Monthly Payroll Compliance Checklist for Malaysia: EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB
A simple monthly checklist for Malaysian employers covering EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB: what to check, when to submit and how to keep proof.
Most payroll penalties come from process gaps, not from complicated rules. A fixed monthly routine keeps EPF, SOCSO, EIS and PCB under control. Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to your company.
Before payroll is processed
- Update the employee master list: new joiners, resignations, promotions and pay changes.
- Collect attendance, unpaid leave, overtime and claims, with approvals.
- Confirm allowances and one-off items such as bonuses or commissions.
- Check that every employee has the correct statutory details (IC or passport, EPF, SOCSO and tax reference numbers).
During payroll
- Run the payroll and review exceptions: unusually high or low net pay, zero pay, duplicate bank accounts.
- Compare this month's total against last month and explain any big movement.
- Have a second person approve the payroll before payslips and bank files are released.
Statutory submissions
- EPF, SOCSO and EIS: prepare and submit the monthly contribution files and payments. These are generally due by the 15th of the following month.
- PCB (monthly tax deduction): calculate according to the current schedule and remit to LHDN. This is also generally due by the 15th of the following month.
- Keep the submission receipts and payment proofs together with the payroll for that month.
After submission
- Reconcile the payroll journal, bank payments and statutory statements.
- Issue payslips showing gross pay, deductions, statutory contributions and net pay.
- Archive payroll reports, payslips, receipts and an exceptions log.
- Back up the payroll export, and make sure a second authorised person can run it.
Year-end items
Plan ahead for year-end filings and employee tax forms. Reconcile EPF, SOCSO and PCB for the year before the deadline, not on it.
Rules, rates and thresholds change. Always confirm against the latest official guidance before acting. If you would like a second pair of eyes on your payroll process, TEM can review it or run it for you.
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