Camne nak register SSM?
Last verified: 16 August 2026
Registering a sole proprietorship with SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia, the Companies Commission of Malaysia) is the fastest and cheapest way to legally start a business in Malaysia — most people are done within an hour.
Who this is for
Malaysian citizens or permanent residents, aged 18 and above, starting a sole proprietorship or partnership under their own name or a trade name. Foreigners, and anyone who specifically wants a separate legal entity with limited liability, should look into registering a Sdn Bhd instead — that's a different process, not covered in this guide.
Before you start
Operating a business in Malaysia without registering it is an offence under the Registration of Businesses Act 1956, with fines of up to RM50,000. Decide first whether you'll register under your own personal name (cheaper, faster) or a trade name (needs an extra name-approval step).
What you'll need
- •MyKad (original and copy)
- •Up to 3 proposed business names, in order of preference, if using a trade name
- •Any relevant permit or licence for regulated business types (e.g. childcare, tuition centres, food premises)
- •Registration fee (see estimated cost)
Step-by-step
- 1
Decide: personal name or trade name
Registering under your own name (exactly as it appears on your MyKad) is faster and cheaper. A trade name (like "Sunshine Bakery") needs an extra approval step and a slightly higher fee, but reads better on invoices and signage.
- 2
Reserve your trade name, if using one
If registering under a trade name, submit Form PNA.42 with up to three name choices in order of preference, in case your first pick is already taken or rejected.
- 3
Submit your application
Apply online through SSM's ezBiz portal (ezbiz.ssm.com.my), or in person at any SSM branch. You'll need your MyKad and, for regulated business types (like a nursery or tuition centre), any relevant permit or approval letter from the relevant ministry.
- 4
Pay the registration fee
Pay RM30/year for a personal name, or RM60/year for a trade name. Fees are set by SSM and reviewed periodically — check the current rate on SSM's portal before you pay.
- 5
Receive your Business Registration Certificate
Your certificate is typically issued within an hour of payment, and always within one working day. You can now open a business bank account and sign contracts — remember to renew annually.
Common mistakes
- •Registering under a trade name without submitting Form PNA.42 with backup name choices — if your first choice is rejected, having 2–3 alternatives ready avoids a second trip.
- •Forgetting that sole proprietorship registration must be renewed every year — SSM can deregister a lapsed business automatically.
- •Not realizing a sole proprietorship has no legal separation from you personally — your personal assets aren't protected from business debts. Ask about a Sdn Bhd instead if that matters to you.
- •Starting to trade before the certificate is actually issued — you're technically still unregistered until it's in hand.
Official sources
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This guide is for general information and does not replace professional legal, financial, or tax advice. Fees and requirements are set by the relevant authority and may change — always confirm against the official sources above before you apply.