Choosing between an outsourced and in-house company secretary Kuala Lumpur depends on your business needs, costs and workload. In Malaysia, every company must have at least one qualified company secretary under the Companies Act 2016, who must be appointed within 30 days of incorporation. So, which option is right for your business? Let’s compare both.
What Does a Company Secretary Do?
A company secretary helps businesses manage statutory and corporate compliance. Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining statutory records
- Preparing and filing required documents
- Handling changes to directors and shareholders
- Preparing resolutions and meeting documents
- Managing annual compliance requirements
- Advising on corporate and statutory matters
Understanding Outsourced Company Secretary
An outsourced company secretary is an external professional or firm hired to handle statutory compliance and corporate administration. Businesses pay for the services they need without employing a full-time secretary. This option is often suitable for startups, SMEs and companies with straightforward compliance needs.
Understanding In-House Company Secretary
An in-house company secretary is a full-time employee who manages the company’s statutory compliance and corporate administration. This option may suit larger businesses with frequent corporate activities, meetings and compliance needs.
Company Secretary Kuala Lumpur: Outsourced vs In-House
The main differences between outsourced and in-house company secretary Kuala Lumpur are cost, expertise, flexibility and workload.
Outsourced company secretary:
- Lower employment and administrative costs
- Access to professional expertise
- Flexible services based on business needs
- Reduces the workload of internal teams
- Suitable for startups and SMEs
In-house company secretary:
- Direct and immediate access
- Familiar with the company’s internal processes
- Handles day-to-day corporate matters
- Suitable for larger companies with high compliance workloads
- Higher costs due to salary and employee benefits
Company Secretary Kuala Lumpur Price Range
Company secretarial fees vary based on the company’s structure, required services, and level of support. Basic outsourced services typically cost around RM800–RM2,500+ per year. Additional fees may apply for:
- Company incorporation
- Resolutions and corporate documents
- Changes to directors or shareholders
- Share transfers or allotments
- Changes to company details
- Registered office services
In-house secretaries usually cost more due to salary, benefits, recruitment and training. When comparing prices, consider the services included and level of professional support.
Outsourced vs In-House Company Secretary: Which Is Better?
The right option depends on your company’s size, workload and compliance needs.
Outsourcing may suit:
- Startups and SMEs
- Businesses with straightforward compliance needs
- Companies looking to control costs
- Businesses that need professional support without a full-time employee
In-house may suit:
- Larger companies with complex structures
- Businesses with frequent corporate activities
- Companies requiring daily internal support
For many SMEs, outsourcing offers a practical balance between cost and professional support.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What happens if a company does not have a company secretary?
A: A company that fails to meet its statutory requirements may face compliance issues and potential penalties. Keeping a qualified company secretary helps ensure important obligations are handled on time.
Q: Can I change my company secretary in Malaysia?
A: Yes. A company can appoint a new company secretary when needed. The necessary changes must be properly recorded and filed with the relevant authorities.
Q: How long does it take to change a company secretary?
A: The timeframe depends on the company’s documents and the required filings. A professional company secretarial firm can usually manage the process on the company’s behalf.
Q: What documents does a company secretary keep?
A: Company secretarial records may include statutory registers, resolutions, meeting minutes, notices and other corporate documents required under Malaysian company law.
Q: Can a company secretary help with a change of company directors?
A: Yes. A company secretary can assist with preparing the necessary documents, resolutions and statutory filings for changes involving company directors.
Why Hire Jin Advisory as Your Company Secretary?
Jin Advisory is a professional company secretarial firm in Kuala Lumpur, offering reliable support for statutory and corporate compliance.
Our services include:
- Company secretarial services
- Company registration
- Registered office services
- Corporate compliance support
- Professional guidance on statutory requirements
Based in Phileo Damansara 1, our team helps businesses manage compliance efficiently, allowing them to focus on daily operations.
The choice between an outsourced and in-house company secretary Kuala Lumpur depends largely on your company’s size, workload and compliance requirements. For startups and SMEs, outsourcing can provide access to professional expertise while keeping employment and administrative costs under control. Meanwhile, larger companies with high volumes of corporate work may find an in-house company secretary more suitable.
Whether you are incorporating a new company or looking for ongoing company secretarial support, Jin Advisory can help. Our team provides company registration, company secretarial services and registered office solutions to help businesses manage their statutory requirements more efficiently. Contact Jin Advisory today to discuss your company secretarial needs in Kuala Lumpur.