Comparison: DIY vs. Professional Corporate Secretarial Services

Quick Comparison Table

Criteria

DIY Approach

Professional Corporate Secretarial Services

Compliance Knowledge

Basic or limited

Expert, stays updated with Companies Act

Cost

Appears lower upfront

Competitive fees with long-term savings

Risk of Penalties

High due to lack of legal knowledge

Low – deadlines and filings managed for you

Time & Efficiency

Time-consuming

Efficient, end-to-end handling

Document Accuracy

Prone to errors

Legally vetted documentation

Advisory & Support

None or limited

Ongoing advisory and governance guidance

 

What Does a Company Secretary Do?

A corporate secretary in Malaysia plays a critical role in ensuring your company meets its legal obligations. Key responsibilities include:

  • Preparing board resolutions and minutes
  • Filing annual returns to SSM (Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia)
  • Updating statutory registers
  • Advising on governance and compliance

📌 Under the Companies Act 2016, failure to comply can result in heavy fines or company deregistration.

 

The DIY Route: What You Need to Know

While technically possible for some directors or in-house staff to attempt administrative filings, the DIY approach is risky and limited.

❌ Drawbacks:

  • Lack of legal expertise
  • Missed deadlines or incorrect filings
  • Risk of non-compliance
  • No access to strategic corporate advice

✅ Suitable only for micro-businesses with strong legal/accounting backgrounds (rarely recommended)

 

Why Professional Company Secretary Services Make Sense

Outsourcing to a licensed company secretary in Malaysia gives you:

  • Peace of mind: Compliance is managed
  • Time savings: Focus on business, not paperwork
  • Legal protection: Avoid costly errors and penalties
  • Scalability: Seamless support as your business grows

When Should You Hire a Corporate Secretary?

✔️ You’re registering or have incorporated a Sdn Bhd
 ✔️ You want to avoid compliance issues
 ✔️ You’re unsure about Malaysian regulatory requirements
 ✔️ You plan to scale, fundraise, or expand abroad

📍 Tip: For foreign-owned companies, corporate secretarial services are mandatory and essential to navigate local laws.

 

FAQ: DIY vs. Hiring a Corporate Secretary

Q1: Is a company secretary really mandatory?
 Yes, under Malaysian law, all Sdn Bhd companies must appoint a licensed secretary.

Q2: What’s included in corporate secretarial services?
 Company incorporation, annual return filings, board resolutions, SSM updates, share management and advisory.