Latest News In September 2026

Will the RM1,700 Minimum Wage Increase Again? Government Reviewing

The government is reviewing the current RM1,700 minimum wage and considering whether to increase it again.

The review will consider factors such as the poverty line, median wages, inflation, labour productivity and unemployment rate,

with the final decision to be evaluated by the National Wages Consultative Council.

Malaysia’s minimum wage has increased from RM900 (Peninsular Malaysia) / RM800 (East Malaysia) in 2013 to RM1,700 in 2025.
No final decision has been made yet.

You can plan ahead for next year’s tax filing by contributing to eligible savings and retirement plans this year.

• SSPN: Save for your children and enjoy up to RM8,000 in tax relief based on net annual savings.
• PRS: Contributions to the Private Retirement Scheme qualify for up to RM3,000 in tax relief.
• EPF: Mandatory EPF contributions qualify for up to RM4,000, while voluntary EPF contributions share an additional RM3,000 relief with life insurance.

Together, these can provide up to RM18,000 in tax relief.

Remember, the relevant contributions must be made this year to claim the relief when filing your taxes next year, subject to the applicable conditions.

Save Through Selected Plans & Enjoy Up to RM18,000 in Tax Relief Next Year

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.

Trade In Your Old Motorcycle & Get Up to RM1,000 Subsidy?

The government is considering expanding its vehicle trade-in programme to include old motorcycles, with a proposed subsidy of RM1,000 per motorcycle.

Transport Minister Anthony Loke said the proposal is still under consideration and could be introduced as early as late 2026 or early 2027.

The programme aims to encourage Malaysians to replace older motorcycles with newer ones and improve road safety.
Previously, the government offered a RM2,000 subsidy for car trade-ins, which was fully claimed within just three months.
However, the RM1,000 motorcycle subsidy has not been officially implemented yet.

The eligibility criteria and launch date will be announced by the government.

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.

September Public Holidays

16 September (Wednesday): Malaysia Day (Nationwide)

29 September (Tuesday): Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Kelantan only)

30 September (Wednesday): The Day Following the Birthday of the Sultan of Kelantan (Kelantan only)

September Submission Deadlines

15.09.2026: PCB (August Payroll)
15.09.2026: SOCSO & EIS (August Payroll)
15.09.2026: HRDC (August Payroll)
15.09.2026: EPF (August Payroll)
30.09.2026: SST (Companies with taxable period ending 31.07.2026)
30.09.2026: Audited Financial Statements (Companies with February 2026 Financial Year End)
30.09.2026: Form C (Companies with February 2026 Financial Year End)