The government has announced a one-year exemption from training levy payments for all private educational and training institutions, effective Jan 1, 2026, to strengthen the nation’s education and training ecosystem. 2sq2e
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement during the National Training Weeks (NTW) 2025 at Bukit Jalil National Stadium on June 14.
The exemption, he said, is part of the MADANI government’s strategy to education providers and focus resources on raising training quality.
“This exemption allows private institutions, from preschools to universities and vocational centres, to channel their efforts into enhancing skills development for our youth,” said Anwar, adding that the decision followed extensive from the sector.
The levy, mandated under the Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad Act 2001 (Act 612), typically s the Human Resource Development Corporation under the Human Resources Ministry (KESUMA).
Anwar said he has instructed the secretaries-general of the Education Ministry and KESUMA to ensure quality standards are upheld despite the levy waiver, and also urged oversight on large corporations to contribute more meaningfully to employee training.
Reinforcing the MADANI Economic Framework, Anwar emphasised the importance of preparing Malaysia’s youth for high-growth industries such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and semiconductor manufacturing, areas where Malaysia is already a key regional hub.
“This is not the time to be stuck in outdated methods. We must train our future workforce in the technologies that define the global economy,” he said.
