【Malaysia Company Registration Tips】 A Guide to Registering a Company Name in Malaysia
In Malaysia, registering a company name is an important step that requires careful consideration. The company name must not only comply with legal requirements but also ensure that it does not conflict with existing business names. FOZL editors will provide a detailed introduction to the requirements and steps for company name registration, helping you successfully complete the registration or change of your company name.
1. General Requirements for Company Names
In Malaysia, the registration or change of a company name must comply with the provisions of Section 20C of the Companies Act 2016. Applicants must ensure that the proposed company name meets the following conditions:
• Does not contain offensive or unacceptable words;
• Is not the same as the name of an existing company;
• Is not the same as a name that has already been reserved;
• Does not contain names that the Minister has instructed not to be registered.
2. Confirmation and Reservation of Company Names
Before registering a company or changing its name, confirmation of the proposed name must be obtained from the Registrar. There are two ways to apply for a name:
Direct Registration: Apply for the company name at the same time as registering the company.
Name Reservation: Only apply for the company name, and register the company after approval.
3. Basic Principles of Company Names
When choosing a company name, the following principles should be followed:
• Use correct spelling and grammar;
• Malay and English can be mixed to describe the business type, but must comply with grammar;
• If the name contains words other than Malay or English, the meaning of these words must be provided;
• The name should not contain profane or potentially offensive words;
• Avoid using overly generic words, such as “Beautiful Sdn. Bhd.” or “International Trading Sdn. Bhd.”;
• Only the names of the directors specified in the application form can be used as the company name;
• Newly coined words or words without a known meaning require a definition;
• The use of symbols is limited to “&”, “.”, “-”, “( )”, and “’”.
4. Foreign Company Names
When registering in Malaysia, foreign companies must use their registered name from their country of origin, but must comply with the provisions of Section 26 of the Companies Act 2016.
5. Unacceptable Names
The Registrar has the sole discretion to determine whether a name is unacceptable. The following situations may result in the rejection of a name:
• Contains vulgar or obscene words;
• Names that violate public policy;
• Names that may offend a particular community or religion;
• Names that mislead regarding the company’s identity, nature, purpose, or other aspects.
6. Determination of Similar Names
When determining whether a company name is the same as another name, the following will be ignored:
• “The” at the beginning of the name;
• Words such as “Sendirian”, “Sdn”, “Berhad”, “Bhd” at the end of the name;
• Similar words and expressions.
7. Other Special Provisions
Certain specific words require permission from the relevant authorities. For example, words such as “Bank”, “University”, “School” require approval from the relevant government departments or statutory bodies.
If you are considering registering a company in Malaysia, establishing a new factory, etc., FOZL is your best choice. We have extensive experience and a professional team dedicated to providing customized solutions for our clients. Welcome to contact the FOZL team, and we will be happy to serve you.
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