Start Up Business in Malaysia- Matters to Consider

Businesses in Malaysia are required to be carried out by either these two types of business organisations:

• Business firms (governed under Registrar of Business Act 1956)
• Registered companies (governed under Companies Act 1965)

What is the difference between a business firm and a company limited by shares?

		Business firm	Company limited by shares
1.	Legal standing	·         Not separated from individual/ individuals who own the business	·         Legally separated from owners and individuals who run business
2.	Liability	·         Not limited	·         Limited to remaining unpaid amount on the members' shares
3.	Succession	·         Once identity of individual participants change (eg partners die, resign or new partners or sole proprietor dies or become bankrupt) the sole proprietor is dissolved or the partnership is dissolved	·         There is perpetual succession ·         Company continues to exist unless it is liquidated or deregistered ·         Can transfer interest to other parties by executing share transfer forms
4.	Formation	·         Register with Registrar of Business ·         Some partnerships may have partnership agreements ·         Fee: less than RM100	·         Incorporate under the Companies Act 1965 ·         Lodge statutory forms and memorandum of association and articles of association with the Companies Commission of Malaysia ("CCM") otherwise known as Suruhanjaya Malaysia ·         Fee: RM2,600-2,800 or more
5.	Owner	·         1 for sole proprietor ·         2 to 20 max for partnership	·         2 to 50 max (no limit for PLCs)
6.	Ownership of properties	·         Jointly owned by the individual/ individuals who owns business	·         Owned by the company not the shareholders
7.	Management	·         Managed by individual/ individuals who owns business. ·         All partners are entitled to participate in management of partnership	·         Managed by the Board of Directors. Every company must have at least 2 directors who are principally residing in Malaysia. Directors may or may not be a shareholder of the company. ·         There must be at least 1 company secretary.
8.	Annual returns	·         Not required to submit any report to the Registrar of Business	·         Lodge with Companies Commission of Malaysia returns ·         Lodge annually an Annual Return and audited accounts
9.	Taxation	·         Profits made are added to the individual/ individuals personal income and are individually liable for the profit under personal income tax.	·         Company is subject to income tax at the rate applicable. ·         The corporate tax rate is currently 27%. It will be revised to 26% for the year of assessment 2008 and 25% for the year of assessment 2009 onwards.

(Source: Start Up Business in Malaysia- Matters to Consider )

Step-By-Step to Register a Business

Registreing a business (ROB) is a complete different ball game from registering a company (ROC). Here on ROB is explained in detail - because that is my utmost priority at the moment. 

Registering Online via eLodgement on SSM (Companies Commission of Malaysia)

1. Click on the link above or go to http://www.ssm.com.my/en/services_eLodgement.php - it will take you to a welcome page for the Official Portal of the Companies Commission of Malaysia
2. Click on e-Lodgement SSM - next click on PSP User Registration
3. 
   
   At the sign up page, you may choose INDIVIDUAL if you are entitled as CITIZEN, PERMANENT RESIDENT or as NON CITIZEN.Or you may choose BUSINESS if you presented as business or company to liase with government agencies.Please ensure that you have a valid email address for this registration process.
   
   
   Note: For SSM Registration, I registered as INDIVIDUAL User.
4. Fill in your details on the Update Profile page and click Next
5. If all details are entered correctly, you will see the following landing page.
   
   
6. Click Continue - and check your email.  A confirmation email will be send once your verification of Identification Card and Name with JPN is completed. An activation link (validity 30 days) will be provided. Click on the link to activate your account.

Little dreams - Huge reality

I had a very strong desire to learn an instrument for 5 years...I search online for guitar classes and have always tried very hard to get my hands on a guitar. It was really upsetting when my fingers could not reach over and hold most of the strings... hence I resorted to admiring those who could play the instrument.

Last Saturday, although the plan for the day was super packed, it was a pleasant surprise for me when my Knight took me to a store in Petaling Jaya and presented me a gift... my very own first guitar. Surprised beyong belief at first, I decided that I wanted it to be unique and different, in which, this gift will never be the same with any other gift, so picked out a blue guitar. The electric blue blended into navy blue with a finishing of black made it really gorgeous. I could have opted for a sunburst colour, but for me, it was a common colour, most girls will go for. This guitar was perfect!!

It was really a happy moment for me...my first guitar...my very own one ... small things that matter!!!

Wish to be Strong

Being strong is not as easy as one thinks. When you are hit once, you can stand up and keep on moving. Taking a repeated blow make one weak, ...weaker then before. The most important thing is that once a chance is given, it should not be misused or abused.

Everyone in my family taught me a very important lesson - they forgave all my stupid mistakes in the past and by doing that, I am a better person today. With everyone's support, directly or indirectly,  I managed to recollect myself from where I was and continue to progress in life. Today, I am proud to say, yes, I have done every mistake in the book of sins, but yet, I have repented and I am definitely not going back down that alley.

Another chance... to change and to be a better person. I want to be with you and give you a chance to prove to everyone that a mistake will never occur again. Can you promise my family and me that? Give them your word, and I will be yours forever... small things that matter!!!

It's Not Always about Receiving

The night before was hectic.Grocery shopping took some time, as I had to make sure I managed to get everything I needed to make the next day a memorable one. It was an important day, as this was the first birthday we would be celebrating Sathia's birthday as a couple. After fetching Sri, future my sister-n-law, we were off to Giant, our local hypermarket. We bought everything on my grocery list, and headed back to her house. I had to drop her off before rushing for double-shift job ...babysitting my nephew.

We arrived at her home, and as I was about to leave, she told me of her intentions to tag along. I realised that she felt bored at home, and immediately agreed. After all, she was good company =D ... 

Time was ticking... 11.10pm... I glanced out to the porch. My sister was yet to appear. Her son is an absolute angel to babysit. Time was flying, it made me jittery. I had to get Sri back home before midnight and wanted to wish Sathia at midnight in person. 11.33pm... a car wheeled in and my sister and brother-in-law stepped out of the car. 

I managed to get to Sathia's home on time. 12 midnight, I stood at his gate, looked him in the eye and managed an out-of-breath-smile... "Happy Birthday sweetheart!!!" - and this was the beginning of his 32nd birthday. After a quick meal at his place, I rushed home. The day had just begun.

I woke up after barely closing my eyes on my pillow... the cold air in my room tempted me to roll over and sleep longer. But I had to get cooking... The plan for his birthday:

Activity:	Lunch treat for 40 disabled children
Venue:	Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak Kanak Cacat Klang (PPKKCK)
Time:	12.30pm till 2.30pm
Menu:	vegetarian briyani	stir-fried mixed vegetables
	chicken kurma curry	spicy cucumber raita
People:	Sathia (Birthday boy)	Shanti (aunty)
	Thillai Mohanadas	Gandi (aunty)
	Vinothakumaran (brother)	Kanagasingam (cousin)

With the help of his aunties (Shanti and Gandi), we managed to get the food prepared. They volunteered to cook 2 dishes and I agreed to cook 2 dishes. Everything was set, and once the food was loaded into the cars along with the donations, we were soon on our way to the children's home.

The children gave us a warm welcome upon our arrival, most of them offered help to unload the car. But it was clear that they were hungry. Food was served by Sathia for all 40 kids. It was overwhelming for a few of us, but it was also an eye opening moment to see more reasons on why we should be grateful with what God has given us.

Shafiq

Through the opening of a grill at the sliding door, a little girl peaked out. I tried to look at her, but noticed that a care taker was carrying her. This baby girl really made me tearful. I found out later on that her condition could have been avoided if her mother had done screening tests that can detect structural abnormalities, such as spina bifida, which is a defect in the development of the spine, or some chromosomal disorders, such as Down's syndrome. Although no test can guarantee that a baby will be born without an abnormality, screening tests can:

• reassure the parents that their baby is likely to be born healthy
• give the parents time to prepare for the arrival of their baby with special needs
• allow the parents to consider the termination of an affected pregnancy
• provide valuable information for the mother's care during pregnancy

Ah Hong, feeding Sathia cake

We met and spoke to the children after lunch. Cake cutting ceremony was a slight tug-of-war between the birthday boy and one of the kids, Shafiq. The struggle was hilarious and made us all laugh uncontrollably... Sathia managed to share the warmth of his birthday with the children and when Ah Hong fed Sathia cake volunteerily, we all smiled. 


This was my gift to him... the opportunity to share his love and time with these needy children who yearn for attention. Beyond the joyful time we had at the home, we all left with the cloud of sadness... small things that matter!!!

My Puppy, I once called Ricky

Its been 2 years now, since Ricky passed away. I weep for his demise now, that I found out just recently from my ex-student that he had passed away. He would have been 7 years (41 dog years) then.

I remember the first day I set my eyes on him, the fluffy little puppy. I reached the breeder's home in USJ Subang at night, after work. It was an anxious drive to the breeder's den. She told me over the phone that the puppies were too young, but I could dropby to hand pick the one I wanted. I wasn't sure if any of the puppies would bond with me immediately or will I pick the wrong one. It was definitely either a beagle or a shih tzu, but I eventually decided on a shih tzu.

I reached her home at around 8pm, only to notice that the surrounding area was quite dark. I heard a frenzy  of activity from beyond the gates, and I knew these bunch of puppies were definitely pumped with energy. Upon reaching the puppies, one little puppy looked up at me, gave me the cheekiest look and started circling around, trying to catch his tail. He stopped when I turned to speak to the breeder, and the moment I looked at him again, he repeated his circling... I knew just then, that he bonded with me. I picked him up, with the breeder's permission, cuddled him and told the breeder, "Ricky, this is my Ricky". 

I still have him in my memory, and I love him very much... I will get another just like my Ricky, one day in future ... small things that matter!