How to register a business in Malaysia with SSM

You want to start a business in Malaysia, but you have no idea where to start.

Let us guide you on the right path.

First, you must register your business or company with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM). They handle all the records of all the companies register in Malaysia, no matter how big or small the company is.

The whole process is very simple and we will show you step by step how to register your own business Malaysia. 

How to register a business in Malaysia with SSM: 4 steps

Step 1: Think of at least 3 names for your business.

Get your business at least three names. It is recommended that you do not use your personal information in any of them.

I'm pretty sure you understand what we mean.

Then, going back to the point, you need at least three alternative names to write down on your "Borang PNA 42" form (we'll get into what this form is in a minute). Only one of your chosen names will be approved for the company. Therefore, think of names that would be:

• Amazing
• Catchy
• Appropriate for your business

What is the difference between Business Name and Trade Name?

Do not be confused between what a trading name and a trade name means.

A trade name belongs to the person or entity that owns the company. Use your business name to fill out government forms and applications.

In contrast, the trade name is different. Owners can use the business name for marketing and sales purposes. This is the name that they publish for the public to see.

It is strongly recommended to use the same or similar term (as we did) for both the commercial and commercial names to avoid any uncertainty.

Some guidelines to follow:

• Use the correct language without spelling errors.
• Do not use a name that is too general, p. Eg technological resources. It has to be straight to the point!
• Do not use a name that is similar to a name that has been registered.
• Strictly do not use vulgar, insulting or deceptive in terms of identity and purpose.
• Do not use a word that represents religious or political elements.
• Do not use names related to activities controlled by employment agencies or by a profession.
• Use numbers if only necessary and proper.

Step 2: Verifying if your names are available.

Save some dollars, checking the availability of the name with the online SSM system (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia).

By briefly looking at the names of the companies registered in the SSM company registration, you will have a better idea to decide the name of your new company.

In this way, you can avoid using similar existing registered names and reduce the chances of being rejected by SSM. It will also save you from getting possible additional charges payable to SSM.

  

Follow these simple steps for SSM Company Name Search Online:

• Visit www.ssm-einfo.my
• Click on the blue button that says: Register
• Complete the electronic registration form and then submit it.
• Once you're done, you should do it. A pop-up window will appear asking you to log in now. If you don't get the pop-up window, you can simply click on the green login button located right next to the blue Register button that you clicked previously.
• Now simply, log in with your username and password
• After successfully logging in, click on the icon >> Search
• Enter your planned business name in the search box By name
• That's! The SSM name search result will be displayed!

If you cannot follow the steps above to identify if your desired business name is available. You can add a comment below and we will help guide you.

Returning to the subject in question, if you have taken the name you wanted, it will appear in a table. The search result will return empty if your desired name has not yet been registered with SSM. Don't worry if your desired business name was not exactly what you had in mind. You will think of something even more special!

Step 3: Completing Borang PNA 42.

You can get the Borang PNA42 from here:

A business name acts as the brand of your products or services you provide. The business name can be grouped into two types according to the Guidelines For New Business Registration:

Step 4: Completing Borang A

You can get the Borang A (Borang Pendaftaran Perniagaan) here:

Fill in the necessary details required. The previous (Borang PNA 42) that you had completed earlier should be attached along with this form (Borang A) if you are registering a new business and a new trade name.