The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has issued a revised Guidelines on Company Names, effective 30 October 2026, replacing the previous version dated 14 July 2026.
The revision follows the issuance of a new Ministerial Direction under paragraph 26(1)(d) and section 564 of the Companies Act 2016, published as P.U.(B) 439/2026.
While the general requirements for company names remain largely unchanged, the new Ministerial Direction introduces amendments to restricted name categories and a new provision for controlled names and words.
Key Updates and Schedules in the 2026 Ministerial Direction
Here are the main areas company secretaries should take note of:
- Royal Family and Patronage (Schedule 1): Adds "Raja Muda", "Yang Mulia" and "Yang Maha Mulia". Removes "Regent" and "Imperial" from the listed examples.
- Government and Statutory Bodies (Schedule 2): Retains restrictions on names suggesting links to government departments, statutory bodies and authorities. "Municipality" is omitted from the previous list of examples.
- International Organisations (Schedule 3): Retains restrictions on names suggesting connections with ASEAN, the Commonwealth, foreign governments and international organisations. The reference to "cartel" is removed.
- Restricted Words (Schedule 5): Updates "Bumiputra" to "Bumiputera". Other restricted terms include "Bank", "Trust", "Unit Trust", "Insurance", "Finance", "University", "Foundation", "Investment" and "Exchange".
- Misleading Names (Schedule 6): Prohibits names that misrepresent the identity, nature, objects or purposes of a company.
- Offensive Names (Schedule 7): Revises the wording to cover names that are insulting or likely to be considered insulting by the public.
- New Category – Controlled Names or Words (Schedule 8): Introduces a new category covering words controlled under written laws or by government agencies, departments, local authorities or other parties. Applicants must provide the relevant approval or supporting letter, where applicable.
Other Important Requirements to Remember
- Mixing Malay and English: Permitted when describing the nature of the business, provided the grammar is correct. For example, MAJU CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. is acceptable, whereas CONSTRUCTION MAJU SDN. BHD. is not.
- Appeals against rejected names: Applicants may appeal to the Minister under Section 27(3) of the Companies Act 2016 within 30 days of the Registrar's decision. The appeal fee is RM300.
- Name reservation: A company name is generally reserved for 30 days, with further extensions subject to the Registrar's approval. The prescribed fee is RM50 for every 30 days, up to a maximum of 180 days.
The full framework can be reviewed here :
SSM – Revised Guidelines on Company Names (30 October 2026)
What Should Company Secretaries Do?
Company secretaries and corporate professionals should:
- Refer to the revised Guidelines dated 30 October 2026.
- Review the updated Ministerial Direction, particularly the new Schedule 8.
- Check whether proposed names contain restricted or controlled words.
- Obtain the necessary supporting documents or approvals before submitting applications.
- Ensure that future name reservation and change of name applications comply with the latest requirements.
The key takeaway: The introduction of Schedule 8 is particularly important as it formally recognises the control of certain company names and words that were previously managed through SSM's administrative practices.
Keeping up with these changes can help minimize application delays and avoid unnecessary rejections.
Official References
- SSM Announcement – Amendment to the Ministerial Direction (5 November 2026)
https://www.ssm.com.my/bm/Lists/Announcement/AnnouncementDetails.aspx?ID=496 - SSM – Table of Fees
https://www.ssm.com.my/Pages/Services/Registration-of-Company-(ROC)/Table-of-Fees.aspx
Stay informed. Stay compliant. Keep your corporate practices up to date.
Disclaimer
The information shared in this blog is for general informational and educational purposes only.
While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, laws, regulations and requirements may change. The content should not be taken as professional, legal or financial advice.
Readers are encouraged to verify information with the relevant authorities and seek professional advice before making decisions or taking action.
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