HRD Corp Training Grant Rules 2026: Key Changes Every Malaysian Employer Must Know

Planning to apply for HRD Corp training grants? Important changes are coming that will affect how and when you submit your applications.

Effective 15 June 2026, the Human Resource Development Corporation (HRD Corp) will implement revised terms and conditions for all levy-based training grant applications. These changes are designed to strengthen compliance and ensure that training is properly approved before it begins.

For our clients who regularly attend HRD Corp claimable courses and training sessions, understanding these updates is essential to avoid rejected claims or delays.

What Training Schemes Are Affected?

The revised rules apply to all levy-based schemes, including:

• HRD Corp Claimable Courses (HCC)
• Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL)
• Skim Latihan Bersama (SLB)
• Future Workers Training (FWT)

These changes impact both employers and training providers.

Key Changes to HRD Corp Training Grant Applications

1. Training Can Only Start 14 Days After Grant Approval

Under the new policy, training may only commence 14 calendar days after the grant is approved.

Example:

• Grant approved: 2 June 2026
• Earliest training start date: 16 June 2026

This means businesses can no longer schedule training immediately after receiving approval.

2. Training Must Begin Within 3 Months of Approval

Once approved, the training commencement date must fall:

• At least 14 calendar days after approval
• No later than 90 days (3 months) after approval

If training starts outside this period, the claim will be considered non-compliant.

3. Approved Grants Can No Longer Be Modified

After 15 June 2026:

• No amendments to approved grants are allowed.
• Changes to venue, trainer, date, or course details are not permitted.
• To make changes, employers must cancel the existing grant and submit a new application.

4. Appeals Will No Longer Be Accepted

HRD Corp will no longer entertain appeals for rejected or expired grant applications.

This makes it even more important to ensure that all application details are accurate before submission.

5. Confirmed Training Dates Are Required

Employers must provide confirmed training dates when applying.

Tentative or provisional dates are not accepted.

6. Grant Approval SLA Remains 24 Working Hours

HRD Corp will continue processing applications within 24 working hours, excluding weekends and public holidays.

Cut-off Time:

• Applications submitted before 5:00 PM: SLA starts the same working day.
• Applications submitted after 5:00 PM: SLA starts on the next working day.

7. Only One Query Is Allowed Per Application

If HRD Corp raises a query:

• Employers have 5 calendar days to respond.
• Failure to respond within 5 days will cause the application to expire.

A new application will then be required.

8. Claims Must Follow Approved Training Details Exactly

During claim submission:

• Only trainee details (such as names and IC numbers) may be updated.
• All other training details must match the approved grant.

Any unapproved changes may result in claim rejection.

Recommended Timeline for Grant Submission

To avoid delays, HRD Corp advises employers to submit applications at least 15 days before the training date, although earlier submission is strongly encouraged.

Suggested Planning Timeline:

Example:

If your training is scheduled for 30 July 2026, your ideal timeline should be:

• Submit grant application by: 1 July 2026
• Grant approved by: 2 July 2026
• Training starts on: 30 July 2026

This fully complies with the new requirements.

What This Means for Biztrak Clients

If your company plans to attend any of Biztrak’s HRD Corp claimable training courses, you should:

• Plan your training calendar well in advance.
• Apply for grants early.
• Ensure all information is complete and accurate.
• Confirm dates before submission.
• Avoid last-minute changes.

At Biztrak, we recommend submitting your HRD Corp training grant applications as early as possible to prevent disruptions.

The new rules leave very little room for changes, so early planning is the best way to secure approval and avoid claim rejection.

Source: HRD Corp Employer’s Circular No. 2/2026 and FAQ on Revisions to the Training Grant Application Requirement for Levy-Based Training Schemes.