Change Employer without NOC

You need the NOC for a new employer to process an application.

Last year,  my friend was in the same situation as mine. His employer didn't issue  NOC for him.  But fortunately,  his new employer has successfully process his new EP but took longer than usual.   Is this a new rule now? I mean the NOC to be mandatory to process new EP?

It's always been the rule. What normally happens is people have to leave the country because EP is shortened and no NOC at the time - a sort of mean penalty by the employer.

Sometimes its just about waiting until the expiry date of the EP has passed (no cancellation) and by that stage no NOC is required.

Don't know the details of your friend's case.

But if you leave the country you have to remain outside until approval and enter on a Visa with Reference (VDR) to take up new position.

Hopefully the new government will overhaul the procedures and stop the ability to refuse a NOC.

In the case that my employer needs to cancel my EP,  is NOC still required?  As mentioned,  my contract is from sept 6 2016 - sept 4 2018.  First time,  I have a one year valid EP.  Then when they renew it,  its now valid for 2 years,  meaning sept 4 2019. But I didnt sign any contract till 2019

Yes it's still part of the paperwork required for the new application. There is also the possibility of a 3 month cooling off period but you don't mention your type of EP. It affects Category III Professional Passes. I don't know if it affects Foreign Worker (temporary employment) passes.

https://esd.imi.gov.my/portal/pdf/TC-ES … r-2017.pdf

You may have seen this guide. Annex D is also useful.

COOLING-OFF PERIOD REQUIREMENT
1. Employment Pass Category III holders whose pass have been renewed for two (2) times or 3 years in a row MUST leave the country and serve 3 months cooling off period to be able to apply for Employment Pass Category III again. Exemption is only given for cases of Employment Pass Category III  converting to Employment Pass Category I / II.
2. Employment Pass Category III holders who are changing employers MUST leave the country and serve 3 months cooling off period to be able to apply for Employment Pass Category III with different employer.
3. Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) holders who wanted to convert to Employment Pass
(all categories) MUST leave the country and serve 3 months cooling off period to be able to apply for Employment Pass (all categories).

Thank you  so much Gravitas