How to Change Business Name in Malaysia?

Overview of Business Name Change in Malaysia

Changing a business or company name in Malaysia is a common corporate exercise and is legally permitted under the Companies Act 2016. Whether you are operating a newly established company or a long-standing Sdn. Bhd., you may decide to change your company name to better reflect your business direction, branding strategy, or ownership structure.

A company name change does not affect the legal identity of the company. The company retains the same registration number, rights, obligations, contracts, and liabilities. Only the name registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is updated.

The party responsible for executing and lodging the name change application is the appointed Company Secretary. The total statutory cost to change a company name is MYR 150, excluding professional fees.

Reasons Companies Change Their Business Name

Companies may decide to change their business name for various strategic, operational, or compliance-related reasons, including:

• The company has undergone a change of management
• The company has undergone a change of shareholding
• The company has shifted its business direction
• The company has expanded or changed its business activities
• The company is undergoing a rebranding exercise
• The company intends to adopt the name of a shelf company
• The current name no longer reflects the company’s brand or market positioning

A business name change is often part of a broader corporate restructuring or growth strategy and should be planned carefully to ensure continuity with customers, regulators, and business partners.

Guidelines for Selecting a Company Name in Malaysia

Before submitting a name change application, companies must ensure the proposed name complies with SSM’s naming guidelines.

General Naming Rules

The proposed company name must:

• Have a clear and specific definition
• Be in Bahasa Malaysia or English, or clearly explained if in another language
• Not be misleading, blasphemous, or offensive
• Not contain words associated with religion, royalty, or government bodies unless approval is obtained
• Not infringe on registered trademarks or well-known brand names without consent

Language Clarification Requirement

If the proposed name is not in Bahasa Malaysia or English, a clear explanation must be provided.

Example:

• Oishii Sushi Sdn. Bhd.
  “Oishii” means delicious in Japanese

Examples of Acceptable Naming Explanations

• ABC Ice Cream Sdn. Bhd.
  A – Apple, B – Banana, C – Cherry Ice Cream
• Ramu Pharma Sdn. Bhd.
  “Ramu” is the name of the company director (consent letter required)
• Paul Hype Page Sdn. Bhd.
  Similar name to a sister company in Singapore (consent letter required)
• Petronas Sdn. Bhd.
  Trademarked name (written consent from trademark owner required)

Important: An old company name cannot be reused to incorporate a new company in Malaysia.

Procedure to Change a Company Name in Malaysia

The procedure to change a company name is similar to the initial incorporation process and must be approved by SSM.

Step 1: Inform the Company Secretary

The company’s representative must notify the appointed Company Secretary of the intention to change the company name. The following information is required:

• Proposed new company name
• Nature of business
• Directors’ NRICs or passports

Step 2: Name Reservation With SSM

The Company Secretary will submit the proposed name to SSM via the online system.

• Name reservation fee: MYR 50
• Processing time: 1 to 3 working days

SSM will review the name for availability and compliance.

Step 3: Approval and Preparation of Resolutions

Once SSM approves the proposed name:

• The Company Secretary prepares a Special Resolution
• The Board of Directors signs off on the resolution

Under the Companies Act 2016, directors may sign the resolution directly. However, if the company has adopted a constitution, an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) may be required in accordance with the Memorandum & Articles of Association.

Step 4: Lodgment of Documents With SSM

Within 30 days from name approval, the Company Secretary must lodge the required documents with SSM, including:

• Special Resolution
• Section 27(1)(4) – Application and reservation of name
• Section 28 – Application for change of company name
• Statutory filing fee: MYR 100

Step 5: Issuance of Notice of Change of Name

Once all documents are complete and compliant:

• SSM issues the Notice of Change of Name
• Processing time: 1 to 3 working days

From the approval date onward, the company must display both the old and new company names on all official documents for 12 months.

Timeline and Costs Involved

(Professional fees may apply separately.)

What Happens After the Approval of the New Company Name?

Once the change of name is approved, the Company Secretary will provide the following documents:

• Section 27(1)(4) – Name reservation approval
• Section 28 – Change of name application
• Section 17 – Certificate of Incorporation on Change of Name
• Official approval letter from SSM
• Latest company profile showing both old and new names

Mandatory Updates After Name Change

The company must update its new name with all relevant authorities and institutions, including:

• Company bank (for account name update)
• Business licences (local council, regulators)
• Employees Provident Fund (EPF)
• Social Security Organisation (SOCSO)
• Inland Revenue Board (LHDN)

Failure to update these records may result in administrative issues, payment mismatches, or compliance risks.

Final Thoughts

Changing a business name in Malaysia is a straightforward process when handled correctly. While the name changes, the company’s legal standing remains intact. Proper planning, timely submission, and coordination with your Company Secretary ensure a smooth transition without disrupting business operations.

If you are planning to change your company name or require professional assistance with corporate compliance matters, speak to our consultants today for a seamless and hassle-free process.