Registering a Company in Penang
Go BackIn order to start a business in Penang, you have to register a company. This can be done at the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM, Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia). In Penang, it is located at No. 3009 off Lebuh Tenggiri 2, Bangunan KWSP, Bandar Seberang Jaya, 13700 Penang (Phone: +60-4-397 7793; email: rashidan@ssm.com.my).
How to go to the Companies Commission of Malaysia
If you're coming from Penang Island, continue north on the North-South Expressway until you reach the Seberang Jaya Interchange (Exit 163). Exit and head west towards Butterworth/Seberang Jaya. You are now on the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (E15) heading in the direction of Butterworth. (On this stretch, the E15 is only an expressway by name, as it is accessible directly from the local roads.) After the Caltex Service Station, look out for a Petronas Service Station. Turn off the expressway into Jalan Todak heading south. You will pass Sunway Carnival Mall on your left. Continue on Jalan Todak until you reach the junction with Lebuh Tenggiri 2. This is the road flanked by two tall buildings - Sunway Hotel on the left (north) side and KWSP Building on the right (south side). Drive towards the KWSP Building and find a place to park. The office of the Companies Commission of Malaysia is on the 6th and 7th floor.View Companies Commission of Malaysia, Penang in a larger map
Procedure to Register a Company in Penang
It's the same procedure anywhere in Malaysia. Here's the step by step run-through:- Choose a Business Name. This is the name in which you will be carrying out your business activity. The business name can be your own name or a trade name.
- A business that is a sole proprietorship can be registered under your Own Name. This is the name appearing on your identity card. Take the form from the service counter at the Registrar of Business at the Companies Commission of Malaysia, and proceed with your application.
- You can also register your business under a trade name. This is a name other than your own name from your Identity Card. However, the Registrar of Business has to approve your choice of trade name before you can start using it.
To seek approval, get Form PNA.42 from the Business Division of the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Complete it by furnishing information on the trade name, your own name and identity card number, nature of business, sign and date the form. Submit your application to the service counter at the Business Division. Note: approval is not registration. If the Business Division approves your choice of trade name, you have up to 30 days to register it as your Business Name. Once registered, you cannot amend or change it.
When selecting a trade name, avoid names that mention the king, queen or royal family; names that provide connotation of links with the government, such as Federal, State, National; words that include names of countries or existing international organisation; words such as Society, Association, Foundation, Trust, Cooperative; and words deemed offensive, misleading, insulting.
- Once your trade name is approved, you're ready to register the business. To go this, obtain Form A from the service counter of Registration of Business at the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Complete it, and submit with the following documents: the approval letter for the business name (trade name), photocopy of your identity card, photocopy of Partnership Agreement (if any), permit (if any), license (if any), approval or supporting letter from relevant agencies (if any).
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