Types of registration

Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (The Companies Commission of Malaysia) offers two types of registration: business and company.

• Business registrations may be either sole proprietorships or partnerships. They are relatively easy to do yourself and cost below RM100.
• Company registration involves the formation of a new legal entity, either a Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd) or a Limited Company (Bhd). Registering a company is a lot more expensive and complicated.

This write-up is on how to register a business online.

Why should you register a business?

Pursuant to section 5A(1) of the Registration of Businesses Act 1956, the person responsible for a business has to, not later than 30 days from the date of the commencement of the business, apply to the Registrar to register that business.

Registering a business online

Government portal registration

1. Register at http://www.malaysia.gov.my/ (registration link at top right of page)

SSM Subscriber Registration

1. Login at http://www.malaysia.gov.my/
2. Go to http://www.ssm.com.my/en/eLodgement-services/
3. Click on the link entitled SSM Subscriber Registration
4. Follow the instructions to register
5. Complete payment of RM5

Name enquiry

1. Go to http://www.ssm.com.my/en/eLodgement-services/
2. Click on the link entitled Application for Business Name Approval (ROB)
3. Follow the instructions and submit the form
4. Wait for the confirmation email – repeat this section if your name is rejected

Business name registration

1. Copy the ROB approval number e.g. ROB12112010-xxxxxxxxxSB
2. Go to http://www.ssm.com.my/en/eLodgement-services/
3. Click on the link entitled Online Registration of Business (ROB)
4. Follow the instructions and submit the form
5. Complete the payment of RM30 (owner’s name) or RM60 (trade name)
6. Wait for the confirmation email

What to do if you something doesn’t work

• If it is a problem with windows/tabs not loading, try turning off your pop-up blocker or switching to another web browser.
• Use the contact form, email address or phone numbers listed on http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/Site/ContactUs/Pages/ContactUs.aspx

More info

• The SSM guide on registering a business: http://www.ssm.com.my/en/docs/Procedure_Guidelines_for_Registration_of_a_Business.pdf [PDF]
• The SSM FAQ on business registration: http://www.ssm.com.my/en/faq/