is given on the issuance costs of SRI Sukuk approved, authorised by or lodged with the SC (until YA 2027)

Issuance cost of SRI-linked Sukuk Tax deduction is given on the issuance costs of SRI-linked Sukuk that is approved or permitted or deposited with the SC. (w.e.f YA 2023 to YA 2027)

Company that establishes a SPC solely for the purpose of issuance of Islamic securities

Single deduction for cost of issuance of Islamic securities incurred by a Special Purpose Company (SPC)

Islamic Securities Selling and Buying (ISSB) Income tax exemption on income arising from ISSB (w.e.f. YA 2024)
Labuan trading activity in relation to Islamic Finance Income tax exemption from YA 2024 to YA 2028 for a Labuan entity that derives income from prescribed qualifying activities in relation to Islamic Finance, w.e.f. YA 2025 to YA 2028 include qualifying Labuan takaful business activities and Labuan takaful related activities.

Global Services Hub

Applications received from 14.10.2023 until 31.12.2027 Global Services Hub tax incentive based on outcome-based approach on service income, or services & trading income as follows:

New company

• Income tax rate of 5% (Tier 1) or 10% (Tier 2)

5+5

Existing company

• Income tax rate on value-added income at 5% (Tier 1) or 10% (Tier 2)

5

Non-citizen individuals (monthly salary of at least RM35,000) holding key / C-Suite positions Income tax at 15% (up to 3 individuals) 3

Green incentives

Incentives

Years

GITA Project (Business purposes)

(Applications received from 1.1.2024 until 31.12.2026)

• Tier 1 (Green hydrogen)

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% / 100% of SI

5+5

• Tier 2 (Integrated waste management, Electric vehicle charging station) ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

5

• Tier 3 (Biomass, Biogas, Mini hydro, Geo thermal, Solar, Wind energy) ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 5

GITA Asset (Own consumption)

(GITA assets purchased from 1.1.2024 until 31.12.2026)

  • Tier 1 (Qualifying assets approved by MOF, Battery energy storage system, Green building)
ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI  
  • Tier 2 (Qualifying assets approved by MOF, Renewable energy system, Energy efficiency
ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI  
GITE Solar Leasing

Company undertaking solar leasing activities

(Application period extended to 31.12.2026)

Income tax exemption of 70% of SI

• Capacity of >3MW - ≤10MW

5
• Capacity of >10MW - ≤30MW 10
Voluntary Carbon Market

Development of carbon projects registered with an international standards body recognised by Bursa Malaysia (Applications received from 1.1.2024 until 31.12.2026)

Further tax deduction up to RM300,000 for costs incurred on Development and Measurement, Reporting and Verification related to carbon projects (certified by Malaysia Green Technology and Climate Change Corporation), against the carbon credits income traded on Bursa Carbon Exchange  

 

Smart Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Driven Reverse Vending Machine

 

Contributions / sponsorships of smart vending machines which utilise smart AI

Tax deduction for the contributions or sponsorships made from 1.4.2023 to 31.12.2024 extended to  31.12.2026) and applications received in the same period

 

Halal incentives

Incentives

Years

Halal food production outside halal parks:

  • New companies
  • Existing companies diversifying production or upgrading/ expanding of existing plant

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% SI

5

Halal industry players located in designated halal parks:

New companies producing prescribed halal products

100% tax exemption on QE; or

10

Tax exemption on export sales

5

Double deduction for costs in obtaining international quality standard certification

-

Import duty exemption on raw materials used for the development and production of halal promoted products

-

Halal park operators (HALMAS status)

100% tax exemption; or

10

100% tax exemption on QE

5

Import duty exemption on equipment, components and machinery used in cold room operations

-

Halal logistics operators

100% tax exemption;

or

100% tax exemption on QE

5

Import duty exemption on equipment, components and machinery used in cold room operations

-

Halal certification

Double deduction for expenses incurred in obtaining halal certification issued by an approved certification body

-

Healthcare & Wellness

Incentives

Years

Mines Wellness City (MWC)

MWC developer (undertaking new development in MWC)

 

Note 1 - From the first YA the MWC developer derives SI until YA 2026

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI from rental of a building or part of a building located in MWC

Note 1

MWC operator

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI derived from qualifying activities carried out in the MWC;

or


ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI for each YA. 

(Applications received by 31.12.2026)

5




5

Professional services

Export of medical and dental services

Further deduction of QE incurred for the purpose of the export of services /  professional services

-

Charitable hospitals registered as Company Limited by Guarantee

Income tax exemption equivalent to the amount of expenses incurred for charity  
Tax deduction up to 10% of aggregate income for donors.  

Hotel & Tourism

Incentives

 

Years

Medium & low cost hotels up to 3 star / Holiday camps & recreational projects / Convention centre / Tourism projects

Income tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 

5


5

Reinvestment in hotels – companies expanding, modernising and renovating (up to 3 rounds of reinvestment)

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 

5

Reinvestment in tourism projects 

(up to 2 rounds of reinvestment )

Income tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 

5

 

5

Extension and modernisation of existing hotel buildings

Refer to the chapter on “Capital Allowance”

-

Sponsoring of any approved arts, cultural or heritage activity 

Single deduction of up to RM1,000,000 [of which only RM300,000 is allowed for sponsoring foreign arts, cultural or heritage activity]

-

Hotel / Tour operators

Further deduction on overseas promotion of tourism in Malaysia

-

Tour operators

Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA) (Initial Allowance (IA) of 20% & Annual Allowance (AA) of 40%) on QE incurred on the purchase of new locally assembled excursion bus (w.e.f. YA 2020 to YA 2024)

 

International theme park for tourism project (New investment)



PS with tax exemption of 100% of SI,

or 

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Promotion / organisation of conferences - companies whose main activities are not promoting / organising of conferences

Income tax exemption of 100% of SI where at least 500 foreign participants are brought in annually through conferences hosted (w.e.f. YA  2020 to YA 2025)

-

Approved arts, cultural, sports and recreational activities organiser 

Income tax exemption of 50% of SI (w.e.f. YA 2020 to YA 2025)

-

Hoteliers which purchase Malaysian-made handicraft from handicraft entrepreneurs registered with Perbadanan Kemajuan Kraftangan Malaysia

Special tax deduction up to RM150,000 for qualifying handicraft products expenditure  incurred from 1.1.2023 to 31.12.2025

 

Logistics & Shipping

Incentives

Years

Non-resident person who receives income from a Malaysian shipping company

Withholding tax exemption on income from:

  • rental of a ship on a voyage, time charter or bare boat basis; or
  • rental of International Standard Organisation containers

-

Company undertaking or intending to expand / diversify into  integrated logistics service

Income tax exemption of 70% of SI,

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Smart Logistics Complex (SLC)

Company engaged in SLC activities with adoption of IR4.0 elements
(Application received from 1.1.2025 to 31.12.2027)

 

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI 5

Ship building and repairing

(Applications received by 31.12.2027)

New company

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI, or

ITA of 60% of QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Existing company

ITA of 60% of additional QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Supply Chain Resilience Initiative
  • Double deduction for multinational enterprise (MNE) expenditure of up to RM2 million per year
  • Tax deduction of amount invested by MNEs or their suppliers investing in joint ventures with other local suppliers
  • A tax incentive package based on performance will be given to local suppliers
3

Manufacturing

Incentives

Years

Main incentives

Manufacturers producing promoted products or engaged in promoted activities

PS with tax exemption of 70% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5

Enhanced incentives

Manufacturer of selected machinery & equipment (M&E) and specialised M&E

PS with tax exemption of 100% of SI; or

10

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

5

High technology projects

PS with tax exemption of 100% of SI;

or

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

5

Industrialised Building System (IBS) Components

Applications received by 31.12.2025

 

Companies producing IBS components or IBS system (at least 3 basic IBS components)

 

ITA of 60% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

5
Relocation of overseas business operations/facilities to Malaysia
Manufacturing sector (applications received by 31.12.2024)
New company 0% tax rate (new investment in manufacturing sector with capital investment of RM300 million - RM500 million) 10
0% tax rate (new investment in manufacturing sector with capital investment above RM500 million) 15
Existing company ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI 
(for relocation of manufacturing operation with capital investment above RM300 million)
5
Automation capital allowance
Refer to the chapter on “Capital Allowance”
Reinvestment

Company undertaking qualifying project in expansion, modernisation, automation or diversification of existing manufacturing business

  • Similar to Reinvestment incentives under “Agriculture” sector
Reinvestment under the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP 2030)
Companies which have exhausted their existing reinvestment allowance eligibility period and which increases capacity and investment in high-value activities under the NIMP 2030 (application received from 1.1.2024 to 31.12.2028)

ITA based on outcome approach:

• Tier 1 - QE of 100% set-off against 100% of SI

• Tier 2 - QE of 60% set-off against 70% of SI

Special reinvestment allowance (RA)

A special RA granted for YA 2020 to YA 2024 for existing manufacturing companies which have exhausted their existing RA period and special RA granted for YA 2016 to YA 2018.

Industry4WRD 

Manufacturing and manufacturing-related services sector

Single deduction of up to RM27,000 paid to the Malaysian Productivity Corporation on readiness assessment expenses of I4.0-RA incurred from 2.1.2019 to 31.12.2025 (until YA 2026)

Anchor Company

Double deduction of up to RM1 million per year for 3 consecutive YAs on qualifying operating expenditure of product development, upgrading capabilities and skill training of vendors incurred in implementing Industry4WRD Vendor Development Program as verified by the Ministry of International Trade and Industries (MITI) (MOU signed between company and MITI from 1.1.2019 to 31.12.2021)

Allowance for increased exports (AIE)

Manufacturer attaining:

Rates of allowance, deductible up to 70% of SI:

 

  • 30% of value added exports
  • 10% of the value of increased exports

-

  • 50% of value added exports
  • 15% of the value of increased exports

-

Enhanced AIE

Similar to Enhanced AIE incentives under “Agriculture” sector

Deductions

Manufacturer shipping goods from Sabah or Sarawak to any port in Peninsular Malaysia

Further deduction of freight charges incurred on the shipment of goods

-

Manufacturers

Further / double deduction on the promotional expenditure incurred in seeking opportunities or in creating or increasing demand for the exports

-

Anchor company which participates in a Vendor Development Programme Double deduction of up to RM300,000 (RM500,000*) per YA for 3 consecutive YAs on QE incurred by an anchor company to carry out prescribed activities. (MOU signed between company and MITI from 1.1.2014 to 31.12.2020, *for MOU signed with Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives from 1.1.2021 to 31.12.2025) 

Malaysia Digital

Malaysia Digital (MD) Status 

MD status company that undertakes qualifying activity by utilising MD promoted tech enablers

New investment

0% reduced tax rate (RTR) on qualifying IP income and 5% or 10% RTR on qualifying non-IP income; or

up to 10

 

ITA of 60% or 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

5

Expansion

15% RTR on qualifying IP and non-IP income; or

5

ITA of 30% or 60% on QE set-off against 100% of SI 5

Owner of a building in Cyberjaya Flagship Zone used for his business or rented to an approved MD status company

IBA at 10% of the qualifying building expenditure incurred for approved activities

10

National & Strategic Projects

Incentives

Years

Approved business eligible for special incentive scheme (pre-package)

Tax exemption of SI; or

up to 15

Tax exemption equivalent to amount of QE set-off against SI

(rates and period to be determined by MoF)

up to 10

Approved services projects in areas of transportation, communications and utilities

Investment Allowance of 60% to 100% on QE set-off against 70% to 100% of SI; or

5

Tax exemption of 70% to 100% of SI

(rates and period to be determined by MoF)

5 or 10

IBA

-

Import duty exemption on machinery and equipment

-

Projects / products of national strategic importance

PS with tax exemption of 100% of SI; or

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 100% of SI

up to 10

5

Oil & Gas

Incentives

Years

Chargeable person carrying out petroleum operations in qualifying project

Investment Allowance of 60% of QE set-off against 70% of SI in respect of a qualifying project or infrastructure asset as determined by the Minister

10

Labuan International Commodity Trading Company which  undertakes qualifying activity under the Global Incentives for Trading programme 

Tax exemption on income derived purely from the trading of physical and related derivatives instruments of liquefied natural gas (LNG) 

3

Taxed at 3% on chargeable profits derived from the trading of physical and related derivatives instruments of:
  1. petroleum and petroleum-related products including LNG,
  2. minerals,
  3. agriculture products,
  4. refined raw materials,
  5. chemicals, 
  6. base minerals,
  7. coal
-
Investment in Late-Life Asset (LLA) projects in upstream petroleum industry (LLA Production Sharing Contracts awarded from 1.1.2020 to 31.12.2029)

Petroleum income tax rate at 25%

ACA (IA 20%, AA 40%) within 2 years

Carry back of losses from decommissioning activities to be utilised against income for 2 consecutive immediate preceding YAs

Exemption from export duty on petroleum products

Pengerang Integrated Petroleum Complex (PIPC)

(Applications received by 31.12.2028)

Chemical and petrochemical manufacturing company with minimum capital investment (excluding land) of RM500 million

• Income tax rate of 5% / 10% on income from qualifying activities, or

• ITA of 100% / 60% set-off against 100% of SI

Up to 10
Developers of industrial areas in the PIPC Income tax rate of 10% on the income from sale or rental activities for a qualifying project. 10

Stamp duty exemption on the following instruments executed in relation to the development of qualifying project/activity:

- Transfer of land or building; or

- Rental/lease of land or building.

 

Research and Development (R&D)

Incentives

Years

In-house R&D project

ITA of 50% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

10

Contract R&D company

PS with tax exemption of 100% of SI; or

5

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

10

R&D company

ITA of 100% on QE set-off against 70% of SI

10

Any person resident in Malaysia making contribution / payment to approved research institute / company (conditions apply to related companies)

 

Double deduction for the following expenditure:

  • cash contribution to an approved research institute
  • payment for use of services of an approved research institute / company
  • payment for use of services of a R&D or contract R&D company

-

 

In-house R&D by a person resident in Malaysia

Double deduction for approved in-house R&D expenditure of which any amount incurred outside Malaysia for that year is not more than 30% of the total expenditure for that year

-

R&D undertaken by a person or on his behalf

Single deduction for R&D expenditure

-

Building used for approved research or by an R&D or contract R&D company

IBA (IA 10%, AA 3%)

-

Qualifying company undertaking commercialisation of R&D findings

Tax exemption of SI derived from the commercialisation of R&D findings in:

  • resource-based industry owned by public research institute (PRI) / public institute of higher learning (PIHL)

  • prescribed non-resource based activities / products owned by PRI or public/private higher learning institutes (HLI)

     

(Applications received by 31.12.2025)

10

Qualifying company investing in commercialisation of R&D findings

Single deduction for value of investment made to its related company which undertakes the commercialisation of R&D findings in:

  • resource-based industry owned by PRI / PIHL

  • prescribed non-resource based activities / products owned by PRI or public / private HLI

(Applications received by 31.12.2025)

-

Approved New Technology Based Firm

Tax exemption on adjusted income consisting of the development or commercialisation of technological innovations

5

Tun Razak Exchange (TRX)

Incentives

Years

Approved developer undertaking development in TRX

Income tax exemption of 70% of SI from the:

  • disposal of any building or rights over any building or part of a building within TRX (until YA 2025);

  • rental of building or part of a building within TRX (until YA 2027)

5


TRX Marquee status company

ACA (IA 20%, AA 40%) on renovation cost on a building or part of a building located in TRX (until 31.12.2025)

-

IBA of 10% on a commercial building within TRX (eligibility period until 31.12.2025) 10
50% further deduction for rental of commercial building used for the purpose of its business in TRX (eligibility period until 31.12.2025) 10
Single deduction for prescribed relocation costs to relocate part or whole business to TRX. Relocation to take place no later than 31.12.2025.  

Others

Incentives

Years

 

Brand name, quality and accreditation

 

Further deduction for advertising expenditure and professional fees incurred to promote / advertise Malaysian brand names 

 

Double deduction for cost of obtaining quality system and standards certification

 

Single deduction for cost of obtaining accreditation for a laboratory or as a certification body

 
Export incentives for services sector

Further deduction of QE for the purpose of export of services / professional services

Allowance for increased export equal to 50% of the value of the increased export of qualifying services, set-off against 70% of SI (w.e.f. YA 2025 include Integrated Circuit Design services)  
Employer related incentives
 

Further deduction for the remuneration paid to an employee who is physically or mentally handicapped

 

Further deduction on expenditure incurred for the provision and maintenance of childcare centre for the benefit of their employees or childcare allowance given to their employees

 

Further deduction for employers hiring workers affected by accidents or critical illnesses and certified by SOCSO to be fit to work

 

Further deduction for the employment of senior citizens (60 years and above) or ex-convicts, inmates / ex-inmates of Henry Gurney School under the Malaysian Prison Department, and protection and rehabilitation institutions and care centres under the Social Welfare Department, with a monthly remuneration up to RM4,000 (until YA 2025)

 
Single deduction for provision of personal protective equipment to employees, purchase of thermal scanners and COVID-19 testing
 
Further deduction for remuneration incurred for recruiting former national athletes (YA 2023 to YA 2024)  

50% further deduction for the following:

  • Additional paid leave up to 12 months provided to employees caring for children, ill or disabled family members
  • One-off claim capped at RM500,000 for expenses on capacity building and software acquisition for implementing flexible work arrangements.
  • Employment expenses paid for a period of 12 months for hiring women returning to work

Applications received by Talent Corporation Malaysia Berhad from 1.1.2025 until 31.12.2027

 
Listing expenses
 
Single deduction of up to RM1.5 million on specified listing costs incurred by prescribed technology-based companies, listing on ACE, LEAP or Main Market (until YA 2025)  
Social responsibility

Single deduction for approved expenditure incurred on environmental preservation and conservation projects, or for maintenance of heritage building certified under the National Heritage Act 2005

Tax deduction for contributions or sponsoring activities related to tree planting, environmental preservation and conservation awareness projects verified by Forest Research Institute Malaysia (applications received by 31.12.2026)
Tax deduction for contributions to approved Social Enterprise.
Income tax exemption on all income of an accredited Social Enterprise up to 3 YAs (applications received by 31.12.2025)

Tax deduction up to RM50,000 for each YA on the following expenditure incurred on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) related expenditure (w.e.f YA 2024 until YA 2027):

  • Enhance Sustainability Reporting Framework

  • Climate Risk Management and Scenario Analysis

  • LHDN Tax Corporate Governance Framework

  • Transfer Pricing Documentation

  • E-invoicing implementation for MSMEs

  • Any ESG reporting by companies to an approved regulator by MoF

Others

Tax deduction up to 10% of aggregate income for contributions made to the Tabung Komuniti Filem dan Pembangunan Filem Kenegaraan under FINAS.

Tax deduction up to 10% of aggregate income, for contribution to nonprofit-based organisations involved in the development of sport at grassroot levels.

Tax deduction for new equipment and machinery donated to Public Skills Training Institutes, polytechnics, or registered vocational colleges from YA 2025 to YA 2027

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