Your Malaysia salary & tax — explained

What you take home, why the first months are higher, and when you get money back

Your details

Gross pay before tax, incl. taxable allowances.
When you begin work in Malaysia.
A non-working spouse and children lower your monthly tax.
Number of children
Your settled take-home pay, each month
RM 0

What happens to your pay, month by month

The things people always ask

$What comes off my pay?

Two things come off before you're paid: income tax (PCB) and EPF (2%). Tax goes to the government and is gone — but EPF is different.

EPF goes into a retirement-fund account in your name (not to the government). Your employer adds another 2%, it earns a yearly dividend, and — importantly — you can take the whole balance out, tax-free, when you leave Malaysia for good. So it lowers your cash now, but you get it back.

iCould it be a bit less?

This tool already factors in a spouse, children and EPF. Certain expenses (insurance, lifestyle, medical) can lower the tax a little more — sorted when you file.

It's a standard estimate so you know what to expect — for your exact figure, ask a tax advisor.

What you need to do

Resident rates: YA 2025 (LHDN), standard RM9,000 relief. Non-residents: flat 30%. EPF 2% (employee) mandatory for Employment Pass holders since Oct 2025 — your money, withdrawable when you leave, not a tax. Residency via the 182-day rule incl. the cross-year bridge.
A friendly estimate to set expectations — not tax advice. Confirm your exact figures with LHDN or a tax advisor.