When entrepreneurs talk about their dreams of starting a business in Malaysia, they often imagine ideas, customers, and growth. What many don’t realise is that the journey also comes with strict compliance requirements. One of the most important roles in keeping a company compliant and properly managed is that of a company secretary.
In Malaysia, every private limited company (Sdn Bhd) is required by law to appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. This isn’t just a formality. The secretary is responsible for ensuring that the company follows the Companies Act 2016, files accurate records, and maintains proper governance. Choosing the wrong secretary — or neglecting the role — can lead to serious problems.
This is why finding the right company secretary firm in Malaysia matters more than most entrepreneurs realise.
The Role of a Company Secretary
A company secretary isn’t a clerical position. In Malaysia, it is a legally recognised role that carries weight and responsibility. Among the key duties are:
- Filing annual returns and statutory documents with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
- Maintaining registers of directors, shareholders, and company records
- Preparing board resolutions and meeting minutes
- Advising directors on compliance with the Companies Act 2016
- Ensuring good corporate governance practices
Without a capable company secretary, even the most passionate business owner can run into fines, penalties, or worse — legal disputes that harm the company’s reputation.
Risks of Choosing the Wrong Firm
Many entrepreneurs see the role of a company secretary as something that can be assigned to “just anyone.” Some even opt for the cheapest provider they can find. But cutting corners here often creates more problems:
- Incomplete or incorrect filings that lead to penalties
- Poor record keeping that confuses directors and shareholders
- Lack of timely advice when compliance changes
- Potential reputational risks if regulators uncover non-compliance
What looks like a cost-saving decision can actually become an expensive mistake.
Why the Right Partner Matters
A reliable company secretary firm acts as more than a filing agent. They are advisors, compliance guardians, and partners in the growth of your business. For SMEs in Malaysia, this role is critical because it ensures that while the company focuses on growth, the foundations remain strong.
Consider the story of Arif, who started a small manufacturing company in Klang. For years, he used a low-cost secretary service that simply filed documents. But when his business grew and he sought investors, due diligence revealed gaps in company records and outdated filings. The deal fell through. After switching to a professional company secretary firm, his compliance issues were resolved, but he still regrets the missed opportunity.
Why Keeper is the Right Partner
At Keeper, we understand that company secretarial services are more than paperwork — they are the backbone of business governance. Our secretarial services ensure that every filing, record, and resolution is managed with precision. More importantly, we act as advisors, helping directors make informed decisions with confidence.
Final Thoughts
For entrepreneurs in Malaysia, choosing the right company secretary firm is about more than compliance. It’s about building trust, avoiding costly mistakes, and preparing the company for long-term growth.
Because when your company secretary keeps your governance in order, you can keep your focus where it belongs — on building your business.
Keeper My
Proact Advisory & Solutions Sdn. Bhd.
202101020979 (1421279-K)
Unit A-3-3A, Block A, 8 Avenue Business Centre, Seksyen 8, Jalan Sungai Jernih 8/1, Seksyen 8 Petaling Jaya, 46050 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.
