Registering a company in Malaysia

I finally registered my company two days ago!

I was quite clueless on how to go about it so I went with Mumsy. We reached The Mall and I was looking at the directory to see where to go when this guy approached us and offered his help to register the company for us for a sum of RM150. That's double the fee to start up your own company! Which is, by the way, RM70.

All I can say is, DON'T FALL FOR THEIR RUSE! Registering your own company is so easy... not quick, but easy... and those guys who tout their services aren't actually doing anything for you except filling up your forms because they can't line up and wait for you (it's illegal).

Handy tip: Don't hang out in front of a mall directory or McDonald's because they also hang out there. You don't want them hassling you telling you that it only takes one hour blablablablablabla. The registrar (SSM) by the way is on the 2nd floor above McDonald's.

In the interests of the public, I'm listing the steps to register a sole proprietorship (and keeping your money safe in your purse!):

1. Get a form to register for a company name and fill it up. It's free. End your company name with the type of work it does eg. Design, Plumbing, Concept etc to save you the hassle of going back and forth when your name is rejected.
   
2. Queue up at the counter in the reception area to get a number. This queue moves fairly quickly.
   
3. Wait for your number to submit your form. You can either wait inside or outside, as they have the numbers displayed all around the office.
   
4. Submit your form and get a number.
   
5. Wait.
   
6. Hopefully, your name is approved. Collect the paper which approves your name and another form to register the business.
   
7. Fill up the form - it's easy and you can do it yourself. Don't bother with those touting jokers.
   
8. Pick up another number from the first counter and wait for your number to be called.
   
9. Wait.
   
10. Submit the form and pay RM70. Receive a receipt with your number.
    
11. Wait. This is the longest wait. We had to wait about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
    
12. Collect your license (3 pieces of paper) and check all details. Et voila, you've got a company!
    

I must commend the women at the counters for being helpful and friendly even though we don't expect them to be. It makes the atmosphere in the waiting room much more relaxed. Kudos to the people responsible for it!