Can Individuals Claim HRDF in Malaysia? (2026)
The short answer: it depends on your employment status. Employees, sole proprietors, and company directors can claim — freelancers and foreign workers generally cannot.
Quick Answer
HRDF (HRD Corp) works through employers, not individuals. Your company pays the 1% monthly levy and submits claims on e-TRiS on your behalf. You personally cannot log in and claim — but if your employer contributes the levy, you are fully covered for approved training programmes.
If you are self-employed: Register a sole proprietorship → contribute the levy → then you can claim for your own training.
Who Can Claim — By Employment Type
Employee (company pays HRDF levy)
CAN CLAIMYour employer submits the claim on your behalf via e-TRiS. You attend the training, sign the attendance list — the company handles everything else.
You cannot submit claims yourself. Ask your HR department.
Sole Proprietor / Enterprise Owner
CAN CLAIMRegister your business with HRD Corp at hrdcorp.gov.my. Pay the 1% monthly HRDF levy on your payroll. You can then claim for your own training AND any staff.
Requires SSM registration + at least 1 Malaysian employee (yourself counts).
SME / Company Director
CAN CLAIMIf your company has 10+ Malaysian employees and is in a covered sector, registration is mandatory. Companies with 5–9 employees can register voluntarily. Once registered and contributing, all Malaysian staff training is claimable.
Check your HRD Corp eligibility at hrdcorp.gov.my.
Freelancer (no business registration)
CANNOT CLAIMFreelancers without an SSM-registered business cannot contribute the HRDF levy and therefore cannot claim.
Solution: Register a sole proprietorship (from RM60/year) → contribute levy → claim training.
Self-Employed Trainer
CANNOT CLAIMTrainers cannot claim HRDF for their own upskilling directly. However, by registering as an HRD Corp training provider and obtaining TTT certification, your corporate clients can claim your training fees.
Register as a provider at etris.hrdcorp.gov.my.
Foreign Worker / Non-Malaysian
CANNOT CLAIMHRDF claims are only for Malaysian citizens and Permanent Residents. Non-Malaysian staff can attend training but must be excluded from the HRDF claim.
Include only Malaysian participants in your attendance list.
How Sole Proprietors Can Start Claiming HRDF
Register your business with SSM
If you haven't already, register a sole proprietorship at mySSM.com.my. Cost: RM60–RM100/year.
Register with HRD Corp
Go to hrdcorp.gov.my → Employer Registration. You need your SSM certificate, bank details, and payroll information.
Start paying the 1% HRDF levy
Every month, 1% of your total payroll (including your own salary/drawings) is remitted to HRD Corp. This builds your claimable balance.
Find an HRD Corp registered provider
Use the CTMY directory to find HRDF-approved training providers for your industry.
Submit SBL-Khas application before training
Log in to e-TRiS, submit the grant application, and get it approved before your training starts.
Attend training and collect documents
Get the signed attendance list, invoice, and proof of payment. Submit your claim within 30 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim HRDF for my own training as a business owner in 2026?
Yes — if you are the owner of an SSM-registered business that contributes the HRDF levy, you can include yourself as a training participant and claim for your own training. The business must be a registered levy contributor and you must be a Malaysian citizen or PR.
I am a gig worker / e-hailing driver. Can I claim HRDF?
Not directly. Platform-based gig workers are classified as independent contractors, not employees. HRDF levy is not applicable to gig income. The exception: if you also operate a registered business (e.g. you run a food delivery service as a sole proprietor), that business entity may be eligible.
My company does not contribute HRDF levy. Can I still claim?
No — HRDF claims are only available to companies that are registered with HRD Corp and actively contributing the 1% monthly levy. If your employer has not registered, you cannot claim regardless of the training quality or provider.
Can I claim HRDF for online courses like Coursera or Udemy?
No — only courses from HRD Corp registered training providers can be claimed. Coursera, Udemy, LinkedIn Learning and similar platforms are not HRD Corp registered and are therefore not claimable.
How do I check if my employer contributes HRDF?
Ask your HR department directly, or check your payslip for a HRDF/HRD Corp deduction or contribution line. Alternatively, contact HRD Corp at 1800-88-4800 with your company registration number.
Last verified: June 2026
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