HRD Corp has issued Training Provider Circular No. 1/2026, announcing significant revisions to the terms and conditions governing levy-based training schemes. These changes take effect on 15 June 2026 and apply to all new grant applications from that date onwards.
If you're a registered training provider running HRD Corp-claimable programmes, this update directly affects how you schedule, submit and manage your training grants. Here's a full breakdown of what's changing and what it means for your business.
Which Schemes Are Affected?
The revised terms apply across four levy-based schemes:
- HRD Corp Claimable Courses (HCC)
- Skim Bantuan Latihan (SBL)
- Skim Latihan Bersama (SLB)
- Future Workers Training (FWT)
What's Changing: The 5 Key Revisions
1. Grant Submission & Approval — The 14-Day Rule
Before: Employers only needed to submit grant applications at least 1 day before training commenced.
Now: Grant approval must be obtained at least 14 calendar days before training commences. Additionally, training must start within 14 to 90 calendar days from the grant approval date — no earlier, no later.
What this means for training providers: Your training schedules must be firm and planned well in advance. No more last-minute grant submissions. If a client's employer hasn't secured approval 14 days before the training date, the session cannot proceed and won't be claimable.
2. Query — Stricter Limits on Back-and-Forth
Before: There was no limit on the number of queries per application, and employers had up to 30 days to respond.
Now: HRD Corp will raise only one (1) query per application, and the employer must respond within 5 calendar days. If they don't, the application expires and a new one must be submitted.
What this means for training providers: Incomplete or inaccurate documents submitted by employers are now a much bigger risk. Any supporting materials you provide — course outlines, trainer credentials, schedules — must be accurate and complete from the outset. One query is all that's allowed, and a late response kills the application entirely.
3. Grant Modification — No Longer Permitted
Before: Employers could modify an approved grant anytime between approval and claim submission.
Now: Modifications to approved grants are completely prohibited. If any training detail needs to change — dates, venue, trainer, participants — the employer must cancel the existing grant and submit a brand new application, which resets all timelines.
What this means for training providers: All training details (dates, venue, trainer, participant list) must be locked in and confirmed before the employer submits for grant approval. Changes after approval are no longer an option.
4. Appeal — Abolished
Before: Employers could appeal decisions after training commenced, and HRD Corp would evaluate on a case-by-case basis.
Now: No appeals will be entertained under any circumstances.
What this means for training providers: There is no fallback. If a training session is conducted outside the approved terms, the claim will be rejected with no recourse. Getting it right the first time is the only option.
5. Verification — Expanded Scope
Before: Verification was conducted on a case-by-case basis for locally delivered training only.
Now: HRD Corp will conduct verification on all approved grants covering physical training and Remote Online Training (ROT). This excludes e-learning, coaching and mentoring programmes, and overseas training.
What this means for training providers: Expect more frequent checks. Attendance records, delivery methods, and trainer details must all align exactly with what was approved. Documentation needs to be audit-ready.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Milestone | Detail |
|---|---|
| Circular issued | 7 May 2026 |
| Effective date | 15 June 2026 |
| Applies to | All new grant applications from 15 June 2026 |
| Existing approved grants | Continue under previous terms |
| Modifications/appeals post-15 June | Not permitted, even for pre-June approvals |
Grant Processing SLA: What to Expect
HRD Corp has committed to processing grant applications within 24 working hours from submission, with the following cut-off rules:
- Submitted before 5:00 PM on a working day → SLA starts the same day
- Submitted after 5:00 PM on a working day → SLA starts the next working day
- Submitted on a weekend or public holiday → SLA starts the next working day
This 24-hour turnaround is fast, but remember — you still need approval in place at least 14 days before training starts. Plan your submission timeline accordingly.
Bottom Line for Training Providers
Here's the bottom line for your operations:
Plan earlier. Training schedules need to be confirmed well ahead of time — not just for your own logistics, but to give employers enough runway to secure grant approval 14+ days before the session.
Submit accurate documents. You only get one chance to address a query. Make sure every document you provide to employers (course outlines, trainer profiles, attendance forms) is complete and correct before the application goes in.
Lock in all training details upfront. Dates, venues, trainers, and participants cannot change after approval. What's in the grant application is what must be delivered.
Maintain thorough records. With expanded verification covering physical and ROT sessions, your documentation must be ready to withstand scrutiny at any time.
Communicate proactively with employer clients. Many employers may not be aware of these changes. Helping them understand the new rules — especially the 14-day lead time and the no-modification policy — protects both their claims and your relationship with them.
For the official circular and FAQ, visit www.hrdcorp.gov.my or contact HRD Corp support at support@hrdcorp.gov.my or 1300-88-4800.
iTrainingExpert is Malaysia's #1 corporate training provider with 25+ years of experience delivering 2,800+ courses across 50+ countries. We offer public, online, and customised in-house training programmes, all HRD Corp claimable. Contact us at info@itrainingexpert.com or call +6012 686 9628.
