Company Secretarial Services in Malaysia
Meet your business compliance requirements in Malaysia with our full range of corporate secretarial services from company registration to monthly tax and payroll services.
What is a Company Secretary?
A company secretary in Malaysia is a qualified officer appointed by a company’s board of directors as a requirement for establishing a company under the Companies Act 2016. The appointment must be made within 30 days of the company’s incorporation.
The company secretary plays a crucial role beyond traditional clerical duties. They act as an official liaison between the company and regulatory authorities, including the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Key Roles of a Company Secretary in Malaysia
A company secretary is critical for ensuring that your company operates within the framework of the law and maintains corporate governance standards. Here are key roles and responsibilities of a company secretary under the Companies Act 2016:
Legal Compliance and Regulatory Filings
- Ensuring compliance with the Companies Act 2016 and other relevant laws
- Preparing, filing, and submitting annual returns and statutory documents to the SSM
- Keeping your company updated on changes in legislation and ensuring timely statutory compliance
- Certifying company documents as required by law
Corporate Governance and Board Support
- Advising the board on directors’ duties, governance best practices, and legal compliance
- Organizing and managing board meetings, AGMs, and EGMs, including preparing agendas, notices, and minutes
- Monitoring and implementing good corporate governance practices
- Supporting induction and ongoing training of directors
- Assisting the board with legal and regulatory aspects of strategic decisions such as mergers and acquisitions
Statutory Records and Documentation
- Maintaining and updating statutory registers, including registers of members, directors, secretaries, charges, and shareholdings
- Managing changes related to share capital, transfers, alteration of company constitution, and corporate restructuring
- Certifying and maintaining corporate records and filings
Liaison and Communication
- Acting as the official communication link between the company, regulators (SSM), shareholders, and other stakeholders
- Handling shareholder communications and maintaining strong shareholder relations
Risk Management and Ethical Oversight
- Identifying and advising on legal and compliance risks
- Promoting ethical standards, transparency in disclosures, and accountability in corporate operations
Benefits of Outsourcing Your Company Secretarial Services
Outsourcing a company secretary in Malaysia is ideal for companies who want to streamline incorporation and regulatory compliance in the country. Startups, foreign-owned companies and SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) who need professional expertise without the additional overhead.
Accuracy and Precision
Timely and precise handling of statutory filings and compliance obligations.
Expertise & Professionalism
Access to experienced company secretaries with up-to-date knowledge of Malaysian regulations and governance practices.
Risk Management
Minimizes legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance.
Focus on Core Activities
Frees up internal resources to focus on strategic growth and operations.
Flexibility & Scalability
Ability to scale services as the business grows or regulatory demands increase based on your needs.
Enhanced Corporate Governance
Supports best practices in governance, transparency, and regulatory adherence.
Meet All Statutory Duties and Governance Standards with Emerhub
Our corporate secretarial services helps you navigate complex requirements and timely compliance in Malaysia
How Emerhub Can Help
With our local experts in Malaysia, we provide end-to-end solutions to ensure your business remains compliant and operational. Explore how our services can support your growth.
Company Registration
We manage every step of the company incorporation process, from name reservation to final filing with the SSM.
Tax & Accounting
We can help you register a Tax Identification Number (TIN), ensure accurate tax filling, and comply with local tax regulations for businesses.
Bank Account Setup
After company incorporation, Emerhub can assist you in opening a business bank account in Malaysia.
Business Licensing & Permits
We can help you obtain all necessary business licenses and permits required to legally operate in Malaysia.
Visa & Relocation Services
This includes both long-term and short-term visas to ensure legal residence and work status.
Importer of Record
We can help you import goods into Malaysia without setting up a local entity or an import license.
Why Choose Emerhub‘s Corporate Services?
Leverage our in-depth knowledge and wide network of legal consultants with 14+ years of experience with Malaysia’s regulatory landscape.
Receive personalized support from our team of experts, ensuring your questions are answered.
Our end-to-end support, we will handle everything in between from tax and compliance to necessary certifications and renewals.
FAQs About Company Secretarial Services in Malaysia
A foreign entity can appoint a director who is “ordinarily resident” in Malaysia, which can be a citizen or a permanent resident. A foreigner with a valid work pass or a Resident Talent Pass can also be appointed. The company secretary must be licensed by SSM or be a member of a professional body approved by the Minister. Our services include assisting with the appointment of qualified individuals to meet these requirements.
Post-incorporation, a company must adhere to several ongoing obligations, including:
- Maintaining statutory registers and minutes books.
- Holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) and lodging an Annual Return with SSM.
- Filing financial statements and tax returns with LHDN.
- Notifying SSM of any changes in company particulars, such as directors, shareholders, or registered address.
A company secretary is a corporate governance professional who ensures a company’s compliance with the Companies Act 2016 and other relevant regulations. In Malaysia, it is a statutory requirement for every company to appoint at least one company secretary. This role is crucial for maintaining corporate records, filing statutory returns with the SSM, and advising the board of directors on compliance matters.
For a private company (Sdn. Bhd.):
- Annual Return: Must be lodged with SSM within 30 days after the anniversary of its incorporation.
- Financial Statements: Must be lodged with SSM within 30 days after the circulation of the financial statements.
- Tax Return (Form C): Must be filed with LHDN within 7 months from the end of the company’s financial year.
Schedule a Call with an Emerhub Consultant in Malaysia
Tell us about your plans. We’ll reach out to discuss your needs and how we can help you setup your business in Malaysia.
Email Us
malaysia@emerhub.com
Call Us
+60 19 228 4420
Visit Us
C-18-6, KL Trillion, Kampung Datuk Keramat,
50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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