Team Building | 100% HRDC Claimable
Through HRDC claimable Team Building programs, Malaysian employers can use their HRD Corp levy balance to help their employees improve their communication, teamwork, and leadership abilities in their team building trips. Employers can plan team-building exercises under the HRD Corp SBL-Khas program without having to pay up front; training providers take care of submitting claims. The program must adhere to HRD Corp’s requirements, which include at least 50% indoor and 50% outdoor activities led by certified TTT-accredited trainers.
Difference between Team Building and Normal Training in HRD Corp Grant
HRD Corp SBL-Khas: Team Building
The goal is to enhance employee collaboration, leadership, communication, trust, and teamwork.
Structure: Must consist of 50% outdoor activities (such as team challenges, adventure tasks, or problem-solving games) and 50% inside training (classroom-style modules with trained trainers).
Certified HRD Corp trainers must conduct the training, which must include a valid training itinerary, learning objectives, and outcomes.
If a location is equal = 100 kilometers or more from the HRDC registered office, the allowance claim is RM500 per person per day, which covers food, accommodation, and hall rental.
RM250 per person per day if driving less than 100 km.
Examples include problem-solving exercises outdoors, communication games, and leadership adventures in resorts.
Normal Training (HRD Corp SBL-Khas or In-House / On Site Training)
The goal is to improve knowledge or skills through courses like finance, communication, or Excel.
Structure: Usually entirely indoors (in a classroom or online), with educational resources, tests, and certifications.
HRD-certified trainers with specific modules and documentation of attendance are required.
According to HRD Corp rates, the allowance claim covers the trainer’s cost, lunch, training space, supplies, and transportation.
SBL-Khas Scheme (Skim Bantuan Latihan Khas) / HRD Corp Claimable Course A direct claim scheme where HRD Corp pays the training provider directly using the employer’s levy balance. SBL Scheme (Skim Bantuan Latihan) A reimbursement scheme where the employer pays first and claims back later from HRD Corp.
3 Major's Question to ask while Planning Team Building; Where, When and How ?
Where to conduct the Team Building
Take your company’s goals, budget, and HRD Corp claim rules into account when deciding where you will conduct your team building. Choose a place that helps participants learn and bond, like a beach resort for relaxation, a peak for calm thought, or an adventure park for fun physical challenges. To meet HRD Corp’s standards, make sure the venue lets you do 50% of the activities indoors and 50% outdoors. You can get up to RM500 per person per day for trips that are more than 100 kilometers from your job, or you can get RM250 per person per day for trips that are less than 100 kilometers. Check the team-building sites, accommodations, and how easy it is to get to them. The right place helps make an experience that is memorable and productive, and it fits with your company’s goals and mindset.
Beach Resorts & Island Getaways
Perfect for large groups who want a relaxing yet engaging experience.
- Langkawi (Kedah): Aloft Langkawi, Pelangi Resort – great for island adventure & resort challenges.
- Port Dickson (Negeri Sembilan): Lexis Hibiscus, Avillion – ideal for short-distance 2D1N programs.
- Cherating (Pahang): Club Med, Royale Chulan – premium all-inclusive options.
- Kota Kinabalu (Sabah): Promenade Hotel, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru – for East Malaysia corporate retreats.
Highland & Nature Retreats
Cool weather and scenic surroundings promote teamwork and creativity.
- Cameron Highlands: Strawberry Park or Zenith Hotel – for reflection and leadership workshops.
- Fraser’s Hill & Janda Baik: Anani Villa, The Sticks – great for 50% indoor and 50% outdoor HRD Corp-compliant programs.
Adventure & Eco Destinations
- Gopeng (Perak): Bidong View or Adeline Villa – rafting, obstacle challenges, and outdoor survival games.
- Terengganu: Bidong Island Eco Resort – sea adventure and cultural bonding.
City & Urban Venues
- Kuala Lumpur & Selangor: Sunway Lagoon, Amverton Cove Pulau Carey, Resorts World Awana.
Offers indoor training halls + outdoor parks for balanced HRD compliance.
When to Run Your Team Building
The weather, HRD Corp claim preparation, and your company calendar all affect the best time:
The most preferred time of year is mid-year (May to August). The weather is perfect for outdoor activities, and employees need a morale boost.
Before a new business year begins, year-end (October–December) is a great time to reflect, express gratitude, and celebrate achievements.
Stay away of important holidays like Ramadan or Chinese New Year, unless it’s a brief indoor program, and January through March (busy project start and unpredictable weather).
Timing by Team Building Objective:
- After appraisals → Rebuild morale & motivation.
- Before new projects → Strengthen collaboration.
- After restructuring → Build trust and communication.
How to excuse and how to claim
To claim an HRD Corp grant, the process depends on the scheme used; most companies today use SBL-Khas for team building or in-house training. Here’s how it works and what excuses (reasons) are acceptable for claims:
1. Before Training — Apply for SBL-Khas
- Step 1: Choose a HRDC-registered training provider.
- Step 2: Request a quotation, course outline, and trainer profile.
- Step 3: Employer submits pre-approval in eTris (HRD portal) at least 3–5 days before training.
- Step 4: HRD Corp approves, and the provider runs the training without any upfront payment.
2. During Training
Training provider must conduct 50% indoor and 50% outdoor for team building.
Participants must sign attendance lists. (T3 Form)
Employer (HR manager/director) must sign JD14 Form.
Collect photos, videos, and evaluation forms for claim proof.
3. After Training — Claim Submission
Trainer Provider uploads:
- Attendance sheet
- Photos, certificate copies, evaluation forms, invoices
- Official receipt for HRD Corp claim
Employer must upload:
- Transportation receipt (if any)
HRD Corp then pays the trainer fees to the training provider directly from the employer’s levy account. And the employee’s allowance will be directly transferred to the employer’s bank account.