The Important First Few Steps:

Once you have decided Malaysia is the place to invest, the key points of “Starting A Business in Malaysia” will help you tie up the loose ends!

7 key points to consider before starting a business in Malaysia for foreigners:

1. What kind of business can I do? What am I passionate about? [Read: Businesses not permitted to foreigners]

2. Is my business idea feasible to conduct as a foreigner? Are they many opportunities to be explored in Malaysia?

3. The suitable business entity for foreigners for your business? What are the options of ownership for each entity available for foreigners? Is my business nature able to obtain 100% foreign-owned entity? Starting a Business in Malaysia As a Foreigner

4. Which trade licenses required for my business? My aim to start a franchise business – how to get started?

5.  Am I guaranteed to be able to obtain all necessary approvals for trade licenses and work permit right after I register the company? This is the most crucial thing to know to avoid being stuck at the first step in your registration of the company itself!

6. What are the main costs involved in the registration of the company, set-up, trade licenses, and work permit?

7. What kind of problems generally faced by foreigners setting up a Malaysian company?

8. With this business, what are the visa options available for my family and myself? There are many kinds of work permits of different company structure for foreigners to chose, each has its own purpose and advantages. Check it out which structure suits you!

Example of the setup costs which may include the followings:

Company registration fee with Authorized Capital required for incorporation of a Malaysia Sdn Bhd Company

Trade licenses may be wholesale, retail trade (WRT) and local town council licenses for the premise and advertisement

In the case of a franchise business, your cost will include franchise, training and agreement fees

Deposit for office/shop space (usually amounts to 2 months of rental and 1-month utility fee)

Office/Shop renovation costs, types of furniture and fittings  Starting a Business in Malaysia As a Foreigner

Initial deposit on opening a bank account. The minimum required ranges from RM1,000 to RM5,000 (varies with banks)

Cost of setting up landlines and broadband (deposit per line is roughly RM450)

For those interested using Malaysia as a regional business hub and interested to register a company in Malaysia. Here are six (6) keys questions:

1. What is the right type of entity?

2. What is the suitable structure should I have?

3. Do I need any trade licenses? Starting a Business in Malaysia As a Foreigner

4. How can I maximize the tax for my profit and personal tax?

5. How fast can the Company being formed complete with two (2) years’ work visa for me and my family?

6. What is the difference between local Malaysian Sdn Bhd Company and Labuan International Company?

THE Inland Revenue Board Malaysia (LHDN) has issued a new Tax Investigation Framework 2020 to replace the Tax Investigation Framework issued on May 15, 2018.

The new framework, which took effect on Jan 1, 2020, is aimed at informing taxpayers about LHDN’s tax investigation procedures.

In general, the framework outlines the rights and responsibilities of officers, taxpayers and tax agents; assists taxpayers to fulfil their obligations, and informs taxpayers of the legal provisions relating to a tax investigation.

These are the key points.

Investigation Procedures

Request for Documents and Information

An investigation can be carried out by issuing letters requesting documents and information from the taxpayer, tax agents and third parties.

The taxpayer may be required to give information and an oral explanation at LHDN offices.

LHDN officers may also visit the taxpayer’s business premises with a written notification given prior to the visit.

Inspection Visit

Investigations can also be carried out by making an inspection visit without prior notice to the taxpayer’s business premises, residences, tax agent’s premises, third parties and other premises as necessary.

Examination of Documents

The LHDN officer will inspect the taxpayer’s business documents and/or personal documents. The inspection is to gather evidence of tax evasion and request any party to produce documents in his custody or control.

Record Statement

At least two LHDN officers will be present during the recording of statements from persons related to the case being investigated. Qualified lawyers can be present during the recording of statements as well.

Finalisation of Investigation

After completion of the investigation procedures, LHDN will issue a letter to the taxpayer confirming the finalisation of the investigation.

If a settlement is agreed upon, an agreement or letter of the undertaking will be signed.

The investigation is considered finalised after the case is approved by the DG of LHDN and an assessment is raised. Taxpayers who have been investigated will be monitored by LHDN.

If the taxpayer does not agree with the investigation findings, the DG may, according to the best of his judgement raise an assessment with a penalty.

Cases which are to be prosecuted will be forwarded to the legal department. Failure of a taxpayer to attend court proceedings after the summons is served may result in a warrant of arrest being issued.

Offences and Penalties

Failure to furnish, return or give notice of chargeability

Under subsection 112(1) of the Income Tax Act 1967 (ITA), taxpayers who fail to furnish the Income Tax Return Form (ITRF) for one year of assessment shall on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than RM200 and not more than RM20,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

Whereas under subsection 112(1A), taxpayers who fail to furnish the ITRF for the period of two years of assessment or more shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than RM1,000 and not more than RM20,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.

The taxpayer shall also pay a special penalty of three times the amount of tax which has been undercharged.

If no prosecution has been instituted in respect of failure to furnish a return or give notice of chargeability, the DG may require the taxpayer to pay a penalty three times the amount of tax which has been undercharged as under Section 112(3) of the ITA.

Incorrect returns

Making incorrect return by omitting or understating any income of which the taxpayer is required to make a return on behalf of himself or another person, or gives any incorrect information in relation to any matter affecting his own changeability to a tax of any other person is an offence under Section 113(1) of the ITA.

Taxpayers guilty of the offence shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than RM1,000 and not more than RM10,000 and shall pay a special penalty of double the amount of tax which has been undercharged.

If no prosecution has been instituted in respect of the incorrect return or incorrect information, the DG may impose a penalty equal to the amount of the tax which has been undercharged as under Section 113(2) of the ITA.

Wilful evasion

Under Section 114(1) of the ITA, the taxpayer guilty of the offence shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine of not less than RM1,000 and not more than RM20,000, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or both, and shall pay a special penalty of three times the amount of tax which has been undercharged.

Investigation under Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001 (AMLATFPUAA).

Failure to furnish ITRF (Section 112 of the ITA), make incorrect returns (Section 113 of the ITA) and wilful evasion (Section 114 of the ITA) are listed as serious offences under Second Schedule of the AMLATFPUAA.

LHDN may take action to deter, detect and investigate cases of money laundering related to serious offences.

Upon conviction of money laundering offence under Section 4 of the AMLATFPUAA, a person shall be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 years and shall also be liable to a fine of not less than five times the sum or value of the proceeds of unlawful activity or instrumentalities of an offence at the time the offence was committed or RM5 million, whichever is the higher.

Investigation under AMLATFPUAA and investigation under ITA may be conducted separately or concurrently.

LHDN officers may exercise powers under AMLATFPUAA such as:

• Enter any premises without a search warrant.
• Search the premises for any property, record, report or document.
• Inspect, make copies of or take extracts from any record, report or document.
• Take possession of any property, record, report or document seized and detain it for a period deemed necessary.
• Search any person who is in, or on such premises.
• Break open, examine and search any article, container or receptacle.
• Stop, detain or search any conveyance.
• Break open any outer or inner door of such premises or conveyance.
• Remove by force any obstruction to such entry, search, seizure, detention or removal.
• Detain any person found on such premises, or in such conveyance until the search is completed.
• Order any person believed to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to attend before the LHDN officer for examination.
• Arrest without warrant a person suspected to have committed or to be committing any offence under AMLATFPUAA.
• Issue an order to freeze any property, such as bank accounts, of any person who is suspected of committing a serious offence.

Responsibilities of taxpayer investigated under AMLATFPUAA:

• Allow the LHDN officer to access any premises and submit to the search of his person.
• Attend before the LHDN officer for examination.
• Answer any question put to him by the LHDN officer.
• Furnish any information or statement as requested by the LHDN officer.
• Cooperate and comply with any lawful demands by the LHDN officer in the execution of his duties.
• Not to conceal and to give the LHDN officer any property, record or information which may reasonably be required of him and which he has in his power to give.
• Not to destroy any property, record, report or document in order to prevent its seizure or the securing of the property, record, report or document.

A person who fails to comply, if convicted under section 34 of the AMLATFPUAA, shall be liable to a fine not exceeding RM3 million or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.

In the case of a continuing offence, he shall be liable to a further fine not exceeding RM3,000 for each day during which the offence continues after conviction.

In every business, whether it is small or big, it requires constant attention so that the business can run smoothly. Among all these elements, accounting and bookkeeping method is an important one. It takes huge efforts to maintain the accounts and it is also a time-consuming job. So, a pleasant solution to this problem is using online accounting software. This online accounting software will calculate the cash flow, revenue and so on precisely and accurately. Further, your financial information will be safe, and you can access it from any corner of the world. Hence, it is a great investment for the business, specifically for small business, where the fund is limited.

There are several other benefits of online accounting software too.

Online Accounting Software – User-Friendly

It is very easy to learn, and one can easily adopt these practices in day to day operations. Once you set up is ready, only a few entries will help you in keeping accounts up to date. All the information from the invoices and bank statements can be uploaded automatically and will be processed into the right category. So, from now onwards, you need not to worry about the advanced accounting too. You can efficiently maintain accounts of your business just by making a few clicks. Maintaining data becomes easy for you and in fact, you are not required to devote lots of time in it.

Payroll

Online accounting software makes work easy for you. It just eases your work of filling out the information of employees timely and accurately.

Online Accounting Software Security

Online accounting software keeps the data online, so, you might be worried about its security. But, keep in mind that the security of your data is the topmost priority of these online business software companies. Hence, security is not your concern. It is always beneficial to assess the financial health of your company at any time. The online connection makes work easy for you like easily you can invoice your clients. When you think of the security of data, many people still think of outsourcing any accountant to keep their accounts. But, this software is the safe place to keep data intact and safe.

Online Accounting Software Cash Flow

When you efficiently maintain the cash flow, then you can save money effectively. The online accounting software will make the process simple to determine incentives for the employees. It will also determine discounts for the customers and creditors. Further, you can easily comprehend profit as well as losses.

Cost-Effective

Online accounting software is the most cost-effective and affordable way to maintain your business accounts. In house software as well as outsourcing accountant can cost you a large sum of money. But the online accounting software will not cost you much. They are not expensive. So, you can manage your business accounts in a cost-effective manner.

Automated Record Keeping

The main problem with financial management is that it is labor intensive and confusing. So, one needs an expert to handle all these accounting problems. But with online accounting software, there are features which will compile all your data in different categories. They will merge all the data and information in an operating system. In fact, the online accounting software are able to analyze the business practices and will display the trends of money flow in your company. You can easily maintain and create financial reports with much fewer efforts. You can do the following easily:

• Automatic Data Backup
• Check Printing
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Cost Predictions
• Comment Capabilities
• External Application Integration
• Customizable Reports
• Payroll Management
• Fund Accounting
• Password Protection
• Inventory Management

Accounting is always an integral and essential part of any business. The business constantly needs accurate financial information. This information helps them in making business decisions. So, the online accounting software will serve the purpose and will provide the correct information. Switching to online accounting software will give them many benefits. Running the business with the right tools are always beneficial. A single mistake in accounting can cost you a big loss. But the online accounting software will keep you away from such mistakes. So, it’s the time to switch to online accounting software. No need for hiring an accountant for all your accounting purpose. Enhance your productivity with the online accounting software.

Malaysia Immigration Visa Application for foreigners: Expatriate DP10 Work Visa  for you and family
Our service includes the application of dependent visa and ID card for the expatriate and his family

Malaysia My Second Home 10 years’ Multiple-Entry Visa- the best visa category! Hassle-free multiple-entry visa of 10-years for you and your family. Renewal is indefinite. It comes with good incentives such as parents’ visa, tax-free car, and maid visa. Applicants are permitted to conduct businesses with unlimited non-taxable fund transfers to Malaysia. 

Permanent Residence Visa

Foreign Talent Visa

Visa Dependent Visa of all categories

Various Malaysia Business Entity Eligible for Foreigners:
Incorporating of Malaysian Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd) of these categories:

1. 100% foreign-owned (minimum RM500,000 paid-up capital depends on the nature of business)
2. Joint venture with local Malaysian

Other types of entity foreigners can set-up:

• Labuan International Companies
  Suitable for foreigners who like to use Malaysia as a base to connect the world with businesses, all transactions in foreign currencies. Labuan Company tax rates are very attractive of 3%, permissible to deal with local Malaysians.  There are many different usages of Labuan International companies, it varies depends on your needs. Click here to understand the advantages of setting up the Labuan International company in Malaysia. 
• Regional or Representative Office Status
  3 years’ office approval with allowed activities for research, fact-finding, coordination, sourcing, import, and export.
  2 years’ expatriate work permit is also applicable to their family. No tax and audit account required to comply.
  More on Representative/Regional Office, please click here! 
• Operational Head Quarter Status 
  Approval for 10-years tax-free incentives. Paid-up capital with a minimum of RM2.5 million with coordination, sales, and procurement among the branches worldwide. The unlimited number of expatriate positions depends on job justifications.
• MSC Status Company
  Applicable for foreign and Malaysian companies in the Information, Communications and Technology sector. Income tax-free incentives for 5 years and Investment Tax allowances of 10 years with free import on all types of equipment. Freedom to source capital and borrow funds globally. The unlimited number of expatriates positions with job justifications is allowed.

• What Are Company Values?

Company values, also known as corporate values or core values, are the fundamental beliefs upon which your business and its behavior are based. They are the guiding principles that your business uses to manage its internal affairs as well as its relationship with customers. Once set, your core values need to be firm and unwavering a mandate rather than a suggestion. They should affect every aspect your business, from employee benefit packages and workplace culture to marketing strategies and customers service.

Keep in mind that company values should be more than stated values; they must be practiced values. If your company doesn’t follow through on the values it claims to hold, you can’t expect your hypocrisy to go unnoticed or unanswered by consumers. Employees, likewise, will notice if your company isn’t living up to its values statement, which can damage morale.

Why Are Company Values Important?

Numbering 83.1 million, millennials surpassed baby boomers in the 2014 census and represent one-quarter of the U.S. population. Simply put, this generation is too large to ignore. If corporate values matter to millennials and they do  then they should matter to you, too. As employees and customers, millennials favor companies whose values align with their own personal values. That makes corporate values an important part of both driving sales and attracting top talent.

When it comes to recruiting employees, you can even put a dollar amount on how much company values are worth. According to a study by Fidelity, millennials would be willing to take, on average, a $7,600 pay cut for a healthier work-life balance, a better company culture, career development, or a more meaningful job factors that would improve their overall quality of life.

A strong set of company values also gives your company direction and helps it build a reputation. They set the tone for how your business interacts with customers, markets its products, and makes important decisions. If you take them seriously, your core values will help you form a solid brand identity and a cohesive business plan.

How Do You Define Company Values?

You can incorporate your corporate values in your mission statement or write a separate statement of core values. Either way, the process should start with a brainstorming session. Invite a handful of people who understand and embody the traits you want your company to be known for. These could include the founder, CEO, and other company officers, but don’t forget to include some key employees too, such as your top salesman, your most respected managers, or your best designer. Ask each participant to list what they think the company’s values are or should be.

You can jumpstart and guide the process with questions like:

• What core values will resonate with our customers?
• What principles should guide our choices?
• What do we want our company to be known for?
• How will our values distinguish us from competitors?
• What qualities do we value in employees?

Values Employees should Strive to Emulate

• Values are purposeful. Your values shouldn’t be a list of generic ideals. They should be specific to your company, and they should align with your company’s goals. For instance, while a commitment to justice might make little sense for a tech company, a commitment to privacy would serve an important purpose.
• Values are choices. Rather than seeing your values as beliefs, treat them like choices. After all, most companies will say they believe that customer service is important. What differentiates your company from others will be the choices you make in the name of customer service. That could mean committing to a 24-hour response time for email inquiries and investing in the staff and tools to make that possible.
• Values will cost you. Like any choice, values come with an inherent cost. Make sure you are ready to uphold your company’s core values even when it would be easier or less expensive to ignore them. If your company claims a commitment to sustainability, you should use eco-friendly materials even if that decision cuts into your profits. Values that cost you nothing aren’t worth having.
• Values require action. Beliefs without action are just empty words. For instance, if you say your company values innovation, you can’t stifle employees with a “this is how it’s always been done” mentality. Instead, you should be actively encouraging and considering new ideas.
• Values are timeless. Although your company’s practices and strategies may change over time, your core values should be constant. Choose values you can stand by regardless of economic conditions, external incentives, competitive advantage, or corporate trends.

Keep in mind that company values aren’t merely an internal matter, limited to an obligatory section in the employee handbook that hardly anyone reads or remembers. Rather, companies are expected to share their values publicly. Let consumers know what you stand for and how you run your company.

Make sure your employees are familiar with your company values. Set values employees can put into practice, and give them the tools and incentives to do so.

What is it?

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) is an alternative business vehicle regulated under the Limited Liability Partnerships Act 2012 which combines the characteristics of a company and a conventional partnership. 

Who is it for? 

The LLP business structure is designed for all lawful business purposes with a view to make profit. LLP may also be formed by professionals such as Lawyers, Chartered Accountants and Company Secretaries for the purpose of carrying on their professional practice. The LLP concept will also support start ups, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow their businesses without having to worry too much on their personal liabilities, personal assets and strict compliance requirements. 

Salient features 

Amongst others, LLP is featured with the protection of limited liability to its partners similar to the limited liability enjoyed by shareholders of a company coupled with flexibility of internal business regulation through partnership arrangement similar to a conventional partnership.

Any debts and obligations of the LLP will be borne by the assets of the LLP and not that of its partners’. An LLP has the legal status of a body corporate which is capable of suing and being sued in its own name, holding assets and doing such other acts and things in its name as bodies corporate may lawfully do and suffer.

LLP also offers flexibility in terms of its formation, maintenance and termination while simultaneously has the necessary dynamics and appeal to be able to compete domestically and internationally. With the introduction of LLP, entrepreneurs will have more options to choose the most preferred form of business vehicle.

Limited Liability Partnership (LLP or PLT) under the Limited Liability Partnership Act 2012

PLT is an alternative business vehicle to carry out business which combines the characteristics of private companies and conventional partnerships. PLT provides limited liability status to its partners and offers the flexibility of internal rules through agreements between partners. 

​​​Salient Features of LLP

1. The LLP is a body corporate and has the legal personality separate from the partners (separate legal entity).
2. LLP is a perpetual succession.
3. Any partnership in the partnership will not affect the existence, right or liberty of the LLP.
4. LLP has unlimited capability and is capable of suing and be sued for it, acquire, owning, holding and develop or dispose of property.
5. LLP may do and suffer such other acts and things as bodies corporate may lawfully do and suffer.

Registration of LLP

1. By minimum two (2) persons (in whole or in part, an individual or a body corporate);
2. For any lawful business for the purpose of making a profit; and
3. In accordance with the terms of the LLP agreement.

Who can register

1. Professionals
2. Small and medium business.
3. Joint Venture.
4. Venture Capital (Venture Capital)