The reduction, effective from 1 January 2026, lowers the service tax rate from 8% to 6% on rental and leasing services, while raising the MSME exemption threshold from RM1 million to RM1.5 million in annual sales.

Malaysia gazetted the Service Tax (Rate of Tax) (Amendment) Order 2026 on 13 March 2026, formalising a reduction in the service tax rate on rental and leasing services.

Earlier, Malaysia’s Ministry of Finance released updated policy notices on sales and services tax (SST) on 5 January 2026. The service tax rate is being lowered from 8% to 6%, effective 1 January 2026.

In addition, newly established MSMEs will enjoy a one-year exemption from service tax on rental or leasing services, effective from the date of their registration.