Registering a New Company? Make Sure Your Company Name Meets SSM’s Requirements

When registering a new company, one of the first things business owners usually spend time on is choosing a company name.

But having a name you like does not necessarily mean SSM will approve it.

On 30 October 2026, SSM issued an updated version of its *Guidelines on Company Names*, which explains the requirements that company names must meet.

For example, mixing Malay and English words is allowed, but the wording must be grammatically correct. "Maju Construction Sdn. Bhd." is acceptable, while "Construction Maju Sdn. Bhd." is not.

There are also certain words that are subject to restrictions, such as "Investment", "Credit" and "Trust". These words are covered by the Minister's Directive, so applicants cannot simply use them without considering the relevant requirements.

If there is a valid reason to use a restricted word, the applicant may submit a formal appeal to the Minister. The appeal fee is RM300. However, approval is not automatic.

Words such as "Tax", "Accounting" and "Auditor" also require special attention. These are among the words referred to the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). Depending on the application, supporting documents from the relevant professional authority may be required.

So, why is it important to check the company name before submitting the application?

Some business owners may think that once SSM has approved a company name, the matter is settled. However, that is not necessarily the case.

Under Section 29(1) of the Companies Act 2016, the Registrar has the power to instruct a company to change its name if there are reasonable grounds to believe that the name should not have been registered in the first place.

For example, the name may be identical to an existing company or business, or it may give the public a misleading impression about the company's identity, business activities or purpose.

What happens if SSM asks the company to change its name?

If the company receives a Notice of Instruction to Change Name, it will generally have 60 days to comply. The Registrar may allow a longer period.

If the company fails to change its name within the given period, the Registrar may, under Section 29(2), change the company's name to its registration number or another name determined by the Registrar.

In simple terms, a company originally registered as "ABC Sdn. Bhd." could end up having its registration number as its company name.

From a business perspective, changing a company name is not just about updating a record with SSM.

The company may also need to review and update its contracts, bank records, invoices, e-Invoice records, business documents and other relevant records. This takes time, especially when a new name needs to be agreed upon and the changes have to be coordinated across different departments.

My advice is simple. Before submitting your company registration application, take some time to check whether your proposed name meets SSM's requirements.

It is much easier to get the name right at the beginning than to deal with the inconvenience of changing it later.

If you are planning to register a new company, our team can help review the requirements and handle the related company secretarial procedures. Feel free to WhatsApp us at 010-246 2151.