If you own or plan to run a company in Malaysia, appointing a company secretary is not optional. It is a legal requirement under the Companies Act 2016. Yet, one of the most common questions business owners ask is: how much does a company secretary actually cost in Malaysia?
The answer depends on several practical factors, including your company size, compliance needs, and whether you choose a professional corporate services firm. Many new directors are unsure what services are included, what is considered reasonable, and what hidden costs to watch out for.
This guide explains company secretary fees in Malaysia in simple terms, helping you understand what you are paying for, what affects the cost, and how to choose a reliable service provider.
What Does a Company Secretary Do in Malaysia?
A company secretary acts as the compliance backbone of a Malaysian company. Their role is not only to ensure the company meets all legal obligations.
Key responsibilities of the Company Secretary in Malaysia include:
- Maintaining statutory registers and company records
- Filing annual returns with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM)
- Advising directors on compliance matters
- Preparing board resolutions and meeting minutes
Without a qualified company secretary, a company risks penalties, late fees, or director disqualification for failing to meet deadlines under the Companies Act 2016.
Is Appointing a Company Secretary Mandatory in Malaysia?
Yes. Under Section 235 of the Companies Act 2016, every company in Malaysia must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation.
The secretary must:
- Be licensed by SSM or a member of a recognised professional body.
- Be ordinarily resident in Malaysia.
How Much Do Company Secretary Services Cost in Malaysia?
Company secretary fees in Malaysia typically range from RM600 to RM3,000 per year, depending on the level of service required.
Estimated Company Secretary Fees in Malaysia
| Type of Company | Estimated Annual Fee (RM) |
|---|---|
| Dormant Company | 600 – 1,000 |
| Small Sdn Bhd | 1,000 – 1,500 |
| Active SME | 1,500 – 2,500 |
| Growing or Regulated Company | 2,500 – 3,000+ |
These fees usually cover basic statutory compliance. Additional services may incur separate charges.
What Factors Affect Company Secretary Fees in Malaysia?
Company secretary fees in Malaysia vary depending on the complexity of a company’s compliance needs. The most common factors include:
- Business activity level – Actively operating companies require more statutory filings and ongoing compliance support.
- Number of directors and shareholders – A higher number often requires more documentation and updates.
- Industry regulations – Companies in regulated sectors usually face additional compliance requirements.
- Frequency of corporate changes – Share transfers, director changes, or capital increases increase the volume of work.
- Type of service provider – Professional corporate firms generally charge more than individual secretaries due to broader support and accountability.
Businesses with regular corporate changes should plan for higher annual company secretary fees.
What Services are Usually Included in Company Secretary Fees?
Most professional firms offer standard secretarial packages.
Typical Services Included in Company Secretary Fees
| Service | Included |
|---|---|
| Appointment as Statutory Secretary | ✔ |
| Annual Return Filing with SSM | ✔ |
| Maintenance of Statutory Registers | ✔ |
| Basic Compliance Advisory | ✔ |
| Board Resolutions (Standard) | ✔ |
| Attendance at AGM | Sometimes |
| Share Transfer Documentation | Extra |
Always confirm what is included before signing an agreement.
Are There Extra or Hidden Costs for Company Secretarial Services?
Yes, certain services are not included in standard packages.
Standard additional charges may include:
- Share allotments or transfers
- Director or shareholder changes
- Company name change
- Increase in paid-up capital
- Strike-off or winding-up filings
Transparent firms will clearly disclose these costs upfront.
Should You Choose an Individual or a Corporate Services Firm?
Choosing between an individual company secretary and a corporate services firm depends on your business priorities and risk tolerance.
- Individual company secretaries – Often charge lower fees, but support may be limited to one person, which can create delays if they are unavailable.
- Corporate services firms – Provide structured systems and professional oversight to manage compliance.
How Can Businesses Reduce Company Secretary Costs Legally?
You can manage costs without compromising compliance by:
- Keeping company records organised
- Planning changes in advance
- Avoiding frequent last-minute filings
- Bundling services with a corporate firm
Preventive compliance is always cheaper than penalty rectification.
Conclusion
Paying for a company secretary in Malaysia is part of running a company properly. It is not simply a regulatory formality. A good company secretary helps keep records in order, deadlines on track, and the company on the right side of the law. This reduces the risk of penalties and avoids unnecessary compliance issues later on.
Fees will vary depending on how active the company activity and the level of support required. However, working with an established corporate services firm provides stability and continuity, especially as the business grows.
If you would like clear and practical guidance on company secretary fees or ongoing compliance matters, 3E Accounting can provide reliable support tailored to your business needs.
Need a Reliable Company Secretary in Malaysia?
With 3E Accounting, ensure full compliance, avoid penalties, and get professional guidance for your business in Malaysia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, company secretary fees are mandatory as every company incorporated in Malaysia must appoint a licensed company secretary under the Companies Act 2016.
Company secretary fees in Malaysia usually include statutory filings, maintenance of company registers, submission of annual returns, and basic compliance advisory.
Yes, dormant companies in Malaysia are still required to appoint a company secretary and pay annual fees to meet statutory obligations.
Yes, foreign-owned companies must appoint a locally licensed and resident company secretary in Malaysia.
Company secretary fees are generally tax-deductible as legitimate business expenses in Malaysia.
Yes, services such as share transfers, director changes, company name changes, or capital increases are usually charged separately.
Abigail Yu
Author
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.
