The name of your company represents the ideals and goals you wish to communicate to the world. Thus, picking an appropriate name is key to establishing yourself in the market. However, before proceeding with company formation in Malaysia, you need to be aware of the principles of naming a business and the Acts that govern them. Historically, naming a business in Malaysia was regulated by the Companies Act 1965, but this system was replaced by the Companies Act 2016. This change eliminated the manual paperwork requirements and introduced a more streamlined, digital process.
To move forward, it's important to understand both the historical changes in naming laws and the updated criteria in the current Act. This guide outlines the steps for registering a business name in Malaysia, along with related components.
Comparison of Naming Regulations in Malaysia (1965 vs. 2016)
As we discussed in the introduction regarding the changes to the Acts, the following table highlights regulatory shifts, including what was removed and what was added to reflect the business landscape in Malaysia.
Key Feature
Companies Act 1965 (Removed)
Companies Act 2016 (Current)
Primary Identifier
Company Name was the sole identifier.
Registration Number is now the primary identifier (Company Names are secondary).
Submission Method
Form 13A (Separate name search form).
Superform (Section 14) (Integrated name and registration).
Reservation Fee
RM30 per name.
RM50 per name.
Language Rules
Strictly English or Malay (translations were manually vetted).
English or Malay mixture allowed; Coined or created words officially recognized.
Acronym Usage
Broadly discouraged or requires Ministry consent.
Allowed, provided the meaning of the acronym is declared in the Superform.
Rules for Registering a Business Name in Malaysia
Before checking availability, your proposed name must meet the naming criteria set by the relevant Malaysian authority. If not, your application will be rejected immediately by the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) registrar. However, let’s see the rules of registering a company name in Malaysia in detail:
The Mandatory Suffixes
If you are running a private limited company, a public limited company, or an unlimited company, then these are mandatory suffixes your company should end with:
Private Limited Company: Must end with Sdn. Bhd. (e.g., Global Tech Sdn. Bhd.).
Public Limited Company: Must end with Bhd. (e.g., Kalyan Banking Bhd.).
Unlimited Company: Must end with Sdn. (e.g., Engineering Services Sdn.).
Prohibited and Restricted Words
Understanding prohibited or restricted words is also essential, as it also plays a key role in company name registration in Malaysia.
Royal or Governmental: No "Royal," "King," "National," or "State" without specific Ministry approval.
Protected International Bodies: No "ASEAN," "UNESCO," "UN," or "OPEC."
Regulated Industries: Words like "Bank," "Insurance," "University," or "Clinic" require a letter of support from the relevant governing body (e.g., Bank Negara or the Ministry of Higher Education).
Offensive Content or Socially Sensitive Terms
Another mandatory requirement for registering a company name in Malaysia is to avoid certain offensive or sensitive terms in your company name.
Names can be in Bahasa Malaysia or English. Other languages must include a translation and explanation of the meaning.
Symbols such as &, ., -, ( ), and ' are permitted.
Steps to Register a Business Name in Malaysia?
Here is a step-by-step guide that deals with the business name registration in Malaysia:
Step 1: User Account Creation
The primary step is to activate a Malaysia Corporate Identity (MyCoID) user account. For that, you must first sign up as an individual user on the official MyCoID portal.
Step 2: Receive a Notification Email
After registering online, you will receive a notification email. For security and identity theft prevention, you may be required to complete a one-time physical verification at any SSM branch.
Step 3: Submit Your Original Documents
You must bring your original MyKad (for Malaysians) or Passport (for foreigners) to an SSM counter to have your biometrics or documents verified. Once the officer activates your account, you will receive your final login credentials via email, granting you the authority to submit legal filings.
Step 4: Name Search and Selection Process
Once logged in, the next step in registering a business name in Malaysia is to undergo the name search and selection process. Within the MyCoID dashboard, you can use the direct name search function to input your proposed trade name. The system will immediately cross-reference your entry against the existing database to ensure it is not identical or confusingly similar to an existing entity. If the name is available and compliant with the SSM naming guidelines, you may proceed to the next stage.
Step 5: Reserve Your Business Name
After confirming the name's availability, you must choose between a simple name reservation or proceeding directly to incorporate your company via the Superform. If you aren't prepared for immediate incorporation, you can pay a RM50 fee to reserve the name for 30 days, preventing others from taking it while you finalize your business plan.
Step 6: Wait for the Review
Following the submission and payment of registering a business name in Malaysia, you must wait for the SSM Registrar’s review, which usually takes a few working days. If the registrar finds no issues with your proposed name or business nature, they will issue a Notice of Registration via email.
This digital document is your company's official "birth certificate" with your unique Company Registration Number. While sufficient for most legal needs, you can buy a formal Certificate of Incorporation via the SSM e-info or MyData portals for a small fee to open international bank accounts.
Why Choose Us?
From registering a business name in Malaysia to proceeding with other steps, the process requires following various rules and regulations to avoid disapproval by the authorities. This can be especially overwhelming for any new entrepreneur in the region. In such cases, taking guidance from any business consultant is essential, and that’s where the role of Business Setup Worldwide emerges.
Our experts have extensive experience in assisting clients with name reservation and other company formation services. To know more, contact us.
Ready to take the first step in your business journey?
We'll walk you through every step – no guesswork needed.
1. Can I change my company name after it has been registered?
Yes, but you must pass a special resolution, apply for the new name via MyCoID, and pay a prescribed fee. If approved, SSM will issue a Notice of Change of Name.
2. Can I use a name that is registered in another country?
Yes, provided the name is not already registered in Malaysia. However, if the name involves a well-known international brand such as Nike Tech, SSM will likely reject it to avoid passing off or infringing on trademarks.
3. What is the 'Superform' in the context of registering a company name in Malaysia?
The Superform is a single electronic template that combines the name of the application, the declaration of directors or shareholders, and the business description into one submission, making the incorporation process significantly faster than the old manual system.
4. What if I want to use a name that is already 'Dormant'?
If a company is dormant, the name technically remains in the system for a period. You cannot simply take it. You would need to write an Appeal to the Registrar or wait for the name to be officially released back into the public pool, which can take several years after a company is dissolved.
5. Can I use a mixture of Malay and English while registering a business name in Malaysia?
Yes, you can use the mixture of both while registering a business name in Malaysia, but you must follow proper grammar to use it.
