This post is also available in: Melayu (Malay) 简体中文 (Chinese (Simplified))

Type of Business Structures in Malaysia

Type of Business Structures in Malaysia Choose your best fit with 3E Accounting’s type of business structures in Malaysia.

The term ‘business’ can denote commercial activities and the vehicles that carry out these pursuits. However, there are differences between a business and a company as far as incorporation is concerned. Understanding the type of business structures in Malaysia makes it easier to choose the most suitable type.

All entities must be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) or Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). They fall under three categories of registration:

  • Registration of Business Structures (Registration of Business Act 1956)
  • Registration of Company Structures (Companies Act 2016)
  • Registration of Limited Liability Partnerships (Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012)

 

Business Structures

The registration of business structures does not create a separate legal identity for the company. This makes the business and the owners the same. The business owners are personally liable for all debts incurred by the company and include:

  • Sole Proprietorship which has a single owner. Suitable for small businesses.
  • A partnership which has between two to 20 partners. Suitable for accountants, legal professionals, etc.

Both are limited to citizens or permanent residents of Malaysia, are easy to set up, require minimal investment and the least compliance. Taxes are paid via the owner’s or partners’ income tax. There is no requirement for annual filing, etc.

However, shares can’t be issued, and funding can be challenging to secure. Unlimited liability places the owner’s and partners’ personal assets at risk. Both must be renewed annually and do not exist in perpetuity.

 

Company Structures

The registration of company structures separates the business from the owners and shareholders. The creation of a separate legal identity for the company gives it legal status. This allows the company to own property, generate income, sign contracts, etc. Liability is limited to the amount invested – hence shareholders’ personal assets and finance are more secure.

There are two exceptions to this rule of separate legal identity, which are companies, nonetheless. Both are expensive and complicated to establish. Liability is unlimited and extends to a year after leaving the company. These are:

  • Unlimited Company (Sendirian): can be private or public and is suitable for mutual trust funds meant for investment.
  • Company Limited by Guarantees (CLG): a membership-based public company suitable for non-profit organizations with no share capital.

The three types of company structures with separate legal identities and limited liability are:

  • Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd): limited by shares and ideal as a small-medium enterprise. At least one director must be ordinarily resident in Malaysia.
  • Public Limited Company (Berhad): large businesses as shares can be listed and offered to the public. Requires a minimum of two shareholders. Governed by the Securities Commission of Malaysia and Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad.
  • Foreign Company: ideal for non-Malaysians seeking to set up a branch company in Malaysia.

The most popular type of entity is Sdn Bhd. Amendments to the Companies Act now allow a person to register as the only shareholder and director. Depending on the industry, Sdn Bhd can be wholly owned by foreigners. However, an Sdn Bhd cannot have more than 50 shareholders or raise share capital via the listing.

 

Limited Liability Partnerships

This is a hybridization of a Partnership and an Sdn Bhd. LLPs have a separate legal identity that limits liability, no maximum number of partners but don’t require an annual audit. LLPs have legal status that allows property ownership and perpetual succession. LLPs are still relatively new, and compliance is still being fine-tuned.

To find the business entity that makes the best fit for your business needs, Contact 3E Accounting today. We offer professional advice and customizable business solutions for the discerning entrepreneur. From company incorporation to custom-built business software, 3E Accounting has the best professionals at your service.

Type of Business Structures in Malaysia