Business
Malaysia — Business: Company Formation
A Malaysian private company (Sdn Bhd) needs at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia, meaning a principal place of residence in the country, and at least one promoter; a public company needs at least two such directors. The company must appoint a company secretary within 30 days after incorporation. According to SSM's guidance, the secretary must be a natural person aged 18 or over who is a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident, ordinarily resides in Malaysia, and is a member of a listed professional body or licensed by SSM. The official pages do not set the registration fee, timing or foreign-ownership rules for particular sectors; check SSM and MIDA.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceCompanies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) — Companies Act 2016 guidelinesLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- A private company needs at least one director who ordinarily resides in Malaysia (principal place of residence) and at least one promoter; a public company needs at least two such directors.
- The company secretary must be appointed within 30 days after incorporation.
- The secretary must be a natural person aged 18 or over, a citizen or permanent resident ordinarily resident in Malaysia, and a member of a listed professional body or licensed by SSM.
- Registration fees and sector foreign-ownership rules are not covered here; check SSM and MIDA.
Steps
- Appoint a Malaysia-resident director — Citizen, PR, or valid long-term pass holder with a local address.
- Register via MyCoID portal — Submit consolidated incorporation form: directors, shareholders, capital, activities.
- Appoint a corporate secretary — Within 30 days of incorporation, as legally mandated.
Timelines
- Appoint company secretary: Within 30 days after incorporation
Common mistakes
- Forming a Sdn Bhd with only non-resident directors — at least one must ordinarily reside in Malaysia.