B17 INCOME EXEMPT FROM

TAXES – COMPANIES AND

UNINCORPORATED BUSINESSES
1. Income of the Government or a State Government or a local authority (Sch 6 Para 5, 6)
2. Income of co-operative societies
(a) In respect of the first 5 years commencing from the date of registration; and
(b) Thereafter, where the members’ funds of such co-operative society as at the first day of the basis
period for a year of assessment is less than RM750,000 (Y/A 1996 and prior – RM500,000) (Sch
6 Para 12).
3. Income of charitable institutions and trust bodies
(a) Income (other than dividend income) of a charitable institution, trust body of any trust or body of
persons established in Malaysia for charitable purposes only and approved by the Director General
(until Y/A 2002).
(b) Income (other than dividend income) of an institution, organization or fund approved under S. 44(6)
or non-profit religious institutions or organisations established in Malaysia exclusively for the
purpose of religious worship or the advancement of religion and not operated or conducted
primarily for profit (Sch 6 Para 13).
4. Income of trade union
Income (other than gains or profits from a business and dividend income) of trade unions registered
under any written law relating to trade unions (Sch 6 Para 17).
5. Income of approved schemes
Income of approved schemes arising in or outside Malaysia (Sch 6 Para 20).
6. Income of national and State amateur sports organisations
Income (other than dividend income) of national and State amateur sports organisations certified by the
President and Secretary of the Olympic Council of Malaysia (Sch 6 Para 26).
7. Income from group inclusive inbound tours
Income derived from the business of operating group inclusive tours by companies resident in Malaysia
licensed under the Tourism Act 1992 in carrying on an inbound tour operating business for Y/A 1986 to
Y/A 2006 [PU(A) 256/1991, PU(A) 101/1995, PU(A) 68/2000 and PU(A) 59/2002].
To qualify for this exemption, the total number of inbound tourists on group inclusive tours from outside
Malaysia shall not be less than 500 inbound tourists per year. The tours have to be certified by the
Ministry of Tourism.
The above exemption has been extended for another 5 years until Y/A 2011 [PU(A) 137/2007 and PU(A)
138/2007].
This exemption has been re-introduced effective from Y/A 2013 to Y/A 2015 with the condition that the
total number of inbound tourists on group inclusive tours from outside Malaysia shall not be less than
750 inbound tourists per year [PU(A) 7/2013]. The exemption has been extended to YA 2018 (2016
Budget).

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8. Income from Professional Services in Labuan
Exemption of up to 50% of the adjusted income of a person derived from a source consisting of the
provision of qualifying professional service rendered in Labuan by that person or his/her employees to
an offshore company from the Y/A 1992 to Y/A 1997 [PU(A) 158/1991].
Effective Y/A 1997 to Y/A 2004, a tax exemption of up to 65% of statutory income from this source will
be given [PU(A) 29/1997 and PU(A) 103/2005].
This exemption was extended for another 6 years from Y/A 2005 until Y/A 2010 [PU(A) 83/2007].
“Qualifying professional service” means legal, accounting, financial or secretarial service and includes
the services provided by a trust company as defined in the Labuan Trust Companies Act 1990
[PU(A)158/1991, PU(A)29/1997, PU(A)103/2005 and PU(A)83/2007].
From Y/A 2011 to Y/A 2020, a tax exemption of 65% of the statutory income derived from a source
consisting of the provision of legal, accounting, financial or secretarial services rendered by a person in
Labuan to a Labuan entity will be given.
“Labuan entity” means the entity specified in the Schedule to the Labuan Business Activity Act 1990
(Act 445) [PU(A) 418/2011].
9. Income from business which relates to qualifying assets or the letting of qualifying assets in
Labuan
Exemption up to 50% of the adjusted income of a person, derived from carrying on a business which
relates to a qualifying asset (road, drainage, telecommunication facility, school, hospital, office, port or
airport facility, hotel, any public utility or amenity or any recreational facility) or the letting of a qualifying
asset in Labuan where the person has either undertaken construction of or purchased the qualifying
asset. The exemption shall be for the year of assessment in which the adjusted income first arises from
that source and for 4 subsequent years of assessment. In the case where the qualifying asset is
purchased, the exemption shall not exceed 5 years of assessment commencing from the year of
assessment in which the adjusted income first arose from the source. The construction project of a
qualifying asset must commence within a period of 6 years from 1 October 1990 [PU(A) 355/1995].
10. Income of offshore companies
(a) Income of offshore companies derived from offshore non-trading activities, such as the holding of
investments in securities, stocks, shares, loans deposits and immoveable properties, by an
offshore company for its own behalf is exempt from tax.
(b) Income of offshore companies derived from offshore trading activities, such as banking, insurance,
trading, management, licensing or any other activity which is not an offshore non-trading activity,
will be taxed at either 3% on the audited net profit or RM20,000 for each year of assessment.
(c) Dividends received by an offshore company.
(d) Royalties received from an offshore company.
(e) Interest received from an offshore company.
(f) Amounts received from another offshore company in consideration of services, advice or
assistance specified in S. 4A(i) and (ii), ITA 1967.
[Items (a) and (b) – S. 2, 4, 7, 8 and 9 of the Labuan Offshore Business Activity Tax Act 1990; and
items (c) to (f) – PU(A) 437/2007.] With effect from 11 February 2010, the word “offshore” has been
deleted and any reference to the Labuan Offshore Business Activity Tax Act 1990 shall be
construed as a reference to the Labuan Business Activity Tax Act 1990.
11. Income from offshore companies or trusts
(a) Dividends received from an offshore company which are paid, credited or distributed out of income
derived from an offshore business activity or income exempt from tax;
(b) Distributions received from an offshore trust by the beneficiaries;

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 (c) Royalties received from an offshore company by a non-resident person;
(d) Interest received from an offshore company by a non-resident person (other than interest accruing
to a business carried on by a non-resident in Malaysia where that non-resident person is licensed
to carry on a business under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989, Islamic Banking Act
1983, Insurance Act 1996 or Takaful Act 1984);
(e) Interest received from an offshore company by a resident person (other than a person licensed to
carry on a business under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989, Islamic Banking Act
1983, Insurance Act 1996 or Takaful Act 1984)
(f) Amounts received from an offshore company by a non-resident in consideration of services, advice
or assistance specified in S. 4A(i) and (ii), ITA 1967; and
[Items (a) to (f) – PU(A) 437/2007]
(g) Gains or profits falling under S. 4(f) received by a non-resident.
12. Income of companies granted incentives under the Promotion of Investments Act 1986
(a) Pioneer status – see Chapter B18 “Tax Incentives”.
(b) Investment tax allowance – see Chapter B18 “Tax Incentives”.
(c) Abatement of adjusted income – see Chapter B18 “Tax Incentives”.
(d) Abatement of adjusted income for exports – see Chapter B18 “Tax Incentives”.
13. Statutory income of companies carrying on shipping business
(a) 70% of statutory income of companies resident in Malaysia derived from carrying on the business
of transporting passengers or cargo by sea on a Malaysian ship registered under the Merchant
Shipping Ordinance 1952 (S. 54A, ITA 1967) (100% exempted for Y/A 2011 and prior – 2012
Budget.)
(b) 70% of statutory income of companies derived from letting out on charter a Malaysian ship owned
by them on a voyage or time charter [S. 54A, ITA 1967 and PU(A) 473/1998]. (100% exempted for
YA 2011 and prior – 2012 Budget.)
100% of the above statutory income is exempted from Y/A 2012 to Y/A 2013 [PU(A) 167/2012].
14. Income of research companies and new technology-based firms
Please refer to Chapter B18 “Tax Incentives”.
15. Gains of unit trusts
Gains from the realisation of investments such as shares and properties by unit trusts (but still subject
to the RPGT Act 1976) [S. 6l(1)(b), ITA 1967].
16. Disposal of shares by venture capital companies
Gains arising from the disposal of shares in a venture company, provided that the shares are disposed
of within 3 years (Y/A 1991 and prior – 2 years) after the date on which they are listed for quotation on
a stock exchange in Malaysia [S. 60D(l), ITA 1967]. This exemption was withdrawn with effect from Y/A
2000 (cyb) and re-introduced under item 37 of this section.
17. Interest paid to non-residents by banks
Interest derived from Malaysia by non-residents and paid or credited by any person carrying on the
banking business or Islamic banking business in Malaysia and licensed under the Financial Services
Act 2013 or the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 (Sch 6 Para 33). Profits or interest income received
by non-residents from financial institutions established under the Islamic Banking Act 1983 and other
financial institutions approved by the Minister of Finance (2007 Budget). Interest paid or credited in the
basis year for a year of assessment to a non-resident by Bank Kerjasama Rakyat Malaysia Berhad with
effect from 30 August 2008 [PU(A) 211/2009].

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18. Interest income from bonds received by non-resident companies
Interest income derived by non-resident companies from the following:
(a) Securities issued by the Government; or
(b) Ringgit-denominated sukuk and debentures, other than convertible loan stocks, approved or
authorised by or lodged with the Securities Commission. [Sch 6 Para 33A(1)]
The exemption shall not apply to interest paid or credited to a company in the same group (2017 Budget).
19. Interest on Government savings certificates
Interest received in respect of any savings certificates issued by the Government (Sch 6 Para 19).
20. Income arising from sources outside Malaysia
Income arising from sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by a resident company (other
than a company carrying on the business of banking, insurance, shipping and air transport) with effect
from Y/A 1995 to Y/A 1997 (S. 3C, ITA 1967) and from Y/A 1998 onwards [PU(A) 469].
Income arising from sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by any person (other than a
resident company carrying on the business of banking, insurance, shipping and air transport) effective
from Y/A 2004 (Sch 6 Para 28).
21. Interest or discount paid to unit trusts and listed closed-end funds
Interest paid to unit trusts and listed closed-end funds in respect of:
(a) securities or bonds issued or guaranteed by the Government; or
(b) debentures, other than convertible loan stock, approved by the Securities Commission; or
(c) Bon Simpanan Malaysia issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia.
With effect from Y/A 2010, the exemption is extended to Islamic securities, other than convertible loan
stock, approved by the Securities Commission [Sch 6 Para 35(b)].
22. Interest paid to unit trusts and closed-end funds
Interest derived from bonds (other than convertible loan stock) paid or credited by any company listed
on the Malaysian Exchange of Securities Dealing and Automated Quotation Berhad (MESDAQ) [PU(A)
310/2001].
23. Income from export of services outside Malaysia
Income of a company resident in Malaysia derived from export of services carried on by the company
outside Malaysia for projects undertaken by a non-resident company shall be exempted from income
tax in the following manner:
(a) 50% of the income remitted and declared by the company in its return for the Y/A 1993; and
(b) 70% of the income remitted and declared by the company in its return for the Y/A 1994.
“Export of services” covers drilling rig services of oil and gas wells outside Malaysia, transportation of oil
and gas offshore structures and pipelines, and chartering of marine vessels for offshore oil and gas
activities [PU(A) 138/1995].
Also, refer further to the exemption of income arising from sources outside Malaysia in item 20 above.
24. Grant from Industrial Technical Assistance Fund (ITAF)
Monies received by way of grant from the Industrial Technical Assistance Fund (ITAF) subject to a
maximum of RM580,000 for small and medium scale companies (with shareholders’ funds not exceeding
RM500,000 for small scale companies and RM2,500,000 for medium scale companies) effective from 1
August 1990 [PU(A) 213/1995].

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25. Income arising from transactions made under a securities borrowing and lending agreement
Income (other than dividends, lending fees, interest-earned on collateral and rebate) accruing to a
borrower and a lender arising from a loan of securities listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange and
the return of the same or equivalent securities and, the corresponding exchange of collateral, in respect
of a securities borrowing and lending transaction made under a Securities Borrowing and Lending
Agreement [PU(A) 430/1995].
26. Income of trade associations
Income received by a trade association is exempted from tax up to 50% of the statutory income for each
year of assessment:
(a) from Y/A 1996 to Y/A 2000 (pyb) if the trade association was established before 1 January 1996;
and
(b) for a maximum period of 5 years commencing from the year of assessment in which the trade
association was established if it was established on or after 1 January 1996 until 31 December
2001 [PU(A) 56/2002].
With effect from Y/A 2002, tax exemption will be allowed on the statutory income from members’
subscription fees derived according to the specified formula [PU(A) 55/2002]. Where a trade association
has claimed an exemption under the exemption order PU(A) 55/2002, it cannot also claim the same
under exemption order of PU(A) 56/2002.
With effect from Y/A 2005, the exemption of members’ subscription fees will be based on the attributable
method by taking into consideration actual expenditure incurred [PU(A) 190/2005].
With effect from Y/A 2009, professional associations have been incorporated into the definition of trade
associations (S. 53, ITA 1967).
27. Income of club, association or similar institution
With effect from Y/A 2009, income derived from transactions with members is not subject to tax
(S. 53A, ITA 1967).
28. Gains arising from investments by closed-end fund company
Gains from realisation of investments by a closed-end fund company with effect from Y/A 1997
(S. 60H, ITA 1967).
29. Interest received by a unit trust
Interest derived by a unit trust from Malaysia and paid or credited by any bank or financial institution
licensed under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989 or the Islamic Banking Act 1983 or any
development financial institution regulated under the Development Financial Institutions Act 2002 (Sch
6 Para 35A).
30. Income arising from sources outside Malaysia for unit trusts
Income derived from sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by a unit trust with effect from
Y/A 1998 [PU(A) 469/1997].
The aforementioned exemption order has been revoked. With effect from Y/A 2004, income arising from
sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by a unit trust is exempt from tax (Sch 6
Para 28).
31. Income of organisers of sports, shows, exhibitions and festivals
Income tax exemption of 50% from 23 October 1998 to 31 December 2000 on income earned by
promoters from organising sports, cultural and art shows, exhibitions and festivals involving foreign
participation [PU(A) 502/2000].
32. Income earned by organisers of car and motorcycle racing events
Income tax exemption of 50% from Y/A 1999 on income earned by promoters of cars and motorcycles
from organising racing events of international standard held in Malaysia [PU(A) 501/2000].

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33. Income from organising domestic tour packages
Income of companies derived from operating domestic tours with at least 1,200 local tourists per year
will be exempted from tax from Y/A 1999 to Y/A 2006 [PU(A) 67/2000 and PU(A) 58/2002].
Companies have to be licensed under the Tourism Industry Act 1992 and the tours have to be certified
by the Ministry of Tourism.
The above exemption was extended to a further period of 5 years from Y/A 2007 to Y/A 2011 [PU(A)
137/2007].
This exemption has been re-introduced effective from Y/A 2013 to Y/A 2015 with the condition that the
total number of local tourists on domestic tours is at least 1,500 tourists per year [PU(A) 451/2012]. The
exemption is now extended to YA 2018 (2016 Budget).
34. Dividend received by a resident company from foreign income remittances
Dividend distributed from income arising from sources outside Malaysia and received in Malaysia by a
resident company (other than a company carrying on the business of banking, insurance, shipping and
air transport) [PU(A) 450/1995 and PU(A) 469/1997]. The aforementioned exemption orders have been
revoked. The exemption is now provided for under Sch 6 Para 28. Refer further to item 20 above.
35. Income of non-residents arising from use of moveable property in leasing business in Labuan
Withholding tax exemption with effect from 25 October 1997 on the income of a non-resident person
arising from the use of any moveable property by an offshore company licensed under the Offshore
Banking Act 1990 or approved by the Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority (LOFSA) to carry
out leasing business in Labuan [PU(A) 69/1998].
36. Income of Venture Capital Companies (VCCs)
Income tax exemption of income from all sources up to 10 years or equivalent to the life span of the
fund, whichever is lesser, with effect from Y/A 2000 (cyb) [PU(A) 211/2001]. Interest income arising from
savings or fixed deposits and profits from Syariah-based deposits has been excluded with effect from
Y/A 2003 [PU(A) 75/2005]. VCCs investing at least 50% of its investment funds in venture companies in
the form of seed capital to be given income tax exemption for 10 years [PU(A) 420/2006]. With effect
from Y/A 2008, VCCs investing at least 70% of its investment funds in venture companies at the point
of the first investment or, where the investment is in the form of seed capital, at least 50% of its invested
funds at the point of the first investment will be given income tax exemption for 10 years [PU(A)
159/2009]. A VCC investing at least 30% of its investment funds in venture companies at the point of
the first investment in the form of seed capital, start-up financing, early stage financing or its combination
and has made an application for the exemption to the Securities Commission between 30 August 2008
and 31 December 2013 will be given income tax exemption for 5 years [PU(A) 159/2009].
37. Tax credit for banks/insurance companies/stockbroking firms undergoing mergers
Tax credit of a sum equivalent to half of the losses suffered by the acquired bank/insurance company/
stockbroking firm at prevailing income tax rate will be given to the acquiring bank/insurance company/
stockbroking firm against tax suffered for 2 years of assessment immediately following the year of
assessment in which the merger is completed (2000 Budget).
38. Income derived from promotion of conferences held in Malaysia
Tax exemption on the statutory income of resident conference promoters derived from organising
conferences held in Malaysia with at least 500 foreign participants with effect from Y/A 1997 [PU(A)
500/2000].
39. Income from export of qualifying services
Income tax exemption equivalent to 10% of the value of increased export of qualifying services provided
in or from Malaysia to foreign clients but not exceeding 70% of the statutory income for a year of

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 assessment effective from 1 January 1998 or Y/A 2001 depending on the type of qualifying services
provided [PU(A) 154/2001].
The income tax exemption will be increased to 50% of the value of increased exports with effect from
Y/A 2002 [PU(A) 57/2002]. For healthcare service providers, the income tax exemption will be increased
to 100% of the value of increased exports for Y/A 2010 to 2014.
40. Interest from bonds and securities issued by Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional Bhd
Tax exemption (including withholding tax) on interest received from such bonds and securities issued
within and outside Malaysia effective from Y/A 1999 [PU(A) 220/2001].
41. Royalty income of non-resident franchisors
Royalty income received by non-resident franchisors from private institutions of higher learning for
franchised education schemes approved by the Ministry of Education is exempt from tax effective from
20 October 2001 [PU(A) 135/2002].
42. Income derived from organising international trade exhibitions in Malaysia
Income tax exemption on income derived from organising international trade exhibitions approved by
MATRADE, held in Malaysia and the organiser brings in at least 500 foreign trade visitors per year with
effect from Y/A 2002 [PU(A) 113/2002].
43. Income of non-residents from rental of ISO containers
Income from rental of ISO containers received by non-residents from shipping companies in Malaysia is
exempt from tax with effect from 20 October 2001 [PU(A) 210/2002].
44. Grant or subsidy received from Federal and State Government
Statutory income of any person in relation to a source of income derived from the allocations given by
the Federal and State Government in the form of a grant or subsidy is exempted from tax effective from
Y/A 2002 [PU(A) 33/2003].
45. Exemption on income derived by an approved offshore trading company
Income tax exemption on an approved offshore trading company in respect of the chargeable income
derived from offshore trading in accordance with a formula for a period of 5 consecutive years of
assessment commencing from the year of assessment in which the approval is given. Effective from
20 October 2001 [PU(A) 152/2003].
46. Discount or profit received from bonds or securities issued by Pengurusan Danaharta Nasional
Bhd or Danaharta Urus Sendirian Berhad
Tax exemption (including withholding tax) on discount or profit received from the sale of bonds or
securities issued at a discount and without interest payable within and outside Malaysia effective from
Y/A 1999 [PU(A) 153/2003].
47. Income of a Malaysian International Trading Company (MITC) approved by the Malaysia External
Trade Development Corporation
Income tax exemption equivalent to 10% for Y/A 2002 of the value of increased export derived from
export sales (but not exceeding 70% of the statutory income) for five consecutive years of assessment
starting from the year of assessment in which the MITC first qualifies for the exemption [PU(A) 60/2002].
With effect from Y/A 2003, the rate of 10% has been increased to 20% [PU(A)
181/2003].
48. Income of venture capital management companies
Income tax exemption on income arising from profit sharing agreements with a venture capital company
effective from Y/A 2003 [PU(A) 77/2005].

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49. Certain income of specific insurance and takaful operators
Income tax exemption in respect of the statutory income of selected insurance companies (as specified
in the Gazette Order) in relation to their sources of income derived from the Employees Provident Fund
Annuity Scheme Fund which is managed by them. The exemption order is effective from 1 July 2000
[PU(A) 288/2005].
50. Income from cemeterial grounds, columbarium, etc.
Income tax exemption to qualifying persons in respect of the statutory income in relation to its income
received or derived from managing public cemeterial grounds. This exemption order is effective from
Y/A 2004 [PU(A) 266/2005].
51. Income arising from the provision of qualifying services by Operational Headquarters (OHQ) in
Malaysia
Full tax exemption on income arising from qualifying services rendered to its related companies
overseas for 10 years effective from Y/A 2003 onwards. In addition, tax exemption is given to income
from qualifying services rendered to related companies in Malaysia provided that the income does not
exceed 20% of the total income from qualifying services [PU(A) 307/2005].
52. Income of Regional Distribution Centres (RDCs) and International Procurement Centres (IPCs)
Income tax exemption given to RDCs and IPCs for 10 years. This exemption order is effective from Y/A
2003 onwards [PU(A) 308/2005 and PU(A) 309/2005].
53. Income received from an approved MSC status company by a non-resident company
Income tax exemption given to a non-resident company which receives the following types of income
from an approved MSC status company:
(a) payment for technical advice or technical services;
(b) licensing fees in relation to technology development; and
(c) interest on loans for technology development.
This exemption order is effective from 1 October 2002 [PU(A) 102/2005].
54. Profits of newly established overseas branches or remittances of new overseas subsidiaries of
banks of banks, insurance and takaful
The profits of newly established branches of banks or remittances from new overseas subsidiaries of
banks will be allowed income tax exemption for 5 years. This incentive is effective from 2 September
2006 until 31 December 2009 [PU(A)278/2007].
The above exemption has been extended to 31 December 2015 [PU(A) 413/2009] and also to insurance
and takaful sectors. The date of commencement of operations of the effective period for the 5-year tax
exemption is given the flexibility to be deferred to begin not later than the third year of operations [PU(A)
411/2009].
55. Interest received from Kuwait Finance House Berhad
Interest income received by non-resident depositors from the Kuwait Finance House (Malaysia) Berhad
is exempted from income tax from Y/A 2006 [PU(A) 363/2006].
56. Interest received from Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad
Interest income received by non-resident depositors from the Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad is
exempted from income tax from Y/A 2006 [PU(A) 108/2007].
57. Income of a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT)
Total income of a REIT for a particular year of assessment will be exempted from tax if the unit trust
distributes 90% or more of its total income for that year of assessment effective from Y/A 2007
(S. 61A, ITA 1967).

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58. Islamic banking and takaful business
A 10-year tax exemption from Y/A 2007 to Y/A 2016 is granted for entities that have been approved by
the Central Bank of Malaysia to carry on the following businesses:
(i) International Islamic Bank;
(ii) International Takaful Operator; or
(iii) International Currency Business Unit.
The exemption will apply to income derived from businesses that are carried on in currencies other than
Ringgit Malaysia and in respect of a “qualifying Ringgit account”. A “qualifying Ringgit account” is an
investment account denominated in Ringgit Malaysia which is related and incidental to the business of
the entity [PU(A) 154/2007].
59. Interest received from AmIslamic Bank Berhad
Interest income received by non-resident depositors from the AmIslamic Bank Berhad is exempted from
income tax from Y/A 2006 [PU(A) 155/2007].
60. Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for Islamic finance
An SPV resident in Malaysia and established solely for the purpose of complying with the Syariah
requirement in the issuance of Islamic securities is exempt from income tax in respect of the statutory
income from the issuance of Islamic securities effective from Y/A 2007 (S. 60I, ITA 1967).
61. Income of companies managing foreign Islamic funds
A resident company’s statutory income from the business of providing fund management services to
foreign investors is exempt from tax for 10 years of assessment from Y/A 2007 to Y/A 2016. The
exemption is only for those funds managed in accordance with the Syariah principle as certified by the
Securities Commission for each year of assessment during the exempt period [PU(A) 199/2007]. The
exemption is now extended to YA 2020 [PU(A) 104/2016] .
62. Income of companies managing Islamic funds
A resident company managing Islamic funds for local investors will be given income tax exemption on
the statutory income in respect of fees received from managing the funds effective from Y/A 2008 until
Y/A 2016. The exemption is only for those funds managed in accordance with the Syariah principle as
certified by the Securities Commission for each year of assessment during the exempt period [PU(A)
255/2008]. The exemption is now extended to YA 2020 [PU(A) 105/2016] .
63. Income of International Islamic banks and Islamic Bank Units
Income tax exemption will be granted to International Islamic Banks and Banking Units as well as
international takaful companies and takaful units effective from 8 September 2007 to Y/A 2016.
64. Income tax exemption for non-profit oriented schools
All income received by non-profit oriented Government-assisted and private schools will be given tax
exemption, which includes schools formed by a body of persons, a trust body or a company limited by
guarantee effective from Y/A 2008.
65. Dividends received under the single-tier tax system
Dividends received under the single-tier tax system will be exempted from tax effective from Y/A 2008
(Sch 6 Para 12B).
66. Tax exemption for trade unions and amateur sports organisations
The dividend income derived by registered Trade Unions and National/State amateur sports
organisations will be exempted from income tax effective from Y/A 2008 (Sch 6, Para 17 and 26).
67. Review of withholding tax exemption on interest
Effective from Y/A 2008, withholding tax exemption on interest paid or credited to a non-resident will be
extended to the following under Sch 6, Para 33, 33A, 33B, 35 and 35A:

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 (i) Interest paid or credited to any company not resident in Malaysia (other than such interest accruing
to a place of business in Malaysia of such company) in respect of securities issued by the
Government; or sukuk or debentures issued in Ringgit, other than convertible loan stock, approved
or authorised by or lodged with the Securities Commission;
or
(ii) Interest paid or credited to any non-resident person in respect of sukuk originating from Malaysia,
other than convertible loan stock –
(a) issued in any currency other than Ringgit; and
(b) approved or authorised by or lodged with the Securities Commission or approved by Labuan
Financial Services Authority;
or
(iii) Interest or discount paid or credited to any non-resident individual –
(a) in respect of securities or bonds issued or guaranteed by the Government; or
(b) in respect of debentures or sukuk, other than convertible loan stock, approved or authorised
by or lodged with the Securities Commission; or
(c) in respect of Bon Simpanan Malaysia issued by the Central Bank of Malaysia.
or
(iv) Income of a unit trust in respect of interest derived from Malaysia and paid or credited by any
bank or financial institution licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013 or the Islamic
Financial Services Act 2013 or a development financial institutions prescribed under the
Development Financial Institutions Act 2002.
Provided that in case of a unit trust which is a money market fund, the exemption shall only apply
to a wholesale fund which complies with the relevant guidelines of the Securities Commission
Malaysia. (2017 Budget)
68. Income from the sale of certified emission reduction units
Income received from the sale of certified emission reduction units by a company incorporated under
the Companies Act 1965 (Act 125) and resident in Malaysia will be exempted from the Y/A 2008 until
Y/A 2010 [PU(A) 378/2008]. The exemption is extended to Y/A 2012 [PU(A) 478/2010].
69. Income derived from dealing in securities and advising on corporate finance
A resident in Malaysia is exempt in the basis period for a year of assessment from the payment of income
tax in respect of statutory Income derived from the regulated activity of dealing in securities under the
Capital Markets and Services Act 2007 (Act 671) relating to the arranging, underwriting and distributing
of sukuk.
The above applies to non-ringgit sukuk that originates from Malaysia and is issued or guaranteed by the
Government of Malaysia or approved by the Securities Commission under the Capital Markets and
Services Act 2007 and is effective Y/A 2009 until Y/A 2011 [PU(A) 394/2008]. The exemption is extended
to Y/A 2014 [PU(A) 445/2011].
70. Interest due and payable by an individual on a housing loan granted by a bank or financial
institution
Where in respect of any amount of interest due and payable by an individual, on a housing loan granted
by a bank or financial institution in the basis period for a year of assessment, a moratorium on such
interest is approved by the bank or financial institution, such interest shall not constitute the gross income
of that bank or financial institution for that basis period for a year of assessment.
The above refers only to interest which is due and payable for a period of 12 consecutive months
beginning from the month where the moratorium is approved by the bank or financial institution and is
effective from the Y/A 2009 and subsequent years of assessment [PU(A) 109/2009].

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71. Interest income from sukuk
Interest paid or credited to any person in respect of sukuk originating from Malaysia, other than
convertible loan stock –
(a) issued in any currency other than Ringgit; and
(b) approved or authorised by, or lodged with the Securities Commission, or approved by the Labuan
Financial Services Authority.
The exemption above shall not apply to:
(a) interest paid or credited to a company in the same group;
(b) interest paid or credited to:
(i) a bank licensed under the Financial Services Act 2013;
(ii) an Islamic bank licensed under the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013; or
(iii) a development financial institution prescribed under the Development Financial Institutions Act
2002. (2017 Budget) (Sch 6 Para 33B).
72. Income from consolidation of a management project
Individuals, partnerships, co-operatives and companies which are resident in Malaysia and have
business sources in Malaysia are exempted from the payment of income tax in respect of statutory
income derived by such persons from a consolidation of a management project [PU(A) 415/2009].
73. Income from undertaking an approved forest plantation project
Companies which undertake an approved new forest plantation project are exempted from payment of
income tax for a period of 5 years and those that undertake an expansion forest plantation project are
exempted from the payment of tax for a period of 10 years [PU(A) 473/2009].
74. Income from sukuk ijarah issued by 1Malaysia Sukuk Global Berhad
Income derived by any person from the sukuk ijarah, other than convertible loan stock, issued in any
currency by 1Malaysia Sukuk Global Berhad.
75. Gains or profits received from the investment in Islamic securities
Gains or profits received by an individual, unit trust or listed close-end fund from the investment in Islamic
securities other than convertible loan stock which are issued in accordance with the principles of
‘Mudharabah, Musyarakah, Ijarah, Istisna’ or any other principle approved by the Shariah Advisory
Council established by the Securities Commission under the Capital Markets and Services Act 2007.
Effective from Y/A 2007 to Y/A 2009 [PU(A) 160/2011].
76. Gains or profits received from a limited liability partnership
Gains or profits received by partners of a limited liability partnership is exempted from tax effective from
the coming into operation of the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 (Sch 6 Para 12C).
77. Income of a life insurer or takaful operator
Income tax exemption in respect of the income of a life insurer or takaful operator in respect of an
investment from a life fund or family fund in a deferred annuity scheme approved by Bank Negara
Malaysia. The exemption is effective from Y/A 2012 (Sch 6 Para 20A).
78. Income of a licensed resident bank or finance company, insurance, takaful operator on the
business of giving loan to the rescuing contractor or developer in an abandoned housing project
Income tax exemption in respect of the statutory income of a qualifying person derived from interest
which is related to the business of giving loan to the rescuing contractor or developer in an abandoned
housing project for a period of 3 consecutive years of assessment (the exempt years of assessment)
commencing from the first Y/A in which the interest income accrues to that qualifying person. A qualifying
person is a person resident in Malaysia who is a bank or finance company licensed or deemed to be
licensed under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act 1989, a bank licensed under the Islamic

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 Banking Act 1983, a development financial institution prescribed under the Development Financial
Institutions Act 2002, an insurance business licensed under the Insurance Act 1996, or a takaful operator
licensed under the Takaful Act 1984. This provision takes effect from Y/A 2013 and subsequent years
of assessment [PU(A) 88/2013].
79. Income of BNM Kijang Berhad or any holder of Sukuk Kijang
Income tax exemption given to BNM Kijang Berhad or any holder of Sukuk Kijang in the basis period for
a Y/A in relation to any income derived from Sukuk Kijang. The provisions of S. 109 and 109B of the
Income Tax Act shall not apply to the income exempted under this Order.
For the purpose of this Order, “Sukuk Kijang” means the Islamic securities of nominal value of up to two
hundred and fifty million United States dollars (USD$250,000,000) issued or to be issued in accordance
with the Shariah principle of Ijarah by BNM Kijang Berhad. This exemption order is effective from 12
August 2013 [PU(A) 262/2013].
80. Gains or profits derived from sukuk wakala issued by Malaysia Sovereign Sukuk Berhad
Income tax exemption in relation to gains or profits derived, in lieu of interest, from the sukuk wakala in
accordance with Wakala Bil Istithmar principle. The provision of S. 109 of the Income Tax Act shall not
apply to the income exempted under this Order.
This exemption applies to sukuk wakala with the nominal value up to one billion and five hundred million
United States Dollar (USD1,500,000,000), other than convertible loan stock, issued by the Malaysia
Sovereign Sukuk Berhad. The exemption is effective from Y/A 2015 [PU(A) 61/2015].
Note: All references to Sch 6 in this section on “Income exempt from taxes” refer to Sch 6 of the ITA 1967.
“cyb” refers to current year basis and “pyb” refers to preceding year basis.

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