Malaysia
Malaysia Construction & Trades Software Directory
Independent reviews of 33 Malaysia-relevant vendors — built around the force reshaping the market: MyInvois, the national e-invoicing system run by LHDN/IRBM. The MyInvois-native accounting tools (AutoCount, SQL, Bukku), the local QS software that handles BQ and progress claims (BuildSpace, IFCA), EPF/SOCSO payroll and Contractor’s All Risks insurance — with the local context (the Ringgit, 6% SST on construction services, CIDB G1–G7 grading, the Green Card) that off-the-shelf software ignores.
⏰ Compliance guide · MyInvois e-invoicing is LIVE (LHDN/IRBM) · construction has a special rule
MyInvois e-invoicing for Malaysian contractors
Construction is a “no-consolidation” industry — but the interim relaxation lets ≤RM5m contractors keep batching progress claims until 31 Dec 2027. The phases, the RM150k exemption, the RM10k rule, and which tools submit to LHDN directly.
Deciding between two options?
See Malaysian vendors compared side by side — a clear verdict, pros and cons, Malaysia-specific notes, and pricing, head to head.
What’s different about choosing software in Malaysia
One thing dominates Malaysian software selection: MyInvois, run by LHDN/IRBM. It’s live and phasing in by turnover (largest firms since August 2024; businesses above RM1m from January 2026), and the smallest are now permanently exempt — turnover under RM150,000 never has to issue e-invoices. You submit structured XML/JSON through the MyInvois portal or an API, IRBM validates in near real-time and returns a UIN and a QR code. The construction wrinkle is the most misunderstood point in the country: construction is on the official “no-consolidation” list, meaning each progress claim should in principle be e-invoiced individually — but the interim relaxation (§16.2) expressly lets every business, construction included, keep issuing consolidated e-invoices through the grace window, which for firms up to RM5m runs to 31 December 2027. So most small contractors are not yet forced into per-claim invoicing; larger ones already are. Beyond that: the second-order rule that any single transaction over RM10,000 needs its own e-invoice, a new 6% SST on construction services (since July 2025; residential and government work exempt), and the CIDB layer — you can’t legally bid or build without CIDB G1–G7 registration and a Green Card for every worker. The local gems are the QS tools that model Malaysian BQ and progress claims (BuildSpace, IFCA), since most horizontal accounting tools don’t.
Accounting / invoicing & construction software
A genuinely rich market — the SME accounting duopoly with native MyInvois (AutoCount, SQL), modern cloud challengers (Bukku with free e-invoicing + Peppol, Financio, Biztory), the standout local QS/BQ tool that handles progress claims (BuildSpace), Bursa-listed property/construction software (IFCA), the BIM takeoff standards (Cubicost, RIB CostX) and ERPs with MyInvois APIs (Globe3, HashMicro).
AutoCount
Tier S · RecommendedAll-in-one accounting, POS, payroll & e-Invoice for Malaysian SMEs
One of Malaysia's two dominant SME accounting platforms (alongside SQL). KL-based and Malaysia-native, with 240,000+ businesses and a deep reseller network, in on-premise and cloud editions.
Malaysia-specific note
Direct MyInvois/LHDN submission is built in (standard, consolidated and self-billed) via its "AIP" platform with a retry mechanism for LHDN downtime — and e-Invoice is included at no extra cost, with native SST handling.
Pros
- + Massive installed base + reseller support
- + MyInvois deeply integrated and free
- + On-prem + cloud options
- + Strong inventory/POS modules
Cons
- − Desktop UI feels dated
- − Per-user add-on licensing adds cost
- − Reseller quality varies
- − Less modern than cloud-first rivals
SQL Account
Tier S · RecommendedLeading accounting & payroll software in Malaysia, LHDN e-Invoice ready
The other half of Malaysia's SME accounting duopoly — very widely deployed and used as a training standard, in on-prem and SQL Cloud editions.
Malaysia-specific note
One-click MyInvois submission is built in (XML/JSON to LHDN with a QR validation), once your ERP is registered with MyInvois — with full SST support and Malaysian localization.
Pros
- + Huge market share + accountant familiarity
- + Built-in MyInvois submission
- + Strong support/training ecosystem
- + Reliable for full-set accounting
Cons
- − Interface dated
- − Primarily desktop-first
- − Mobile/cloud experience trails cloud-natives
- − Reseller-dependent support
Financio (by ABSS)
Tier A · WorkableCloud accounting built for Malaysian SMEs and non-accountants
The cloud product from ABSS (formerly MYOB South Asia), a long-established Malaysian accounting vendor — aimed at startups and small businesses that want simplicity.
Malaysia-specific note
Handles MyInvois e-invoicing via API on the Essentials and Premier tiers (generating XML/JSON and submitting to LHDN), and pairs with ABSS desktop for existing users — SST-ready throughout.
Pros
- + Backed by the established ABSS/MYOB lineage
- + Genuinely easy for non-accountants
- + Cloud-native
- + MyInvois included on paid tiers
Cons
- − Lighter feature set than SQL/AutoCount for complex needs
- − E-Invoice gated to paid tiers
- − Smaller construction/job-costing depth
- − Less reseller muscle
Bukku
Tier A · WorkableCloud accounting with a permanently free LHDN e-Invoice plan
A modern Malaysian cloud-accounting challenger, distributed via UOB Business, that positions on price and free e-invoicing.
Malaysia-specific note
A strong MyInvois angle — it integrates both LHDN MyInvois and the Peppol network and markets a permanently free e-invoicing plan, and qualifying SMEs can claim the government 50% / up-to-RM5,000 digitalisation grant.
Pros
- + Free-forever e-invoice tier (rare)
- + Supports both MyInvois and the Peppol network
- + Very low cost (<RM2/day)
- + Eligible for the SME digitalisation grant
Cons
- − Younger/smaller than the incumbents
- − Less reseller/training muscle
- − Thinner for heavy inventory or construction job-costing
- − Smaller brand
Biztory Cloud Accounting
Tier A · WorkableCloud accounting & invoicing on the go for Malaysian small business
A Malaysian cloud-accounting SaaS (since 2014) with a budget-friendly, SME/micro focus.
Malaysia-specific note
Automatic LHDN-compliant MyInvois submission (it consolidates and submits to avoid manual portal entry), with SST handling built in — a low-cost way for a micro-business to get compliant.
Pros
- + Very affordable entry point
- + Cloud/mobile-first
- + MyInvois automation
- + Recognized by accountants
Cons
- − Smaller brand/ecosystem
- − Lighter advanced features
- − Limited construction-specific tooling
- − Modest support scale
Sage UBS (Sage Malaysia)
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketLong-running localized accounting (UBS) plus mid-market Sage 300/X3
Sage UBS has been a Malaysian SME staple since 1988 (now also branded Access UBS), while Sage 300/X3 serve larger multi-entity firms needing job costing.
Heads up: Sage's direction for the "UBS" line has shifted under the Access Group acquisition — confirm the current product/branding and support continuity before relying on the legacy UBS product.
Malaysia-specific note
MyInvois/LHDN compliance is available, with Sage 300 routing e-invoices to LHDN via SESAMi as an Access Point — and the job-costing modules suit construction and multi-department contractors.
Pros
- + Deep legacy install base + partner network
- + Job-costing for contractors (Sage 300/X3)
- + Scales from SME (UBS) to mid-market
- + SST + e-invoice paths
Cons
- − Branding/ownership confusion (Sage UBS vs Access UBS)
- − E-invoicing may need a third-party Access Point (e.g. SESAMi)
- − Legacy UI
- − Enterprise tiers pricey
HashMicro
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketCloud ERP for Asia-Pacific SMEs, MyInvois-ready, with a construction module
A Southeast-Asia ERP vendor (Singapore-based, with a strong Malaysia marketing presence) serving retail, manufacturing, construction and services with industry-specific configs and AI automation.
Heads up: Self-ranking conflict — HashMicro places ITSELF at #1 in its own "best ERP / best e-invoicing software" listicles, which rank prominently in Malaysian search; treat its comparison content as marketing, not independent review.
Malaysia-specific note
Markets as fully MyInvois-ready with a direct LHDN connection and SST compliance, and offers a construction/project module — just read its own "best of" rankings (where it crowns itself) as marketing, not a neutral review.
Pros
- + Broad ERP breadth incl. a construction module
- + MyInvois-ready (direct LHDN connection)
- + Quick-deploy industry templates
- + Aggressive local content/marketing
Cons
- − Self-promotional "best-of" lists (conflicted)
- − Pricing opaque / quote-only
- − Implementation can be heavy
- − Reviews mixed on customization cost
BuildSpace (BuildSpace Pro)
Tier S · Recommended"A construction digital solution made by QS for QS"
A Malaysia-native (since 2016) end-to-end cloud platform for developers, contractors and consultants — BQ, e-tendering, contract management and progress claims. A standout local quantity-surveying tool.
Malaysia-specific note
Directly relevant to the construction e-invoicing reality — it handles the progress-claim certificates and variation orders linked to contract BQ items, exactly the documents construction firms must e-invoice individually under MyInvois. Pair it with an accounting tool for the LHDN submission itself.
Pros
- + Purpose-built for Malaysian QS/BQ workflow
- + Strong tender comparison (no Excel formulae)
- + Centralized cost database
- + Progress-claim / variation-order management
Cons
- − Niche (QS/contractor only, not general accounting)
- − Not itself an e-invoice submitter — pairs with accounting software
- − Smaller vendor
- − Learning curve
Cubicost by Glodon
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketBIM-based 5D quantity takeoff and cost estimating for construction
Glodon's Cubicost suite (TAS/TRB/TBQ/TME) for BIM quantity takeoff and 5D cost management, with a Malaysia entity plus local resellers and documented Malaysian project case studies.
Malaysia-specific note
Used by Malaysian QS and contractors for BQ and estimating, with Glodon Malaysia providing local sales and support — but it is a takeoff/estimating tool, not an LHDN/MyInvois one, so it pairs with accounting software.
Pros
- + Powerful BIM 5D takeoff (auto-deductions, rebar)
- + Local Malaysia entity + resellers
- + Proven on Malaysian projects
- + Integrates cost + schedule
Cons
- − Estimating-only (no e-invoice/accounting)
- − Steep learning curve
- − Per-module licensing adds up
- − China-HQ product (localization depth varies)
RIB CostX
Tier A · Workable Cross-market2D & BIM takeoff and estimating with live-linked workbooks
A global estimating/QS standard (originally Exactal, now RIB Software), available in Malaysia via reseller and used by QS firms operating in and across the country.
Malaysia-specific note
Sold into Malaysia through local resellers for BQ, estimating and tender prep — a strong international QS brand, but not Malaysia-native and not a MyInvois tool, so it's purely the takeoff/estimating layer.
Pros
- + Best-in-class 2D/3D BIM takeoff
- + Live-linked estimating workbooks
- + Trusted globally by QS
- + Widely taught
Cons
- − Premium price
- − No local e-invoice/SST relevance
- − Support is reseller-mediated in Malaysia
- − Overkill for small contractors
Globe3 ERP
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketCloud ERP with a dedicated construction/project-accounting module
An ERP suite (Singapore-HQ, with a Malaysia office and a localized MY site) with 20+ years' track record, serving construction, trading, manufacturing and field service — a solid mid-market construction ERP option locally.
Malaysia-specific note
Markets a MyInvois API integration (handling the direct LHDN connection for clients) and project-accounting for tracking subcontractors, materials and expenses — a fit for the construction no-consolidation reality, with a local MY office for support.
Pros
- + A real construction/project-accounting module
- + MyInvois API integration
- + Local Malaysia office + 20-year track record
- + Covers subcontractor cost tracking
Cons
- − Singapore-HQ (regional, not Malaysia-native)
- − Smaller brand vs SAP/HashMicro
- − Quote-only pricing
- − Implementation-heavy
IFCA MSC Berhad
Tier A · WorkableProperty & construction enterprise software, Bursa Malaysia-listed
An established Malaysian software house (founded 1987, listed on Bursa Malaysia since 2003) with 800+ clients, specializing in property developers and contractors — its ContractX handles construction and contract management.
Malaysia-specific note
Malaysia-listed and deeply localized for property/construction — its ContractX targets the progress claims and contract management relevant to the MyInvois construction rules, with local SST/LHDN compliance.
Pros
- + Listed, well-capitalized Malaysian vendor
- + Purpose-built property + construction modules
- + Long track record
- + Large local client base
Cons
- − Enterprise-scale (heavy for small contractors)
- − Quote-only
- − Aimed more at developers than micro-SMEs
- − Legacy elements in the product line
Tenders, project intelligence & home services
The official federal e-procurement portal (ePerolehan), CIDB’s construction-specific e-tender portal plus its cost index (N3C), the strongest private Malaysia-native tender-intelligence SaaS with award history (Tenderpanel), and the leading renovation/trades marketplace (Recommend.my). Genuinely thin on private construction lead-gen — these are the real ones, no padding.
ePerolehan (Government eProcurement)
Tier S · RecommendedMalaysia's official federal e-procurement portal for government tenders
The mandatory federal eProcurement system — all federal supply/service procurement runs through it, and ministries and agencies advertise tenders, quotations and contracts here. The single largest public source of government work for contractors.
Malaysia-specific note
Suppliers register by category (including Contractor), and CIDB-graded contractors bid on works here — though major construction-works tenders are also routed via CIDB's own e-tender portal.
Pros
- + Authoritative, mandatory source of federal contracts
- + Free entry tier
- + Transparent award trail
- + Huge volume
Cons
- − Government UX / bureaucracy
- − MOF Account + registration overhead
- − Federal-only (state/private tenders elsewhere)
- − Not a curated "alert" tool on its own
CIDB e-Tender & N3C
Tier A · WorkableCIDB's national construction tender portal + cost-data centre
CIDB (the construction-industry regulator) runs a dedicated e-tender portal where major works tenders from bodies like JKR/PWD are advertised to CIDB-registered contractors, plus N3C (the National Construction Cost Centre) with a Tender Price Index.
Malaysia-specific note
A construction-specific lead source aligned to CIDB grading — it complements ePerolehan for works tenders, and the N3C provides Malaysian construction cost benchmarks (the Tender Price Index) useful for bidding.
Pros
- + Construction-only focus
- + Aligned to CIDB G1–G7 grades
- + Authoritative cost-index data (N3C)
- + National coverage of works tenders
Cons
- − Government portal UX
- − Overlaps with ePerolehan
- − Primarily public/major works
- − Not a polished SaaS alert product
Tenderpanel
Tier A · WorkableMalaysia's government procurement intelligence platform
The strongest genuine private Malaysia-native tender-intelligence SaaS — it consolidates public (CIDB, MOF, UPKJ) and private tenders plus quotations into one searchable database with daily keyword alerts.
Malaysia-specific note
Built around Malaysian licence categories (CIDB, MOF/KKM, PUKONSA, UPKJ filtering), and its Pro tier adds award intelligence — the winning contractor, exact RM award value and contract period for past government contracts — a real competitive-bidding edge.
Pros
- + Genuinely Malaysia-rooted
- + Consolidates many sources into one feed
- + CIDB/MOF licence-category filtering
- + Award-history intelligence (Pro)
Cons
- − Smaller/independent vendor
- − Data completeness vs official portals unverified
- − Pro features paywalled
- − Brand reach limited
Recommend.my
Tier A · WorkableMalaysia's home-improvement & contractor marketplace
A leading Malaysian home-services/renovation marketplace (since 2015), active in 2026 with 10,000+ vetted pros — renovation contractors, interior designers, handymen and repair trades. A real lead channel for renovation/trades businesses.
Malaysia-specific note
The strongest surviving consumer-to-contractor lead marketplace in Malaysia (after Kaodim closed in 2022) — local pros bid on homeowner projects, with verified reviews and past-project photos, on a lead/commission model.
Pros
- + Established and clearly active (2026 listings)
- + High pro volume
- + Verified reviews + money-back guarantee build trust
- + Genuine inbound lead flow for trades
Cons
- − Consumer/renovation-skewed (not commercial/government works)
- − Provider economics (commission/lead fees) not publicly itemized
- − Competitive bidding pressures margins
- − Residential focus
Construction insurance — Contractor’s All Risks
CAR and Erection All Risks from Malaysia’s major engineering insurers — global Allianz, home-grown Lonpac, Japanese-backed MSIG and Tokio Marine, and Zurich with a Shariah Takaful option. All broker-placed, no online quotes; regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia.
Allianz General Malaysia
Tier S · Recommended Cross-marketGlobal insurer, Malaysia's engineering heavyweight
One of the largest general insurers in Malaysia and part of the global Allianz Group, giving deep reinsurance capacity for large infrastructure. Engineering (CAR, EAR, machinery) is a flagship line, strongly broker/corporate-distributed.
Malaysia-specific note
Its CAR explicitly allows add-ons for Construction Plant & Equipment, Machinery, Professional Fees and the Principal's Existing Property — well-suited to mid/large Malaysian projects, and placed through brokers rather than online.
Pros
- + Fully-documented CAR + EAR products
- + Large-project reinsurance capacity
- + Broad extensions (plant, machinery, debris)
- + Strong broker relationships
Cons
- − Quote-only, no online self-serve
- − Effectively broker-placed
- − Pricing opaque without a proposal
- − Geared to corporate over micro-contractors
Lonpac Insurance
Tier S · RecommendedMalaysia's home-grown engineering-class specialist
The operating arm of LPI Capital and a leading domestic insurer consistently cited among the top CAR/engineering carriers in Malaysia — it publishes its own CAR wordings and Product Disclosure Sheets.
Malaysia-specific note
A Malaysian-owned default market for contractors' CAR/EAR — strongly broker- and agency-distributed, reaching SME and bumiputera-contractor business through its nationwide agency force.
Pros
- + Dedicated Engineering & Machinery line incl. CAR
- + Publicly downloadable CAR PDS/wording
- + Deep local underwriting knowledge
- + Wide nationwide agency reach
Cons
- − No online quote — agent/broker only
- − Smaller global balance sheet than Allianz/Zurich for mega-projects
- − Sparse product pages (need the PDF PDS)
- − Commercial lines not self-serve
MSIG Malaysia
Tier S · Recommended Cross-marketJapanese-backed (MS&AD) commercial engineering insurer
Part of the Mitsui Sumitomo / MS&AD global group, carrying a full commercial/engineering suite including Contractors' All Risks — a recognised CAR market in Malaysia with PIDM-protected products.
Malaysia-specific note
Broker- and corporate-distributed and often favoured for projects with Japanese or multinational principals — it publishes a CAR Product Disclosure Sheet, though engineering sits under a generic "Other Commercial" menu.
Pros
- + Established CAR/engineering with a published PDS
- + Strong group reinsurance (MS&AD)
- + Good fit for Japan-linked principals
- + PIDM-protected
Cons
- − Quote-only, broker/agent-placed
- − Engineering buried under "Other Commercial Insurance" (low discoverability)
- − Pricing not public
- − Less retail-contractor friendly
Zurich General Malaysia
Tier S · Recommended Cross-marketGlobal Zurich brand — with a Shariah CAR/EAR Takaful option
The local arm of the global Zurich Group, offering a combined CAR/EAR all-risks product covering both civil and M&E works — and running a parallel Takaful range (CAR Takaful, EAR Takaful).
Malaysia-specific note
The conventional-plus-Takaful pairing is a genuine Malaysia differentiator for bumiputera, Islamic-finance-linked and government-linked projects that need a Shariah-compliant CAR/EAR.
Pros
- + Combined CAR/EAR all-risks product
- + A dedicated Shariah-compliant Takaful alternative
- + Global Zurich reinsurance
- + Wide extension menu (SRCC, transit, cross-liability)
Cons
- − Commercial CAR/EAR quote-only
- − Two parallel ranges (conventional vs Takaful) can confuse buyers
- − Pricing not published
- − Broker/intermediary dependent
Tokio Marine Malaysia
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketEngineering CAR/EAR and professional indemnity under one insurer
The local arm of the global Tokio Marine group — one of the few here with both a documented combined CAR/EAR product and a clearly stated PI line underwritten by the Malaysian entity.
Malaysia-specific note
A single-carrier option for a contractor who also needs Professional Indemnity for their design consultants on a Malaysian project — both CAR/EAR and PI are underwritten by the local entity, via brokers.
Pros
- + Combined CAR/EAR clearly documented
- + In-market PI for engineers/architects/consultants
- + Strong global group backing
- + Good for bundling works + professional liability
Cons
- − Quote-only commercial lines
- − Smaller Malaysian general-insurance footprint than Allianz/Lonpac
- − Pricing not public
- − Broker-dependent
Payroll — EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB & HRDF
Software that handles the full Malaysian statutory stack — EPF/KWSP, SOCSO/PERKESO, EIS, PCB/MTD and the HRDF levy. The LHDN-certified incumbent (SQL Payroll), AutoCount’s cloud payroll, and the modern HR suites (Talenox, Kakitangan, BrioHR).
SQL Payroll
Tier S · RecommendedLHDN-verified Malaysian payroll with auto EPF, SOCSO, EIS, PCB and HRDF
The dominant Malaysia-only payroll incumbent, paired with the widely-deployed SQL Account. Strong with accountants and traditional SMEs wanting a locally-certified system, and heavily reseller-distributed.
Malaysia-specific note
Uses the official LHDN PCB calculator for 100%-matched MTD and generates the full statutory pack (EPF Borang A, SOCSO Borang 2/3/8A, EIS, Form EA, Borang E/CP8D, CP39/CP22) with text-file exports for KWSP/PERKESO/LHDN and bank uploads.
Pros
- + Certified by KWSP/PERKESO/LHDN/HRDF
- + Uses LHDN's own PCB calculator engine
- + Complete Malaysian statutory form coverage
- + Massive local support/reseller network
Cons
- − Malaysia-only
- − Dated UI vs modern SaaS
- − Pricing not transparent (quote/reseller)
- − Best value bundled with SQL Account
AutoCount Cloud Payroll
Tier A · WorkableCloud HR & payroll for Malaysian SMEs — LHDN/PCB/EPF/SOCSO/EIS/HRDF compliant
The payroll arm of AutoCount, the other major Malaysian SME accounting vendor — a cloud-native HR+payroll bundling e-Leave/e-Claim/e-Attendance, sold through a large dealer ecosystem.
Malaysia-specific note
Fully compliant with LHDN/PCB/EPF/SOCSO/EIS/HRDF and auto-updates statutory rates (including Zakat) through to submission — a natural pick if you already run AutoCount Accounting.
Pros
- + Free plan up to 3 employees
- + Cloud-based with facial-recognition/GPS clocking
- + Tight fit with AutoCount Accounting
- + Broad reseller support
Cons
- − Malaysia-only
- − Payroll depth lighter than a dedicated HRIS
- − Best value inside the AutoCount ecosystem
- − Advanced HR gated to paid tiers
Talenox
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketClean cloud payroll & leave across Malaysia, Singapore and Hong Kong
A regional SaaS popular with startups and lean SMEs for its clean UI and fast onboarding, on a self-serve online model rather than reseller-led.
Malaysia-specific note
Auto-calculates EPF/SOCSO/EIS on each payroll run and produces PCB/MTD plus statutory exports — a good fit for a modern contractor with staff across Malaysia, Singapore or Hong Kong.
Pros
- + Clean modern UI, quick setup
- + Transparent per-headcount pricing
- + Regional coverage for SG/HK staff
- + Free public MY EPF/SOCSO/PCB calculators
Cons
- − Free tier sunset 5 Jan 2026 (paid-only now)
- − Per-headcount cost scales up
- − Less local hand-holding than SQL/AutoCount
- − Suite lighter on deep HR
Kakitangan.com
Tier A · WorkableMalaysia-first HR & payroll built around local statutory workflows
One of the earliest, most recognised Malaysia-focused cloud HR/payroll brands, with a micro/small-business focus built on local fit and affordability.
Malaysia-specific note
Handles full statutory submissions (EPF/SOCSO/EIS/PCB/HRDF) plus the EA Form and LHDN e-filing — a cheap, local-first option for a small contractor making its first payroll hire.
Pros
- + Deep Malaysia-only focus
- + Affordable entry pricing
- + Complete statutory + EA/LHDN e-filing
- + Established local brand
Cons
- − Malaysia-only
- − Lighter feature set than enterprise HRIS
- − Micro/SME orientation may not suit larger firms
- − Less suited to multi-country teams
BrioHR
Tier A · Workable Cross-marketAll-in-one Malaysian HRMS & payroll, recruitment to payslip
A KL-HQ'd (founded 2018) Malaysia-born modular HRMS that raised a ~US$6.5M Series A and is expanding across ASEAN — aimed at growing SMEs that want a full HR suite, not just payroll.
Malaysia-specific note
Fully LHDN-compliant — it streamlines EPF/SOCSO/EIS/HRDF/PCB and Malaysian public holidays inside a broader recruitment-to-payslip platform, fitting a contractor scaling its back office.
Pros
- + Full-suite HRMS (recruitment → payroll)
- + Well-funded local company with regional ambition
- + Automates ~80% of routine HR tasks
- + 1,000+ companies
Cons
- − Pricing quote-based (less transparent)
- − Broad suite is more than a payroll-only buyer needs
- − Younger installed base than SQL/AutoCount
- − Onboarding heavier
Compliance & official bodies
The legal chain a Malaysian contractor must complete — SSM incorporation, LHDN tax + MyInvois, the mandatory CIDB registration (G1–G7) and Green Card that gate all construction work, the Board of Engineers (BEM), and employer registration with EPF, SOCSO and HRD Corp.
CIDB Malaysia
Official body / regimeMandatory contractor registration & construction-personnel certification (Act 520)
The federal statutory body under Act 520 (CIDB Act 1994) that regulates Malaysia's construction industry — contractor registration and G1–G7 grading (SPKK), the Green Card, accreditation and standards, via the CIMS portal.
Malaysia-specific note
Under s.25(1) no one may undertake construction work as a contractor without valid CIDB registration, and under s.33(1) every worker, supervisor and manager on site must hold a valid Green Card (Kad Hijau) — the two legal preconditions to bid or build. Grades also require minimum paid-up capital (G1 ~RM5k → G7 >RM750k).
What it covers
- + Legally enables you to tender for and undertake construction work
- + G1–G7 grade sets tender capacity (G1 ≤RM200k … G7 unlimited)
- + Green Card certifies site personnel as safety-inducted
- + Gateway to government/MOF tenders
Watch out for
- − Registration compulsory BEFORE any work — operating unregistered risks RM10,000–RM100,000 fine (s.29)
- − Cannot tender/work after the certificate expires until renewed
- − Cannot exceed your grade ceiling or work outside your registered category
- − Every worker needs a Green Card (penalties up to ~RM5,000 per worker without)
Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM)
Official body / regimeStatutory registration of engineers & engineering practices (REA 1967)
The statutory body under the Registration of Engineers Act 1967 (Rev. 2015), formed in 1972, that registers engineers, engineering technologists, inspectors of works and consultancy practices, and regulates professional conduct.
Malaysia-specific note
For construction/infrastructure requiring engineering input the engineer must be BEM-registered, and only a registered Professional Engineer (Ir.) may submit or endorse engineering work — a Graduate Engineer needs ≥3 years supervised experience first.
What it covers
- + Legal authority to practise and submit engineering work
- + Professional Engineer (Ir.) status to endorse designs and sign off submissions
- + Lets you register an engineering consultancy practice
- + Professional standing for tenders that require registered engineers
Watch out for
- − Practising/submitting without registration is prohibited
- − PE status needs ≥3 years post-grad experience + the Professional Assessment Exam
- − Ongoing CPD and conduct obligations
- − Annual renewal
SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia)
Official body / regimeStatutory registration of companies & businesses in Malaysia
The regulatory authority for companies (Companies Act 2016), businesses (ROB Act 1956) and LLPs — registration is mandatory to operate legally, via ezBiz (sole prop/partnership) and MyCoID (Sdn Bhd).
Malaysia-specific note
A contractor must be an SSM-registered legal entity (Sdn Bhd or enterprise/sole prop) before registering with CIDB or bidding — it is the foundational legal-entity step, and your paid-up capital here feeds your CIDB grade ceiling.
What it covers
- + Establishes a legal entity (Sdn Bhd, sole prop, partnership, LLP)
- + Prerequisite for business bank accounts, CIDB registration and tendering
- + Online self-service
- + Fast for sole props (~1–3 working days)
Watch out for
- − Annual renewal for enterprises/sole props (lapses if missed)
- − Sdn Bhd carries ongoing obligations (annual return, audited accounts, company secretary)
- − Paid-up capital matters for CIDB grade minimums
- − Sdn Bhd incorporation can take up to ~2 weeks
LHDN / IRBM (Inland Revenue Board)
Official body / regimeIncome-tax registration, the MyTax portal and MyInvois e-invoicing
The federal authority administering direct taxes (Income Tax Act 1967) under the Ministry of Finance — it runs the MyTax gateway and the MyInvois e-invoicing platform.
Malaysia-specific note
A contractor must register for income tax and obtain a TIN via e-Daftar, then issue validated e-invoices through MyInvois — the RM1m–RM5m turnover band is in MyInvois scope from 1 Jan 2026, with full penalty enforcement extended to 1 Jan 2028. See our MyInvois guide for the construction specifics.
What it covers
- + Issues the TIN required for all legal/financial dealings
- + MyTax centralises filing and e-Daftar
- + MyInvois enables compliant e-invoicing for B2B/B2G construction billing
- + Employers handle PCB/MTD through LHDN channels
Watch out for
- − MyInvois is phased by turnover band
- − Non-compliant invoices are penalised RM200–RM20,000 each (s.120(1)(d), ITA 1967)
- − Ongoing monthly PCB/MTD plus annual filing
- − TIN required before most commercial onboarding
EPF / KWSP
Official body / regimeMandatory employer registration & retirement-savings contributions
The statutory retirement-savings body under the EPF Act 1991 — any employer hiring at least one employee must register and contribute, transacting via i-Akaun (Employer).
Malaysia-specific note
Under s.41(1) EPF Act 1991 an employer must register within 7 days of its first hire, activate i-Akaun within 30 days, then remit monthly — one of the tightest statutory deadlines a new contractor faces.
What it covers
- + Establishes the legal employer account to hire compliantly
- + i-Akaun for online employee registration, contributions and bank uploads
- + Baseline requirement for any contractor with workers
- + Well-documented online process
Watch out for
- − Strict 7-day registration after the first hire
- − Must activate i-Akaun within 30 days
- − Monthly remittance (employer + employee) with late penalties
- − Non-registration risks prosecution + backdated contributions
SOCSO / PERKESO
Official body / regimeMandatory employer registration for injury, invalidity & EIS protection
The statutory body under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969 and the EIS Act 2017 — employers register and contribute via the ASSIST portal. Especially load-bearing in construction given on-site injury risk.
Malaysia-specific note
An employer must register within 30 days of hiring (Form 1 / ASSIST) and contribute monthly for Employment Injury & Invalidity plus EIS by the 15th — and because the mandatory CIDB Green Card bundles only a basic personal-accident Takaful, SOCSO is the real injury backbone on site.
What it covers
- + Employment-injury, invalidity and EIS coverage (critical for construction risk)
- + A single ASSIST portal for combined SOCSO + EIS
- + Demonstrates statutory compliance for tenders/audits
- + Covers foreign workers (Employment Injury since 2019, Invalidity since 2024)
Watch out for
- − 30-day registration after the first hire
- − Monthly contribution due by the 15th
- − Non-compliance risks fines up to RM10,000 and/or 2 years' imprisonment
- − Statutory scope/rates — you cannot opt out
HRD Corp
Official body / regimeTraining-levy registration for employers with 10+ employees
The statutory body under the PSMB Act 2001 that manages the HR-development levy and training-grant ecosystem, with registration via the eTRiS portal.
Malaysia-specific note
Under s.13(1) PSMB Act 2001, once you reach 10 Malaysian employees you must register and pay a 1%-of-wages levy (5–9 employees may opt in at 0.5%) — but a contractor can claw it back to fund CIDB Green Card and safety courses.
What it covers
- + The levy is reclaimable as training grants (e.g. CIDB/safety/technical courses)
- + Straightforward eTRiS registration
- + Supports workforce upskilling for a growing contractor
- + Funds the safety training the industry needs
Watch out for
- − Compulsory at 10+ employees
- − Monthly 1% levy on wages
- − Failure to register risks a fine up to RM10,000 and/or 1 year's imprisonment
- − "Use-it-or-lose-it" if grants go unclaimed
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