Income Tax for exapts (Kuala Lumpur)

Can anyone please help me understand the tax for expats here .. I have joined a company here on 1st august and have been told that 26% tax would be deducted for first Protected content (non-resident) .. the problem is that coz from Aug to 31 dec is not Protected content , I have been told that from Jan I will again be taxed 26% for next 6 months untill I get resident status... Is it true ?? anyway to avoid so much taxation ??
Can I get good % of the tax, back when I file return next year..