Top 10 NGOs & Non-Profit Organizations in Malaysia (2025 Update)
- Hopes Malaysia
- 2 days ago
- 11 min read
Updated: 10 minutes ago
NGOs and non-profit organizations in Malaysia play a big role in improving the lives of people, especially in underprivileged and underserved communities. They focus on things like education, basic healthcare, clean water, food support, and even environmental protection. These are services that don’t always reach everyone through official channels.
In recent years, especially by 2025, more Malaysians have started supporting both local and international NGOs. Some are looking to volunteer their time, others are donating to causes they care about, and many businesses are exploring how to contribute through CSR programs.
If you're trying to find trustworthy NGOs in Malaysia, whether to support, collaborate with, or simply learn about, this guide can help. It features the top NGOs in Malaysia, including famous names like Hopes Malaysia, Mercy Malaysia, and SOLS Foundation. You’ll also learn what each NGO focuses on, how they help different communities, and how you can support or work with them.
List of Top 10 NGOs & Non-Profit organizations in Malaysia Making an Impact
Malaysia is home to many non-profit organizations and NGOs that are actively working to support communities, protect the environment, improve education, and provide healthcare services. These organizations help fill important gaps, especially in areas where government services may not reach.
Below is a carefully selected list of the top 10 NGOs in Malaysia. These are some of the most active, trusted, and famous NGOs in Malaysia, making a strong impact both locally and internationally.
Hopes Malaysia is a leading non-governmental organization in Malaysia that focuses on empowering rural and underserved communities in Sabah.
Their projects include building gravity water systems, creating sustainable farming solutions, and offering basic infrastructure support.
As a well-known NGO Malaysia, they also provide access to education and food aid for low-income families. Their hands-on, community-based charity organization in Malaysia has brought long-term change to many rural villages.
Focus: Rural development in Sabah — clean water, farming, basic infrastructure, youth education
Impact:
200 km of gravity‑fed pipelines serving 50,000+ villagers across 40+ kampungs
Sustainable farming boosted incomes by ~40% for 900+ families
Rebuilt 7.5 km of rural footbridges, cutting travel time by up to 60 minutes
75% improvement in English proficiency among 20 rural secondary students
Mercy Malaysia is one of the most well-known international non-profit organizations in Malaysia, providing emergency medical response, disaster relief, and humanitarian aid locally and globally.
This reputable charity organization in Malaysia works closely with volunteers, medical professionals, and communities to provide timely support during floods, pandemics, and health crises.
As a prominent non-governmental organization in Malaysia, they play a vital role in national and international crisis response.
Focus: Disaster relief, emergency medical care, health services in crisis areas
Impact:
Delivered medical support to 250,000+ patients during floods and emergencies
Deployed 120 mobile clinics over 5 years in remote regions
Trained 5,000+ local volunteers in first aid and disaster preparedness
Reached 300,000 people through COVID‑19 vaccination and community awareness campaigns
Yayasan Hasanah is a prominent foundation in Malaysia that works across multiple sectors, including education, environmental conservation, arts, and community development.
This non-profit organization in Malaysia funds local initiatives, runs training programs, and supports projects that aim to uplift marginalized communities and promote sustainable living.
As a trusted charity organization in Malaysia, their efforts span both urban and rural impact areas.
Focus: Education, community development, arts, and environmental conservation
Impact:
Funded 200+ educational and training programs serving 50,000 youth
Donated RM 10 million+ in community grants across rural and urban Malaysia
Supported 100+ environmental projects, including river clean-ups and tree planting
Partnered with 30 NGOs working across education, health, and conservation sectors
Teach For Malaysia is a dedicated non-profit organization in Malaysia focused on addressing education inequality.
Through its two-year fellowship program, this impactful charity organization in Malaysia places young professionals into under-resourced schools to help students unlock their full potential.
They also conduct leadership and development training to build future changemakers in the education sector.
Focus: Addressing education inequality in under-resourced schools
Impact:
Placed 500+ Teach For Malaysia Fellows in high-need schools since inception
80% of participating students improved exam scores after two years
Delivered 3,000+ leadership and personal development workshops
Funded over RM 5 million in school supplies and learning materials
Funded by Sime Darby, this foundation invests in healthcare, education, sports, and sustainable community projects. It offers scholarships and supports non-profit initiatives that create real value for Malaysian society, especially for youth and low-income families.
Focus: Healthcare, student scholarships, sports development, sustainable community projects
Impact:
Awarded 1,000+ scholarships to deserving students nationwide
Supported 50 community clinics and mobile health services
Funded 120 sports facilities in underprivileged schools
Backed 100+ sustainability programs, including solar installations and urban farming
6. Fugee School
Located in Kuala Lumpur, Fugee School provides free education to refugee children and youth. They focus on academic learning, life skills, and emotional support. The school also offers job readiness training and social exchange programs to help students grow into independent adults.
Focus: Free education and life‑skills for refugee children in KL
Impact:
Enrolled 300+ refugee students from 10 nations in free schooling
Achieved 90% student retention and progression to higher education/vocational training
Delivered 200+ counselling and career guidance sessions
Partnered with 30 community groups and refugee networks
NCSM is a health-focused NGO that offers cancer screening, education, and patient support. As one of the oldest NGOs in Malaysia, they’ve helped thousands of families with early detection, awareness programs, and financial assistance for treatment.
Focus: Cancer awareness, screening, patient support and education
Impact:
Screened 100,000+ individuals for early cancer detection
Helped 20,000+ patients access treatment and receive counselling support
Delivered RM 2 million in funding assistance to low-income patients
Ran 500+ awareness events reaching 1 million people across Malaysia
SOLS Foundation runs education and vocational training programs for B40 youth. They offer courses in digital skills, solar energy, and personal development. The SOLS Solar Academy is one of their standout initiatives that helps youth prepare for green jobs in the energy sector.
Focus: Vocational and digital skills training for B40 youth; solar energy education
Impact:
Trained thousands in digital literacy and vocational courses
Graduated 1,200+ students from SOLS Solar Academy in green-energy skills
Achieved 70% employment rate among program graduates within six months
Partnered with 50+ private and public sector employers for job placements
MyKasih uses technology to provide food aid and financial literacy training to families in need. Their cashless payment system ensures full transparency and efficiency. They also support students through their MyKasih “Love My School” program.
Focus: Cashless food aid and financial literacy for low-income families and students
Impact:
Supported 300,000+ families nationwide with food and grocery aid
Distributed RM 120 million in total cashless benefits since launch
Improved financial literacy scores by 40% among participant families
Operated in 30+ schools via the “Love My School” student program
Based in Kuala Lumpur, this foundation runs a holistic school for urban poor children, combining education with entrepreneurship and skills development. Their model is built around long-term change by giving children the tools to build better futures.
Focus: Holistic schooling and skills training for urban poor children in KL Impact:
Educated 500+ children in its urban school model
100% of graduates gained secondary education or vocational training spots
200+ entrepreneurship and life skills workshops held annually
95% of parents reported better home learning environments and student morale
Full List of Registered NGOs in Malaysia
If you're looking for a complete and updated list of registered NGOs in Malaysia, several official platforms and directories can help. These sources include details like the name of the organization, type of services, location, and registration status.
You can explore these directories:
ROS (Registrar of Societies) offers public listings via their official portal, ideal for verifying society names and registration status.
Hati.my: Malaysia’s largest open directory of NGOs and charities, showcasing classified listings and featured organizations .
NGOhub.asia: Highlights NGOs by category (e.g. health, environment) and includes both national and grassroots groups .
These platforms allow you to search by name, location, or category. Whether you’re doing research, want to volunteer, or verify if a charity is real, these tools are useful.
How to Check Charity Organizations Legally in Malaysia
Before donating or volunteering, it's important to verify if the NGO or charity organization in Malaysia is legally registered and active.
Here's how you can do that:
Check the NGO’s registration number – Most legal NGOs in Malaysia are registered under ROS or SSM.
Use the ROS eSearch system – You can check status, date of registration, and official contact details.
Look them up on NGOHub – A trusted platform that lists active non-profits with descriptions, focus areas, and activities.
Search for financial reports or annual activity updates on the NGO’s official website or social media channels.
Be cautious with donation requests – If something looks suspicious, contact the NGO directly or avoid sending money.
Verifying a non-profit helps avoid scams and ensures your support reaches the right people.
What is an NGO and Non-Profit Organization in Malaysia?
The terms NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) and non-profit organization are often used together, but they aren’t exactly the same. Both work to help people or causes without aiming to make profit, but they may be registered differently and serve different roles.
NGO vs Non-Profit: What’s the Difference in Malaysia?
An NGO is usually an organization that is independent from the government, often registered under the Registry of Societies (ROS). It works in areas like education, healthcare, environment, and social welfare. NGOs may get funding from public donations, corporate CSR, or grants.
A non-profit organization can include NGOs but may also be registered as a foundation or company limited by guarantee under SSM. These organizations are also not-for-profit, but they may run structured programs and manage larger funding operations.
Feature | NGO | Non‑Profit Company |
Registered under | Societies Act 1966 | Companies Act 2016 |
Governance | Members & annual AGM | Directors & company secretaries |
Legal structure | Less formal, locally focused | More formal, can operate nationally/internationally |
Types of NGOs in Malaysia by Sector
NGOs in Malaysia work across different sectors to support various community needs. Some focus on education and youth, while others deal with health, the environment, or humanitarian aid. Here's a breakdown of the main types of NGOs in Malaysia by sector:
Educational NGOs (For Students & Youth Development)
Educational NGOs help students and youth gain access to better learning opportunities, especially in low-income and refugee communities. They offer free schooling, digital training, scholarships, and skill development programs.
Examples:
Teach For Malaysia – Addresses education inequality in public schools.
Fugee School – Provides education for refugee children.
SOLS Foundation – Offers digital skills and training for B40 youth.
These NGOs help young people unlock their full potential and build a better future.
Health NGOs & Medical Services
Health-focused NGOs in Malaysia provide free or low-cost medical services, cancer screenings, mental health support, and disaster response. Many of them also run food aid and nutrition programs to support low-income families.
Examples:
Mercy Malaysia – Disaster response and emergency healthcare.
National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) – Cancer care, screenings, and patient support.
HOPE Worldwide Malaysia – Focus on healthcare and food aid for urban poor families.
These organizations work closely with volunteers and local communities to improve health outcomes and fight poverty.
Environmental & Conservation NGOs
Environmental NGOs protect Malaysia’s natural resources, forests, rivers, and wildlife. They run awareness campaigns, reforestation programs, and wildlife rescue projects.
Examples:
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) – Focuses on biodiversity, forest protection, and environmental education.
WWF-Malaysia – Wildlife protection and environmental conservation.
EcoKnights – Community-driven environmental projects.
These NGOs help keep Malaysia's natural environment clean, healthy, and sustainable.
Humanitarian NGOs
Humanitarian NGOs support vulnerable and underserved groups. This includes refugees, low-income families, disaster victims, and rural communities. Their work includes food distribution, education, housing, and job training.
Examples:
Hopes Malaysia – Sustainable development in rural Sabah.
Yayasan Hasanah – Community development and humanitarian support.
Muslim Volunteer Malaysia (MVM) – Food aid, disaster relief, and community support.
These organizations play a key role in emergency planning and poverty reduction, especially in remote or high-risk areas.
International NGOs Operating in Malaysia
Several international NGOs have a presence in Malaysia, working in areas like human rights, education, health, and the environment. These organizations often bring global resources and experience to support local causes.
Examples include:
UNHCR Malaysia – Supporting refugee rights and protection.
WWF-Malaysia – A local branch of the global World Wildlife Fund.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) – Offers free medical help in underserved areas.
International NGOs usually partner with local organizations or government agencies to expand their reach and impact.
Charity organizations in Malay-Speaking Communities
In Malaysia’s Malay-speaking regions, many NGOs are known as pertubuhan kebajikan (welfare associations). These groups often focus on sokongan komuniti (community support), peluang kerjaya (career opportunities), and helping belia Malaysia (Malaysian youth) through training and development.
Such organizations usually:
Provide basic needs like food and education
Support youth with job training and entrepreneurship
Promote social welfare in both rural and urban communities
Examples:
SOLS Solar Academy – Offers training in green energy for belia Malaysia
Yellow House KL – Supports marginalized communities through volunteering
MyKasih Foundation – Uses digital platforms to provide aid to families in need
These Malay-based NGOs help strengthen communities by giving people the support and tools they need to build a better life.
How to Volunteer, Donate or Support an NGO in Malaysia
Whether you're a student, a working professional, or a business, there are many ways to support communities in Malaysia through NGOs.
You can:
Volunteer your time or skills (teaching, IT, logistics, etc.)
Donate monthly or one-time to causes you care about
Run CSR campaigns with your business to support local NGOs
Offer Google Ads for NGO if you're a digital marketer or work in media
Partner with NGOs to create social impact campaigns
Many students in Malaysia join NGOs to build experience while helping the community. NGOs like Hopes Malaysia, SOLS Foundation, and Teach For Malaysia actively welcome volunteers.
Need more details? See our full guide: How to Volunteer in Malaysia (Top organizations, Locations & Tips), covering roles, requirements, and how to get started.
Why These NGOs Matter: Real-World Impact with Data
The NGOs listed in this guide are not just names, they’re making a real difference on the ground. Their programs help people gain skills, get access to healthcare, and live better lives.
Some examples of their impact:
SOLS Foundation has trained thousands of youth from underserved communities in digital skills, solar energy, and vocational education. Their goal is to prepare students for better job opportunities in Malaysia’s growing green and tech industries.
Hopes Malaysia has built over 200 km of water pipelines, delivering clean water to more than 50,000 villagers in Sabah. They also run farming programs that have helped 900+ families increase their income by around 40% through basic infrastructure and sustainable agriculture.
Teach For Malaysia has placed more than 500 trained fellows in high-need schools, providing quality education to students from marginalised communities. Their mission is to reduce inequality in the school system.
MyKasih Foundation has reached over 300,000 low-income families with cashless food aid, financial literacy programs, and support for children's education through smart card systems.
Generasi Gemilang supports youth through community-based literacy and life skills programs like Lit 3M and Kelab Gemilang, helping students build confidence, reading ability, and practical knowledge.
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) has led conservation work since 1940. Their efforts have helped stop damaging activities like quarrying at Batu Caves and protect Malaysia’s rainforests, especially in Belum-Temengor.
Zero Waste Malaysia, EcoKnights, and CRC are encouraging people to care for the environment by organising community clean-ups, recycling campaigns, and education programs on sustainable living.
These organizations are not just helping today, they are building long-term solutions that support the lives, skills, and futures of people across Malaysia. Their work proves that local action can create powerful change.
Frequently Asked Questions About NGOs in Malaysia
Which NGO helps the environment in Malaysia?
Several NGOs are active in environmental protection:
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) – Malaysia’s oldest conservation group, known for saving Batu Caves from quarrying and preserving the Belum-Temengor forests.
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) – Focuses on pollution control, deforestation, and indigenous rights.
Zero Waste Malaysia, EcoKnights, and CETDEM – Work on sustainable living, policy advocacy, and environmental education through clean-ups and recycling campaigns.
These organizations lead grassroots efforts and policy change for a cleaner and more sustainable future.
Does an NGO need to pay tax in Malaysia?
NGOs in Malaysia may need to pay corporate tax on non-charitable income. However, if the NGO is approved under Section 44(6) of the Income Tax Act, and issues official tax-exempt receipts, then:
Charitable donations become tax-deductible
Registered NGOs can enjoy tax exemption on their charitable activities
It’s important that NGOs stay compliant by filing proper reports and following LHDN guidelines.
What is the no poverty NGO in Malaysia?
One of the most active NGOs in poverty reduction is Hopes Malaysia. Their long-term programs have:
Given clean water access to 50,000+ villagers in Sabah
Boosted rural incomes by up to 40% through farming and livelihood training
Built infrastructure and supported education and food security for underserved communities
Other organizations like MyKasih Foundation, Generasi Gemilang, and Muslim Volunteer Malaysia (MVM) also work to eliminate poverty through food aid, education, and digital skills training.
Related Guides & Resources
How to Start an NGO in Malaysia: step-by-step guides on ROS/SSM registration, governance, and legal compliance.
Malaysia’s CSR Guidelines for Businesses: outlines best practices under ESG frameworks, tax incentives, and official NRC standards.
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