Company Secretary in Malaysia - Local Rules and Laws

Looking for a company secretary in Malaysia when opening your business? You may explore this article and discuss all the details with our local specialists. We provide specialized secretary services in Malaysia.

Quick Facts
Role of a company secretary in Malaysia	Part of the company management in Malaysia, in charge of various responsibilities and tasks.
Who needs a company secretary in Malaysia?	All companies established in Malaysia
Professional body	A prescribed body (e.g. MAICSA, MIA, MACS, Malaysian Bar) or a licence from SSM
Residency	In Malaysia
Minimum age	18
Conditions	Must be a natural person, part of recognized associations in Malaysia, with a clear criminal record, qualifications, etc.
Responsibilities	– in charge of company documents, – must prepare the daily agenda of managers, – can sign various documents, – must keep all company information up to date.
Objectives	Maintaining compliance with local laws and regulations in Malaysia
Time frame to appoint a company secretary in Malaysia	In 30 days after the company is registered in Malaysia
Attending the annual general meeting (YES/NO)	YES
Performing statutory maintenance in the firm (YES/NO)	YES
Assisting in resigning/appointing managers (YES/NO)	YES
Outsourcing company secretarial services in Malaysia	We provide such services to businessmen in Malaysia.
Reducing administrative tasks	With the help of company secretarial services in Malaysia
Working with our team in Malaysia	You can benefit from our company secretarial services at affordable prices.

What is a company secretary in Malaysia? Is it mandatory for businesses here?

A company secretary is in charge of various business & administrative tasks. All companies established in Malaysia must appoint a company secretary.

What are the conditions imposed when choosing a company secretary in Malaysia?

must be a natural person of at least 18 years of age,
clear criminal record and qualifications are required,
the residency must be in Malaysia,
must be a member of a prescribed body (such as MAICSA or MIA) or be licensed by SSM,
must have a certificate issued by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).

NOTE: Foreigners with permanent residency in Malaysia are accepted as company secretaries.

You may explore this infographic with details on this subject:

Who appoints the company secretary in Malaysia?

The business owner or the company director.

What are the key responsibilities of a company secretary in Malaysia?

the company secretary communicates with the business owners and managers on a daily basis, depending on the needs of the firm.
information about the company accounts and records can be presented by a company secretary in Malaysia at specific requests.
the agenda of the managers’ meetings is prepared by a company secretary in Malaysia.
the same company secretary can sign different legal documents, in accordance with the business needs of the firm in Malaysia.
a company secretary must ensure that the payments of dividends are made on time.

IMPORTANT:

the company secretary in Malaysia is in charge of any company updates if structural changes are adopted by the shareholders and board of managers.
the company secretary in Malaysia is required to preserve and add information to the Register of Members and Directors.

Can a company director also be company secretary in Malaysia?

In private companies in Malaysia, this is permitted. The manager/director in question must possess relevant qualifications to act as company secretary as well.

Are there any precautions when looking for a company secretary in Malaysia?

once the company is opened, the shareholders must appoint company secretarial services in Malaysia, within a maximum of 30 days,
a company secretary must not have registered convictions in Malaysia or any other country.

Can a business in Malaysia change the company secretary?

Yes. The business owners must ensure the future company secretary complies with the existing & imposed qualifications and requirements.

Can a firm have more than just one company secretary in Malaysia?

Yes, it is permitted.

What happens if a firm does not appoint a company secretary in Malaysia?

Administrative fines can be imposed for non-compliance with the Companies Act in Malaysia.

Can a company secretary be changed at a certain point?

Yes. Voluntary resignation is an option.

Ready to discover more about how to appoint a company secretary in Malaysia? You are welcome to contact our specialists in company formation in Malaysia and also benefit from our tailored & affordable services.