Latest News In August 2026

EPF Members Can Continue Contributing Until Age 75

EPF members may continue making voluntary contributions until the age of 75, even after retirement.

Savings can remain in the EPF account and continue earning annual dividends until age 100.
If savings remain unclaimed at age 100, the balance will be transferred to the Registrar of Unclaimed Moneys (WTD),

where members or their beneficiaries may still claim the funds.
Malaysians aged 14 and above can register as EPF members and make voluntary contributions.

Eligible contributors may also enjoy up to RM7,000 in annual personal income tax relief.

According to the Malaysian Immigration Department, the new Malaysian international passport is now available and is being rolled out in phases nationwide.

When applying for a new passport, the remaining validity of your current passport can be transferred to the new one, for up to 6 months.

However, passports replaced due to loss or damage, or those involved in ongoing investigations,are not eligible for validity transfer.

Applicants are advised to bring their current passport when applying to ensure the transfer process can be completed smoothly.

 Government May Increase SARA Aid Payments Soon

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has announced that the Government is expected to increase the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) aid amount soon to help ease the rising cost of living.

Currently, eligible recipients receive RM50 to RM200 per month, depending on their category, with eKasih households receiving up to RM200 monthly. If the increase is approved, monthly payments for eligible recipients may be revised upwards.
There is also speculation that the Government could reintroduce the one-off SARA assistance for all eligible Malaysian adults.

At this time, no official details on the revised payment rates or implementation have been announced. The public is advised to refer to the Government’s official announcement for the latest updates.

STPM Physical Certificates Are No Longer Issued Free of Charge

The Malaysian Examinations Council (MPM) has announced that STPM (Malaysian Higher School Certificate) physical certificates will no longer be issued free of charge.

Candidates can download their e-Certificate from the MPM official website as the official certificate.

Candidates who require a printed STPM certificate must pay an application fee of RM60.

In addition, candidates must download their e-Certificate within two years from the date STPM results are released. A fee will be imposed for downloads made after the two-year period.

Candidates can visit the MPM official website for more information and to download their e-Certificate.

Update Your MyKad Address If You Move for More Than 90 Days

According to the National Registration Department (JPN), MyKad holders who move to a new residence and stay there for more than 90 days are required to update the address on their MyKad to keep their records up to date.

Under Section 15 of the National Registration Act 1990 (Amendment 2001), applicants must provide proof of their new address,

such as a utility bill, broadband bill, or satellite TV bill, when updating their address.

Failure to comply may result in a fine of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to 3 years, or both.

August Public Holidays

24 August 2026 (Monday) – Governor of Melaka’s Birthday (Melaka only)

25 August 2026 (Tuesday) – Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulidur Rasul) (Nationwide)

31 August 2026 (Monday) – National Day (Hari Merdeka) (Nationwide)

 August Submission Deadlines

5.08.2026: PCB (July 2026 Payroll)
15.08.2026: SOCSO & EIS (July 2026 Payroll)
15.08.2026: HRDC (July 2026 Payroll)
15.08.2026: EPF (July 2026 Payroll)
31.08.2026: SST (For taxable periods ending 30.06.2026)
31.08.2026: Audited Financial Statements (Companies with 31 January 2026 financial year-end)
31.08.2026: Form C (Companies with 31 January 2026 financial year-end)
31.08.2026: CP204 Submission