Guidelines for Naming a Company in Malaysia
Choosing the right name for your company is extremely important because it represents your brand identity and plays a major role in shaping your company's image. When starting a business in Malaysia, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines and regulations to ensure that your company name is both successful and compliant with the law. This article aims to offer comprehensive guidelines for naming a company in Malaysia, considering cultural sensitivities and legal requirements. The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) has issued a guideline on how to choose your company name in Malaysia.
Here’s some tips from us to you.

1. Do not use name of an existing company.

The name search application will be assessed and subjected to approval by the registrar (SSM). If your preferred company name is the name of an existing company, without a written consent letter from existing company, your preferred company name is highly likely to be rejected.
 

2. Do not use name gazetted names.

Under the direction of the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs or the Registrar of Companies (SSM). The Minister has gazetted the usage of these names suggesting being in connections with the following parties:

1. Connections a member of the Royal family
2. Connections with a State or Federal government department or authority
3. Connections with any Asean, Commonwealth, Foreign government, United Nations, or any other international organisation
4. Connections with any political related parties or societies
5. Blasphemous , cultural insensitive or likely to be offensive to the members of the public

 

3. Avoid using identical name of an existing company.

 
Avoid naming your company name that is identical or similar to an existing company. This might mislead the general public with its similar identity, nature, objects or purposes of a company or in any other manner.
Possible rejection of your company name by the registrar (SSM) if it is as follows:

• “The”, where it is the first word of the name  
• Plural version of company name.
• Words that represent similar meaning of company name.
• Direct translation of company name.

 

4. Must not contain words that have the same meaning as the word “Company”.

Each private limited company will end with the term Sdn Bhd, in which, it is the literal translation of Company. Words that have the same meaning as follows:

• Sendirian / Sdn / Berhad / Bhd
• Corporation / Co / Company / and Company
• Incorporated / Incorporation

 
 
 
 
 

5. Company name could be named in English, Bahasa or foreign languages.

The usage of languages other than English is allowed for naming a company name. Shall the company name consist of foreign languages, must provide the registrar with clear explanation and meaning of word choices that is relatable to your business.
 

6. Company name could contain certain symbols. 

The inclusion of certain symbols is allowed in a company name as long as it is grammatically correct. The following symbols are allowed to be included in company names:

• “&” (include “dan”, “and” and “N”)
• “.” (“dot” symbol)
• “-“ (“hyphen” symbol) Note: This symbol is allowed only for double words or common words that use hyphen.
• “( )” (bracket symbol)
• “ ‘ “ (“apostrophe” symbol)

 

7. Company name must not contain acronym that associates with an existing party.

The usage of acronym is allowed in company names if clear explanation and meaning of word choices are relatable to your business. Do avoid using acronym that are associated with Names of the tertiary education institutions and Names of federals or statement government agencies to avoid confusion and rejection by the Registrar (SSM).