Step-by-Step HRDF SBL-Khas Grant Application Guide 101 (Malaysia)

HRDF SBL-Khas HDR Corp. training Step-by-Step guide


Note: We are a registered HRD Corp training provider, not the official HRD Corp. For official information, visit HRD Corp

 

What is HRDF / HRD Corp?

The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), now officially known as HRD Corp., is an agency under the Malaysian Ministry of Human Resources. Its goal is to encourage and support employee training and skills development, especially in key industries driving Malaysia’s economic growth.

HRDF is a fund managed by Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB). Employers who are registered under the PSMB Act 2001 are required to register to HRDF and contribute a levy (usually 1% of monthly wages for eligible employees), which they can later use to claim back training costs.

This initiative supports HRDF training and development for employees in key industries. If you’re enrolling in a HRDF course offered by a training centre like ours, you will typically apply under the SBL-Khas scheme.

You can register to HRD Corp here!

What is BSL-Khas?

For Companies Who Want to Claim HRD Corp. Training Without Upfront Payment SBL-Khas (Skim Bantuan Latihan – Khas) or Special Training Assistance Scheme is a HRD Corp scheme that allows employers to send their employees for training without needing to pay upfront.

Instead, HRD Corp. pays the Training Centre directly using your company’s levy contributions—making it easier for companies to train staff without affecting cash flow.

This guide is for companies who are interested in joining a training course at our centre and want to apply for the HRD Corp. grant under the SBL-Khas scheme.

This scheme is:

  • Only for HRD Corp-registered training providers
  • For both public and in-house training
  • HRD Grant is only claimable for locals (with Malaysian IC only)

Note: HRDF claimable meaning: You can offset your course fee using your company’s HRDF levy, and HRD Corp pays the provider on your behalf.

 

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for SBL-Khas (As a Company)

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before applying, ensure your company:

  • Is registered with HRD Corp in Malaysia (Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad)
  • Has an active employer status
  • Has sufficient levy balance in the HRD Corp. account
  • Has no unpaid arrears or interest
  • Is sending staff to a registered SBL-Khas training provider (like us)

Step 2: Request Documents from the Training Centre

Once your company confirms participation, the Training Centre will prepare the required documents:

  • Quotation (with company letterhead)
  • Trainer profile
  • Detailed Course Outline

Note: Most providers, including us, will guide you through this process and may pre-fill the form for you.

Step 3: Log in to the HRD Corp Portal

  • Click on Employer Login
  • Enter your MyCoID (SSM number) and password

Step 4: Apply for the Grant

  • Go to Grant > Apply Grant
  • Click Apply

Select Scheme Code: SBL-Khas (Skim Bantuan Latihan – Khas)

Register Grant
Fill in:

I.    Training title & description
II.    Provider name (ensure it’s HRD Corp registered)
III.  Training dates & duration
IV.  Number of participants
V.   Fee breakdown (refer to the quotation)

Step 5: Upload All Required Documents

Make sure the following PDFs (under 2MB each) are uploaded:

  • Quotation
  • Training proposal/brochure
  • Trainer profile

Step 6: Submit the Application

  • After reviewing all the details, click “Submit”
  • A message will appear: “Grant Submitted Successfully”
  • You will receive a Grant Reference Number (save this for tracking)

Step 7: Track Status in the Portal

You can track your application under Grant > Grant Status.
Look out for these statuses:

  • Pending
  • Approved
  • Returned (need amendment)
  • Rejected (with reason)Approval typically takes a few working days depending on completeness.

Step 8: Staff Attend the Training

Once the grant is approved:

  • Your team can attend the training
  • No payment is needed upfront
  • The provider will deliver training as scheduled

Note: This is how companies claim HRDF while avoiding the need for upfront cash flow.

Step 9: Submit Post-Training Claim Documents

After training, your company will need to:

  • Upload:
  • Attendance record
  • Evaluation forms
  • Photos (as evidence)
  • Post-training report

    How To Claim HRDF

    Short HRDF Claim guide!

These are required even though HRD Corp pays the provider.
Note: This is how to claim HRDF after training. Employers must upload these documents promptly to complete the HRDF claim process.

You can find a more in-depth step-by-step guide here!
You can also refer to this!

 

Can’t find an answer? Refer here!

  • HRDF Hotline: 1300-88-4800
  • Email: support@hrdcorp.gov.my
  • Website: https://hrdcorp.gov.my/contact

    FAQ

    What are the Frequently Asked Questions?

     

How much levy do we need to have?

As long as you have a sufficient balance or above the cost available in your levy balance, it should be fine.

What happens if we have unpaid amounts of arrears with HRD Corp?

If your company has:

Unpaid levies
Outstanding interest or penalties
Suspended status

Then,

You cannot apply for any grants until those issues are resolved
Your grant application will be blocked or rejected by the system.

Who should submit the HRDF grant application?

The employer (the levy-paying company) is responsible for submitting the grant application through their HRDC portal. The training provider supplies the supporting documents.  (Outline, Trainer Profile and Quote)

Can I apply for more than one participant under the same grant?

Yes, multiple participants can be included under the same application, as long as they are employees of the same company / the quota is within the grant limit.

Can I cancel or reschedule the training after approval?

Yes, you can cancel the training through the eTRiS system. If you wish to reschedule, please inform the Training Provider (TP), and they will update the new training date accordingly during the claim submission process.

Does the employer need to take any action after the training is completed?

Yes. After the training, the Training Provider will send the JD14 form and the System-Generated Attendance form (For online training only) to the employer for attendance verification. These documents must be signed by a Manager or a higher-level authority. Only after the forms are duly signed can the Training Provider proceed with the claim submission.

What are common error messages when applying for SBL-Khas?

Some common system errors include:

  • Levy balance insufficient: You don’t have enough funds in your levy account
  • Employer status not active: Your company has unpaid levy or is suspended
  • Outstanding arrears or interest: You must clear your payment obligations
  • Document upload failed: File size too big / wrong format (PDF / under 2MB only)
  • Training Provider not eligible under SBL-Khas: The provider is not registered under this scheme
  • Invalid scheme code: You selected the wrong scheme (Make sure it’s SBL-Khas)

What if our levy amount is not enough?

If your levy amount is not enough, you can ask the training provider (us) to send an invoice of your current amount of levy to HRDF. The remaining amount is paid directly to us.

 

HRDF BSL-Khas levy problems?

Insufficient levy? Don’t worry!

 

What documents do I need to submit?

Most applications require 3 items

  1. Training Proposals / Brochure
  2. Quotation / Invoice
  3. Trainer Profile

Is this training HRDF claimable?

Yes, the training is HRDF claimable provided the course and the training provider are registered with HRDC, and the employer has sufficient levy balance.

How do I apply for the HRDF grant?

Employers can apply via the eTRiS system under the HRDC portal:

  1. Log in to eTRiS:https://hrdcorp.gov.my
  2. Submit the application under Grant > Apply Grant
  3. Choose the appropriate scheme (e.g., HRDCopr Claimable Courses – SBL Khas)
  4. Attach required documents (Quotation, Course Content, Trainer Profile, etc.)

How do we check the status of our grant application?

To check your grant status:

  1. Log in to your HRD Corp employer portal
  2. Go to: Menu > Grant > Grant Status
  3. Look for your Grant Reference Number

You will see status updates like:
Pending Review
Approved
Returned for Amendment
Rejected (With reasons)

What is the processing time for grant approval?

Grant approval typically takes 7-14 working days, depending on HRD Corp’s workload and completeness of your application.

Can I submit an application after the training has started?

No. SBL-Khas applications must be submitted before the training begins. Retroactive claims are not allowed.

 

Do I need to upload attendee IC numbers or employee details?

Yes. You’ll need to fill in employee name, IC number, and designation during the grant application

 

Can two different companies share the same training and claim together?

No. Each levy-paying company must apply separately. SBL-Khas grants are not shareable between companies.

 

What happens if the application is returned for amendment?

You’ll receive a notification with reason. You must edit and resubmit the application within the specified time (usually 7 days).

 

Can the course be conducted outside Malaysia?

Under SBL-Khas, the course must be conducted within Malaysia, whether face-to-face or online.

 

Is eTRiS accessible 24/7?

Yes, but technical updates may cause downtime. Best apply during office hours if you need support.

 

Can I get 100% claim under SBL-Khas?

Yes, if you have sufficient levy balance, the course is HRDC-approved, and the provider is eligible, you may receive full coverage– no upfront payment required.

 

Can directors or business owners be included as participants?

Only if they are listed as employers under the company’s SOCSO/EPF contributions.

 

Do I need to submit claim forms myself?

No. Under SBL-Khas, the Training Provider handles claim submission after training ends- once the employer verifies and signs the attendance.

If you are interested , click here for the up-to-date schedule and apply for a course today!


Need More help about HDRF?

HRDF Hotline: 1300-88-4800

Email: support@hrdcorp.gov.my

Portal: https://hrdcorp.gov.my

WhatsApp chat