If you’ve recently incorporated (or plan to incorporate) a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia, one of the first questions you’ll have is: how much does a company secretary cost? The honest answer is that prices vary widely — anywhere from RM 600 to RM 3,000+ per year. This guide breaks down the typical company secretary cost in Malaysia for 2026, what’s included, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right cosec for your business.
Why Every Sdn Bhd Needs a Company Secretary
Under the Companies Act 2016, every private limited company (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia is legally required to appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation. The company secretary is responsible for ensuring your company complies with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) requirements, including annual filings, statutory record-keeping, and board resolutions.
Failing to appoint one — or appointing someone unqualified — can result in penalties of up to RM 50,000 and director liability. So this isn’t optional; it’s a legal must-have.
Fixed-Fee vs Per-Service Pricing: Which Is Better?
There are two pricing models in the Malaysian cosec market:
Fixed-fee packages bundle the annual retainer plus the most common transactions (e.g., 2 share transfers, 1 director change) into one predictable price. Best for active SMEs that expect changes during the year.
Per-service pricing charges a low base retainer plus a la carte fees for each transaction. Best for stable, dormant, or holding companies that rarely make changes.
For most growing Malaysian SMEs and startups, a fixed-fee package gives better value and zero billing surprises.
How to Choose the Right Company Secretary
Beyond price, here’s what to evaluate:
- Qualifications: Confirm they’re a licensed practitioner (MAICSA, MACS, MIA, or BAR member). Don’t accept anything less.
- Digital workflow: Can you sign documents electronically? Access your statutory records online? In 2026, paper-based cosec firms are slow and frustrating to work with.
- Share structure expertise: If you plan to raise capital or bring in co-founders, your cosec needs to advise on share structures — not just file paperwork.
- Responsiveness: Test them with a simple question before signing. If they take 3 days to reply, run.
- Transparent pricing: Get the full fee schedule in writing — retainer + transactional rates.
Final Thoughts
The cheapest company secretary is rarely the best value. Look for a firm that combines reasonable fees, a digital-first workflow, and genuine advisory on share structure — not just paperwork-pushing. Ask for the full fee schedule upfront so you know exactly what you’ll pay over the year.
At INCOM Corporate Services, we offer transparent, fixed-fee packages designed for modern Malaysian SMEs and startups. View our company secretary pricing or book a free consultation to discuss what’s right for your business.