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Understanding Your Company Secretary

What a company secretary (cosec) does in Malaysia, who qualifies, legal obligations under the Companies Act 2016, and typical costs.

Last updated: April 2026 · From official Malaysian government sources

Official sources

Qualification Requirements

  • A citizen OR permanent resident of Malaysia
  • Ordinarily resident in Malaysia
  • A member of: MAICSA, MIA, Bar Council of Malaysia, or MACS
  • Hold a valid practising certificate (renewed every 3 years)

What a Cosec Does

  1. 1
    Statutory compliance — File annual returns, financial statements, and resolutions with SSM
  2. 2
    Maintain statutory records — Register of members, register of directors, minutes books
  3. 3
    Board meeting administration — Prepare agendas, take minutes, circulate resolutions
  4. 4
    Shareholder communication — Manage AGM notices, proxy forms, dividend notices
  5. 5
    Corporate structuring — Share transfers, director changes, constitution amendments
  6. 6
    Regulatory filings — Lodge Section 58 (changes), Section 56 (address changes)
  7. 7
    Advise directors — On compliance obligations, filing deadlines, governance

Typical Costs

OptionCost Range
Outsourced cosec (basic compliance)RM1,500 – RM3,000/year [VERIFY]
Outsourced cosec (full service)RM3,000 – RM15,000/year
In-house cosec (full-time hire)RM5,000 – RM12,000/month + statutory contributions

Common Pitfalls

  • Cheapest is not always best — A cosec who misses filing deadlines costs you more in penalties.
  • 30-day vacancy rule — If your cosec resigns, you have exactly 30 days to appoint a replacement.
  • Cosec is not accountant — Different roles. Many firms offer both, but they are distinct services.
  • Dormant companies still need a cosec — Even if not trading, the obligation remains.

Related guides

This is step 2 of 7 in the recommended setup order.

Full setup order for new founders

  1. 1Choose MSIC codes — decide BEFORE incorporation
  2. 2Engage company secretary — BEFORE incorporation
  3. 3SSM registration — cosec files via MyCoID
  4. 4Appoint MD if applicable — at or after incorporation
  5. 5Open business bank account — immediately after incorporation
  6. 6Register as HRD Corp Training Provider — after SSM + bank account
  7. 7Apply for CIP Spark — when ready, independent of above

Track your setup progress

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This guide was researched from official sources. If you spot an error, let us know.