Budget 2027 · Business & SME

Budget 2027 · Business & SME

Business, SME and
Investment Measures

A practical overview of proposed tax changes, business incentives, financing and support measures that may affect Malaysian businesses.

Company tax Business incentives Grants & financing Indirect tax
ENGLISH

What businesses should know

The Budget 2027 materials cover more than company tax. This guide groups the key proposals by how they may affect SMEs, employers, investors and selected industries.

Quick guide: The measures below include proposals on company tax, tax deductions, investment incentives, indirect tax, stamp duty, grants and financing. Eligibility and effective dates vary by measure.

1. Company Tax and Employer Measures Tax rates, deductions and capital allowances for businesses

MSME income tax rate changes

14% · 16% · 24%

For qualifying MSMEs, the proposed rates are 14% on the first RM150,000 of chargeable income, 16% on the next RM450,000, and 24% above RM600,000.

Compared with current rates:
First RM150,000: 15% → 14%
Next RM450,000: 17% → 16%
Potential annual tax savings may reach RM6,000, depending on eligibility and taxable income.

Small value asset capital allowance

RM2,000 → RM3,000 per asset

The qualifying value for each small value asset is proposed to increase from RM2,000 to RM3,000.

For companies other than MSMEs, the annual total claim limit is proposed to rise from RM20,000 to RM30,000. The presentation states this total limit does not apply to MSMEs.

Salary payments and tax deductions

Proposed from YA 2028

Salary expense deductions are proposed to be allowed only when salary is paid through financial institutions or prescribed cashless payment instruments.

The proposal provides an exception for MSME employers. Confirm the final definition and conditions before applying this rule.

Employer repayment of employees’ PTPTN loans

1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2028

Employers may qualify for a tax deduction for PTPTN repayments made on behalf of employees during the proposed period.

Conditions listed in the proposal:
Employee is full-time; no repayment or benefit is required from the employee in exchange; employee is not the business owner or related to the employer.

Bakat MADANI training programme

29 Jun 2026 – 31 Dec 2030

Companies implementing the Bakat MADANI training programme are proposed to receive a tax deduction for the eligible period.

Keep programme, employee participation and expense records, and check the official requirements.

Accelerated capital allowance extension

Extended to 31 Dec 2030

The accelerated capital allowance for qualifying plant, machinery, ICT equipment and software is proposed to be extended.

The proposal includes qualifying assets acquired from local manufacturers. Check the asset list and qualifying expenditure rules.

2. Business Tax Incentives and Investment Incentives for investors, service providers and selected industries

Relocation support for local automotive vendors

Deduction up to RM5 million

Wholly locally owned automotive vendor companies relocating to the Automotive Hi-Tech Valley in Tanjung Malim may qualify for a deduction on eligible relocation costs.

Proposed expenditure period: 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030.

Shariah-compliant fund management

Exemption rate: 60% → 40%

The tax exemption for an eligible resident company providing Shariah-compliant fund management services is proposed to continue for three years, covering YA 2028 to YA 2030.

The proposed exemption is 40% of statutory income, subject to approval and conditions.

Sukuk Prisma issuance costs

YA 2027 – YA 2030

A tax deduction is proposed for qualifying issuance costs of Sukuk Prisma approved, authorised or lodged with the Securities Commission Malaysia.

The existing deduction for SRI Sukuk issuance costs is stated to remain effective until YA 2027.

SRI Sukuk and Bond Grant Scheme

Income tax exemption proposed

Grants received under the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk and Bond Grant Scheme are proposed to be exempt from income tax from 1 January 2027.

Contributions to public universities

Deduction up to 10%

Contributions to public universities by individuals, alumni and companies are proposed to qualify for a tax deduction of up to 10% of aggregate income.

Dapur Siswa MADANI contributions

1 Jan 2027 – 31 Dec 2030

A tax deduction is proposed for qualifying food and equipment contributions to the Dapur Siswa MADANI programme.

ECF investment incentive

Extended to 31 Dec 2030

The tax incentive for individual investors investing in start-ups and MSMEs through Equity Crowdfunding platforms is proposed to be extended for four years.

The presentation lists a limit of 50% of the investment, capped at RM50,000, subject to detailed conditions.

Angel investor incentive

Extended to 31 Dec 2030

The tax incentive for angel investors in eligible technology start-ups at the pre-seed and seed stages is proposed to be extended.

Global Services Hub and JS-SEZ

Applications from 1 Jan 2027

Proposed GSH changes include 5% and 15% tax rates for different company and income categories, an incentive period of up to 30 years, and qualifying service requirements.

Eligible treasury fund management activities may receive withholding tax and stamp duty benefits. Some benefits are also extended to the JS-SEZ package. Check MIDA approval conditions.

Malaysian shipping companies

Proposed exemption: YA 2027–2036

Full income tax exemption is proposed for eligible Malaysian shipping companies, subject to Malaysia-based strategic management, local operating expenditure and employment conditions.

The proposal lists at least RM250,000 annual local operating expenditure and four Malaysian employees per Malaysian ship, with an average monthly salary of RM15,000 each.

International incentive trips, conferences and trade exhibitions

Extended to YA 2030

A 100% income tax exemption on statutory income is proposed to be extended for qualifying organisers certified by MOTAC.

Annual foreign participant thresholds:
Incentive trips: 1,500
Conferences: 2,000
Trade exhibitions: 3,000

Green Technology Tax Incentive (GITA)

Applications and qualifying assets: 2027–2030

The proposal restructures GITA for business projects and green assets used for own consumption. Eligible areas include green hydrogen, ocean thermal energy, renewable energy, EV infrastructure, locally produced waste and water systems, and selected vehicles and equipment.

Rates, tiers, application windows and verification requirements differ by project or asset. Project applications involve MIDA; qualifying own-consumption assets involve MGTC. Check the detailed schedules before relying on an incentive.

3. Indirect Tax and Stamp Duty Measures that may affect operating costs, suppliers and financing

Elderly care service tax

8% → 6%

From 1 January 2027, the service tax rate for elderly care services is proposed to decrease from 8% to 6%.

Annual fees up to RM96,000 per person are proposed to be exempt where the provider is registered under the relevant law.

Sales tax refund for local traders

Proposed from 1 Jan 2027

A refund facility is proposed for local traders or distributors who paid sales tax on specified goods supplied to manufacturers.

The listed categories include selected machinery, spare parts and equipment, plus inputs for pharmaceutical products, animal feed, fertilisers and pesticides.

P2P financing stamp duty

Duty above RM10 proposed to be remitted

Stamp duty exceeding RM10 on qualifying P2P loan or financing agreements between MSMEs and investors is proposed to be remitted.

Proposed for agreements executed from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030.

CAKNA and supplier financing stamp duty

RM10 duty treatment proposed

Proposals include extending or reintroducing remission of stamp duty above RM10 for specified CAKNA financing and supplier financing arrangements.

The relevant scheme, agreement date and eligibility conditions differ. Confirm which category applies to the transaction.

Foreign currency and ship financing

RM2,000 / RM5,000 caps proposed

Stamp duty on certain foreign currency loans from Malaysian banks and financing for purchase or construction of Malaysian ships is proposed to be capped.

Proposed caps:
Loan up to RM100 million: RM2,000
Loan above RM100 million: RM5,000

GSH and JS-SEZ intercompany loans

100% stamp duty exemption proposed

Eligible foreign currency loan agreements between companies undertaking qualifying treasury fund management activities under GSH or JS-SEZ may receive a full stamp duty exemption.

4. Grants, Financing and Business Support Funding and assistance for SMEs and selected sectors

First-time halal certification grant

Matching grant up to RM5,000

MSMEs applying for halal certification for the first time may receive a matching grant of up to RM5,000, subject to programme requirements.

Support for halal MSMEs

Grant: RM25,000

A grant of RM25,000 is proposed to strengthen halal MSMEs in areas including cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Geran Sejahtera MADANI

RM200 million allocation

Funding is proposed for equipment and training for 40,000 recipients, particularly women and people who have skills but need support to purchase work equipment.

Cradle prototype and commercialisation grants

RM41 million allocation

Funding is proposed for the Startup Ecosystem Roadmap and grants supporting prototype development and commercialisation.

Microfinancing for small entrepreneurs

RM6.6 billion in 2027

The announced microfinancing pool includes allocations through AIM, TEKUN and BSN, including support for youths, gig workers, hawkers and vulnerable groups.

Specific facilities have their own eligibility and application processes.

Export financing and financing guarantees

BPMB: RM1 billion

Financing is proposed to help local MSMEs explore export markets. SJPP and CGC financing guarantees are also included in the Budget 2027 support measures.

The materials state guarantees of up to RM32 billion in 2027, with expanded coverage for mid-tier companies and M&A-related support.

ECF and P2P business funding

RM270 million support

Funding is proposed to support SMEs, mid-tier companies and social enterprises through equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer platforms.

Additional BNM financing for affected SMEs

Additional RM5 billion

BNM is proposed to add a further RM5 billion to financing support for SMEs affected by the West Asia conflict, on top of the earlier facility.

Businesses should check the current facility terms with participating financial institutions.

Other financing support

PUNB: RM500 million

Other measures include increased PUNB financing, agricultural entrepreneur financing, oil palm replanting support, aquaculture financing and support for gig workers.

Check each agency’s announcement for application windows, eligibility and repayment conditions.

Planning for your business?
Review which measures match your business activity, planned spending and financing needs. Keep the relevant records and confirm application details with the responsible agency or official guidance.
Important: This page summarises Budget 2027 materials. Some items are proposals, announced allocations or incentives subject to detailed rules. Confirm the final law, eligibility, application process and effective dates before relying on any measure.
HBA Global Consultancy Sdn. Bhd.
202001021804 (1378124-X)