Complete HRDF Guide Malaysia (2026)
Everything you need to know about HRD Corp training claims
What is HRDF and how does it work?
HRDF (now HRD Corp) is Malaysia's human resource development fund. Companies with 10+ employees contribute 1% of wages as levy, then claim back training costs from approved providers. Under the January 2026 Allowable Cost Matrix, general in-house training is claimable up to RM10,500 per day per group and public classes up to RM1,750 per participant per day, while focus-area, industry-specific and professional certification courses are claimable as per charged. The process involves: registering with HRD Corp, building levy balance, submitting a grant application and getting it approved before the training starts, and claiming reimbursement after completion. HRD Corp deducts a 4% service fee from approved claims.
What is HRDF / HRD Corp?
HRDF (Human Resources Development Fund), now officially known as HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation), is a Malaysian government agency under the Ministry of Human Resources.
Its primary role is to collect levy from employers and use these funds to support employee training and development programs across Malaysia.
Key Facts About HRDF
- •Established under PSMB Act 2001
- •Mandatory for companies with 10+ Malaysian employees; optional (0.5% levy) for 5-9 employees
- •Levy rate: 1% of monthly wages
- •Over 2,700 registered training providers
- •Claims processed through e-TRiS online system
How is HRDF Levy Calculated?
How much is HRDF levy?
HRDF levy is 1% of employees' monthly wages. Wages include basic salary plus fixed allowances. For example: If your company has total monthly wages of RM500,000, your HRDF levy is RM5,000 per month (RM60,000 per year).
Levy Calculation Examples
| Total Monthly Wages | Monthly Levy (1%) | Annual Levy |
|---|---|---|
| RM100,000 | RM1,000 | RM12,000 |
| RM250,000 | RM2,500 | RM30,000 |
| RM500,000 | RM5,000 | RM60,000 |
| RM1,000,000 | RM10,000 | RM120,000 |
How to Claim HRDF: Step-by-Step Guide
Register with HRD Corp
10+ Malaysian employees: mandatory (1% levy). 5-9 employees: optional (0.5% levy). No registration fee - approval takes up to 3 working days.
Pay Monthly Levy
Contribute 1% (or 0.5% for the optional tier) of employee wages monthly, due by the 15th. This builds your training fund balance.
Choose Training Provider
Select an HRD Corp registered training provider from our directory. Training must run at least 4 hours/day (excluding lunch) and be led by a certified trainer.
Submit Grant Application
Apply through e-TRiS before the training date, with quotation/invoice, training schedule, and trainer profile.
Attend Training
Employees complete the approved training program.
Submit Claim Documents
Upload attendance, certificates, and invoices within 6 months of the training completion date.
Receive Reimbursement
Approved claims are credited to your company or the training provider, depending on the scheme.
HRDF Training Requirements & Rules (2026 Update)
Course Requirements
- • Minimum 4 hours training per day, excluding lunch
- • Must be delivered by an HRD Corp-certified (Train-the-Trainer) trainer
- • Delivered by an HRD Corp registered training provider
- • Application (quotation, schedule, trainer profile) submitted via e-TRiS before the training date
2026 Timeline Rules
- • In-house training: can start 14 days after grant approval; must commence within 90 days
- • Public training (15 Jun-31 Dec 2026 only): can start 3 days after grant approval; reverts to the 14-day rule from 1 Jan 2027
- • Claims must be submitted within 6 months of the training completion date
Penalties for Non-Compliance (PSMB Act 2001)
- • Failing to register when liable: fine up to RM10,000, imprisonment up to 1 year, or both (Section 13(2))
- • Failing to pay levy on time (due by the 15th): fine up to RM20,000, imprisonment up to 2 years, or both, plus 10% yearly interest on the overdue amount
HRDF Training Schemes
Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas
For external training programs conducted by registered providers
Max Claim: In-house up to RM10,500/day/group; public up to RM1,750/pax/day
Eligibility: All registered employers
Skim Bantuan Latihan
For various training needs including in-house and overseas training
Max Claim: Based on approved fee
Eligibility: All registered employers
HRD Corp Focus Area Courses
National-priority skills — Industry 4.0, green tech, FinTech, smart construction, smart farming, aerospace, blockchain, microcredentials and future technology
Max Claim: As per charged — no flat daily cap
Eligibility: All registered employers
Industrial Learning Programme
For structured workplace learning with educational institutions
Max Claim: Varies by program
Eligibility: Employers with apprenticeship programs
Free HRD Corp Training via e-LATiH
Beyond the SBL-Khas / SBL / SLB claim schemes above, HRD Corp also runs e-LATiH (elatih.hrdcorp.gov.my) - a free e-learning platform open to any individual in Malaysia, not just employees of levy-paying companies.
e-LATiH offers over 1,000 free courses covering project management, communication, digital skills, and personal development, plus premium courses from HRD Corp-vetted content partners. It works entirely in a browser (desktop or mobile) - there is no dedicated app.
e-LATiH vs. Claimable Corporate Training
- •e-LATiH free courses - best for individual, self-paced upskilling; open to the public, no company registration needed
- •e-LATiH premium courses - paid, and can be claimed by registered employers
- •SBL-Khas / SBL / SLB training - structured, certified corporate training delivered by a registered provider and tracked through your company's levy account - the right route for team-wide, role-specific, or compliance training
If you're an individual looking to upskill for free, e-LATiH is a good starting point. If you're an employer planning training for your team, browse our directory of registered providers below to find a course matched to your industry and claim it against your levy balance.
HRDF Frequently Asked Questions
What is HRDF in Malaysia?
HRDF (Human Resources Development Fund), now known as HRD Corp, is a Malaysian government body that collects levy from employers to fund employee training and development. Companies with 10 or more employees must register and contribute 1% of monthly wages.
How much is HRDF levy in Malaysia?
HRDF levy is 1% of employees monthly wages (basic salary + fixed allowances). For example, if total monthly wages are RM100,000, the levy is RM1,000 per month. Companies can then claim back this amount for approved training.
How do I claim HRDF for training?
To claim HRDF: 1) Register your company with HRD Corp, 2) Ensure you have sufficient levy balance, 3) Choose an HRDF-registered training provider, 4) Submit a grant application before training, 5) Attend training and submit completion documents, 6) Receive reimbursement to your account.
What training is claimable under HRDF?
Most corporate training programs are HRDF claimable including: leadership training, soft skills, technical skills, IT training, sales training, and compliance programs. The training must be conducted by HRD Corp registered providers and approved under relevant schemes.
How much can I claim from HRDF?
Limits depend on the scheme and, within SBL-Khas, on delivery mode — and the basis differs, which is what most employers get wrong. Under the January 2026 Allowable Cost Matrix, general in-house face-to-face training is claimable up to RM10,500 per day per GROUP (RM6,000 per half day), prorated if you have fewer than 5 trainees. Public classes are claimable up to RM1,750 per PARTICIPANT per day (RM1,000 per half day). In-house remote online learning is RM700 per participant per day, e-learning RM875 per participant per day. Focus-area, industry-specific and professional certification courses are not capped at a flat rate at all — they are claimable as per charged, quoted per participant and prorated by attendance. SBL claims are based on approved course fees. All claims are subject to your available levy balance, and HRD Corp deducts a 4% service fee from approved claims.
What is the difference between HRDF and HRD Corp?
HRDF was rebranded to HRD Corp (Human Resource Development Corporation) in 2021. They are the same organization - HRD Corp is the current official name, while HRDF is still commonly used to refer to the levy and claims system.
Is there free HRDF training?
Yes. e-LATiH (elatih.hrdcorp.gov.my) is HRD Corp's e-learning platform with over 1,000 free courses covering project management, communication, digital skills, and personal development. It is open to any individual, not just employees of levy-paying companies, and requires no payment for the free catalogue.
What is e-LATiH and how is it different from HRDF-claimable training?
e-LATiH is HRD Corp's self-paced online learning portal for individuals - free courses are open to the public, and premium courses can also be claimed by registered employers. It is best for individual, self-directed upskilling. For structured, certified corporate training delivered by a registered provider and tracked through your company's levy account (SBL-Khas, SBL, SLB), use an HRD Corp registered training provider instead.
What is the minimum duration for HRDF claimable training?
HRD Corp requires a minimum training duration of four (4) hours per day, excluding lunch, for a program to be claimable. Training must also be delivered by an HRD Corp-certified trainer (Train-the-Trainer certified).
Is HRD Corp registration compulsory for small companies?
It depends on headcount. Companies with 10 or more Malaysian employees must register (1% levy, mandatory). Companies with 5 to 9 Malaysian employees can register voluntarily (0.5% levy, optional). Companies with fewer than 5 employees are not covered under the PSMB Act 2001.
What happens if my company does not register with HRD Corp?
If your company is liable under the PSMB Act 2001 and does not register, you can be fined up to RM10,000, imprisoned for up to one year, or both (Section 13(2)). Failing to pay the monthly levy after registering carries a heavier penalty: a fine of up to RM20,000, up to two years imprisonment, or both, plus 10% yearly interest on the overdue amount.
How long do I have to submit an HRDF claim after training?
As of the June 2026 update, training claims must be submitted within six (6) months of the training completion date, for both in-house and public programs. Approved in-house training can start 14 days after grant approval (must commence within 90 days); public training approved between 15 June and 31 December 2026 can start just 3 days after approval, reverting to the standard 14-day rule from 1 January 2027.
Can employers claim HRD Corp funding for interns?
Yes, through the Industrial Training Scheme (ITS) — a separate scheme from regular course claims. Employers can claim up to 50% of their HRD Corp levy balance (as of 1 January of the application year) toward intern allowances, insurance coverage, and PPE, for internships lasting 2–12 months. Eligibility is calculated in whole/half-month blocks: 15–27 days counts as half a month, 28+ days counts as a full month, and periods under 15 days aren't counted at all — so a 3.5-month internship with an odd number of days at the end may only be eligible for 3 months of support. This is distinct from HRD Corp's Future Workers Training (FWT) scheme, which supports pre-employment training for future hires rather than allowances during an active internship.
Find HRDF-Approved Training Providers
Browse our directory of 2,700+ HRD Corp registered training companies