malaysia
Transcription
malaysia
M A L AY S I A Guidebook on Business and Professional Services Malaysian Industrial Development Authority www.mida.gov.my Stockholm London Vancouver Paris Chicago Boston New York Amsterdam Cologne Frankfurt Vienna Zurich Milan Rome Istanbul Beijing San Jose Seoul Tokyo Osaka Los Angeles Shanghai Cairo New Delhi Karachi Taipei Hongkong Vientiane Yangon Manila Phnom Bangkok Penh H.C. Minh City MALAYSIA Kuala Lumpur Singapore B.S.Begawan Jakarta Sydney Cape Town Buenos Aires Auckland PERLIS KEDAH PENANG FACTS ON MALAYSIA KELANTAN M PERAK A L A Y S I A SABAH TERENGGANU TOTAL AREA 330,000 square kilometres (127,000 square miles) MAJOR RELIGIONS Islam, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism POLITICAL STRUCTURE A federation of 13 states TIME GMT + 8 hours US Eastern Standard Time + 13 hours PAHANG SELANGOR Kuala Lumpur NEGERI SEMBILAN SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT Parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch FEDERAL CAPITAL Kuala Lumpur ADMINISTRATIVE CENTRE Putrajaya POPULATION 26 million MAJOR ETHNIC GROUPS Malays, Chinese, Indians, Kadazans, Ibans MAJOR LANGUAGES Malay (official language), English, Mandarin, Tamil CLIMATE Tropical - warm and sunny throughout the year. Daily temperatures range from 33oC (90oF) in the afternoon to 22oC (70oF) during the night. MALACCA SARAWAK JOHORE THE LOCATION Malaysia lies just above the equator, right in the heart of CURRENCY Ringgit Malaysia (RM) South-East Asia. Peninsular Malaysia, with 11 states, is at the southernmost tip of the Asian Continent, while the states of EXCHANGE RATE The Ringgit was pegged at US$1 to RM3.80 on 2 September 1998 by Malaysia's central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia. However, on 21 July 2005, the Ringgit was unpegged from the US$ and switched to a managedfloat system against a basket of key foreign currencies. Sabah and Sarawak are located on the northern and western coasts of the island of Borneo. • Location of MIDA’s offices February 2006 Disclaimer No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form by any means, including electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). MIDA has made every effort to ensure that all information is up-todate and correct at the time of printing. We cannot take any responsibility for any incorrect information or omission published in this guidebook. For latest updates, please visit MIDA’s website www.mida.gov.my © MIDA - All rights reserved. The Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) spearheads the development of industrial activities to further enhance Malaysia’s economic growth. As an agency under MITI, the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) is in charge of the promotion and coordination of industrial development in the country. MIDA is the first point of contact for investors who intend to set up projects in the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. With its headquarters in Malaysia’s capital city of Kuala Lumpur, MIDA has established a global network of 16 overseas offices covering North America, Europe and the Asia Pacific to assist investors interested in establishing manufacturing projects and services activities in Malaysia. Within Malaysia, MIDA has 10 branch offices in the various states to facilitate investors in the implementation and operation of their projects. If you wish to investigate investment opportunities in Malaysia, please contact MIDA for more information as well as assistance in your decisionmaking (please see the last page of contact details of MIDA’s headquarters and state and overseas offices.) Contents 1 INTRODUCTION 2 2 LEGAL SERVICES 6 3 ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND TAXATION SERVICES 22 4 ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES 48 5 SURVEYING CONSULTANCY SERVICES 68 6 MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES 94 7 ENERGY CONSULTANCY SERVICES 118 8 MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES 142 9 MARKET RESEARCH SERVICES 162 10 ADVERTISING 178 APPENDICES: 196 A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Methods of Conducting Business in Malaysia Taxation Immigration Procedures Manpower for Industry Banking, Finance and Exchange Administration Intellectual Property Protection Environmental Protection General Agreement on Trade in Services USEFUL ADDRESSES 196 204 211 220 229 245 248 254 258 Section 1 Introduction 1.1 Types of Services Covered • • 1.2 Accredited Professional Services Non-Accredited Professional Services Accredited Professional and Business Services: Capitalising on the Prospects in Business Process Outsourcing 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Types of Services Covered This Guidebook covers selected accredited professional services and business services (BPS). It is intended to assist and facilitate investors in understanding the rules and regulations with respect to setting up a practice or business in Malaysia. Clear guidelines are important in the process of setting up a business and they are also integral to the business environment since transparency in rules is valued by investors. Selected services covered are outlined below. Accredited Professional Services Accredited professional services comprise the following: 2 • Legal services include advice and representation in civil, criminal and other cases. Also included are activities in connection with patents and copyrights, the preparation of deeds, wills, trusts, etc., and activities of notary public, arbitrators, examiners and referees. • Accounting, auditing and taxation services cover activities involving the recording of commercial transactions for business or others, the preparation of financial accounts, the examination of these accounts and the certification of their accuracy and the preparation of personal and business income tax returns. Included are related advisory activities and representation (other than legal representation) on behalf of clients before tax authorities. • Architectural services provide consulting for building design and drafting and supervision of construction, town and city planning and landscape architecture. • Surveying services refer to geological and prospecting activities utilising surface measurements and observation designed to yield information on subsurface structure and the location of petroleum, natural gas and mineral deposits and of ground water. This may involve airborne geophysical surveys, hydrological surveys, and etc. Also included are map making and related land surveying activities. • Medical and healthcare services include the consultation and treatment activities of general physicians and medical specialists in general medicine, dentistry and pharmacy. Medical services provided by the nurses and midwives are within the purview of health care services. • Energy consultancy services refer to the advisory and consultative engineering services in the energy sector. It includes the provision of assistance, advisory and recommendation services concerning engineering matters; and the undertakings of preparatory technical feasibility studies and project impact studies in the energy sector. Introduction Non-Accredited Professional Services Non-accredited professional services comprise the following: • Management consultancy services cover the provision of advice, guidance or operational assistance to businesses. • Market research services include the investigation services designed to secure information on the prospects and performance of an organisation's products in the market. • Advertising services refer to services provided by advertising agencies which include creating and placing advertisement in periodicals, newspapers, radio, television and outdoor advertising; media representation, aerial advertising, distribution or delivery of advertising materials or samples, and renting of spaces for advertisement. 1.2 Accredited Professional and Business Services: Capitalising on the Growth and Prospects in Business Process Outsourcing The selected services covered in this guidebook are services that could benefit from the phenomenal growth in business process outsourcing (BPO) that is causing a paradigm shift in the way business activities are being organised. Malaysia, ranked the third most attractive destination for outsourcing activities by A. T. Kearney is in a position to benefit from the huge global market estimated at US$500 billion by 2008. Service functions that can be offshored or outsourced are found in all sectors of an economy and hence the potential of BPO that transcends industries and geographical boundaries. From the initiail advantage of cost savings, companies are now adopting BPO as a strategic move that allows for the exploitation of technological expertise that would otherwise be unavailable. BPO is also a strategic orientation that enables companies to take advantage of human capital available offshore. In addition, the new trend in BPO is to move towards a partnership with outsource business partners to drive enterprise transformation for competitive advantage. Many of the services covered in this guidebook are activities regarded as back office operations (e.g. accounting, book-keeping, auditing and taxation) or essential activities (e.g. legal services) which should seize the opportunity in the BPO market. As corporations have evolved, back office operations have also become complex with highly customised applications and processes supported by infrastructures. The main value-added in this strategic move is to gain efficiency improvements besides the cost-saving that initially motivated companies to outsource back office operations. Malaysian service providers as third party service providers for such activities could differentiate their services by building in efficiency improvements in order to win in the competitive market of BPO. Activities such as market research and consultancy are services that provide value-added that could be leveraged to provide competitive advantage to companies. Malaysian service providers must be able to find niches that they excelled as India and China (ranked first and second respectively, by A. T. Kearney) remained strong while other countries such as Singapore, Canada, Ireland and the Philippines are strong competitors to Malaysia as service providers in BPO. In short, the growth prospect of BPO is phenomenal but the competition has also become increasingly more intense. Introduction 3 Section 2 Legal Services 2.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • 2.2 Equity Policy • 2.3 • • • • Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentives • • 2.6 Expatriate Posts Specific to Legal Services Financial Assistance • 2.5 General Agreements on Trade in Services (GATS) and ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Specific Immigration Procedures • 2.4 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia/ Sabah Law Association/Advocates’ Association of Sarawak Registration with the Bar Council of Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Service Tax Licence Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 2 LEGAL SERVICES Legal services (classified under code 74110 of the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) include advice and representation in civil, criminal and other cases, i.e. representation of one party’s interest against another party, whether or not before courts or other judicial bodies. These activities are generally performed by, or under supervision of, persons who are members of the bar. Also included are activities in connection with patents and copyrights, with the preparation of deeds, wills, trusts, etc., and activities of notary public, arbitrators, examiners and referees. However, it excludes law court activities which are classified in item 75235: Judiciary and legal service. 2.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia/Sabah Law Association/Advocates’ Association of Sarawak Legal firms are not corporate entities and are not required to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM). Registration with the Bar Council of Malaysia The Bar Council of Malaysia is the body that regulates the provision of legal services in Peninsular Malaysia. The provision of legal services in the State of Sabah is regulated by the Advocates Ordinance of Sabah while the provision of legal services in the Sate of Sarawak is regulated by the Advocates Ordinance of Sarawak. An advocate and solicitor can practice either on his own account as a sole proprietor, or in partnership, or employed as a legal assistant. The requirements for setting up a legal practice in Peninsular Malaysia are as follows: Types of Establishment Sole Proprietorship and Partnership 6 Legal Services Requirements • The advocate and solicitor must practice under an approved firm name • The advocate(s) and solicitor(s) must write to the Bar Council seeking approval to set up a firm with the proposed name of the firm, date of commencement, address, telephone and fax numbers.The letter shall be signed by the sole proprietor/partners. • The proposed firm name shall be in accordance with Section 85 of the Legal Profession Act, 1976 • Once the firm name is approved, the firm shall obtain the mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance cover Types of Establishment Setting up a branch office Merger Requirements • In setting up a branch office, the firm must comply with Rule 59 of the Legal Profession (Practice and Etiquette) Rules, 1978 • The firm must write to the Bar Council with the details of the branch that they propose to set up with the name of the resident lawyer and an undertaking to comply with Rule 59 of the Practice and Etiquette Rules. The letter shall be signed by all the partners/sole proprietor of the firm • The Bar Council must be notified of a merger. The letter informing the Bar Council shall be signed by all the partners/sole proprietors of the firms that are merging To set up a practice in the legal service, it is a pre-requisite that one is required to possess the Annual Certificate from the Bar Council of Malaysia and Practising Certificate from the High Court of Malaya.The Annual Certificate and the Practising Certificate expires on 31st December of each year and must be renewed before 31st December. Applications for renewal are normally made in the month of September of the preceding year. Professional Indemnity Insurance Once the firm name is approved, the new firm shall obtain the mandatory Professional Indemnity Insurance cover. Under the Legal Profession (Professional Liability) (Insurance) Rules, 1992, it is an obligation of each and every advocate and solicitor to be insured under the Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII) Master Policy, taken out by the Bar Council in the name of the Malaysian Bar. The purpose of the cover is to provide indemnity against such classes of professional liability stipulated under the Master Policy and Certificate of Insurance (COI). The current PII Policy is a claims-made Policy and the terms of the Policy and COI are reviewed by the Bar Council annually to ensure efficiency and equitability. Possession of PII cover is a pre-requisite to the issuance of the Annual Certificate. Under the terms of the Master Policy 2006, each firm is required to obtain a mandatory cover of RM250,000. This mandatory cover has not increased since the inception of the PII Scheme in 1992. Where necessary, according to the nature and quantum of work undertaken, the firm may purchase top-up insurance coverage from either the insurers under the Master Policy or any other insurers. In the event a new firm is established or merged, a fresh cover must be obtained under the new firm name. Likewise, when a firm is closed, the insurance cover will be cancelled, with appropriate refunds of premium, where applicable. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any legal services firms wishing to tender for government contracts shall register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under code 241400 for Legal Services. Legal Services 7 (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF (of general applicability): (i) Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active bank current account. (v) The field of expertise submitted for registration with the MOF must be consistent with the practising licence issued by the respective Professional Boards. (vi) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV/work experience. (vii) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. (viii) For professions whose ethics of service are governed by the Professional Boards, the shareholders or partners of partnerships need to be registered with their respective Professional Boards. The field of expertise to be registered with the MOF will be the expertise approved by the Professional Boards. (ix) The consulting firm is also required to forward permits/approvals from the respective Professional Boards in compliance with the provisions of the Act that governs the respective Professional Boards. (x) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm and the respective Professional Boards. (ii) There are two (2) classes of registration: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot be more than 30% and Bumiputera shares cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my 8 Legal Services Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide legal services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of legal services in connection with business organisation situated outside Malaysia is also exempted from service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 2.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, a legal firm registered with the Bar Council of Malaysia is required to maintain a 100% Malaysian equity ownership. Foreign legal services suppliers are not allowed to practise in Malaysia except the Federal Territory of Labuan and then only with respect to certain areas of law. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) and ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Under the Schedule of Specific Commitments of General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), there is no limitation with regards to cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2) for foreign firms. For commercial presence (mode 3), foreign legal practice can operate only through a corporation incorporated in the Federal Territory of Labuan. For the supply of services through the movement of natural persons (mode 4), it is not open except as indicated in the horizontal section, GATS. 2.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Foreign legal services suppliers are only allowed to practise in the Federal Territory of Labuan, Malaysia. Legal firms providing legal services in Federal Territory of Labuan may employ expatriates. The legal firm must submit its application for Employment Pass to the Immigration Department. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the legal firm in Federal Territory of Labuan must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, legal firm in Federal Territory of Labuan should forward their application for Employment Pass to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Legal Services 9 Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with an employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Expatriate Posts Specific to Legal Services Except for practice in the Federal Territory of Labuan, expatriates are not allowed to practise in Malaysia as one of the requirements for admission as an advocate and solicitor in Malaysia is that one must be either a Federal citizen or a permanent resident of Malaysia. 2.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient SMEs. Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channeled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs: (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. 10 Legal Services (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. Application should be submitted to SMIDEC. Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. Legal Services 11 (ii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to MIDF. Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: 12 (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant Legal Services (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application should be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of BPG is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 Legal Services 13 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. 14 Legal Services Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, ICT, and legal services. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act, 1965 or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Agreement by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders Application should be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. 2.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to professional services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives shall be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 2.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Effective from Year of Assessment 2003, this incentive is extended to legal services registered as partnership or sole proprietorship under the Registrar of Business (ROB). Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in legal services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. Legal Services 15 2.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration • Annual Certificate Malaysian Bar Council No. 13, 15, & 17, Leboh Pasar Besar 50050 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2031 3003 Fax : (603) 2026 1313 Website: www.malaysianbar.gov.my Email : [email protected] - • Practising Certificate High Court of Malaya Palace of Justice Precint 3 60506 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 3500 Website : www.kehakiman.gov.my - • Sole Proprietorship Bar Council of Malaysia - Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2 Federal Goverment Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website : www.eperolehan.com.my Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com .my • Partnership • Setting up a Branch Office • Merger • Government Procurement • Signboard Licence 16 Legal Services State Local Authority Prescribed Form Application • Service Tax Licence Where to Apply Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form(s) Form JKED 1 Equity Policy Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my - • Expatriate Post Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Specific Immigration Procedures Form DP 8 Legal Services 17 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) ITAF 1 Form • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption • Soft Loan for SMEs 18 Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] Legal Services Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] MIDF Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form Application Where to Apply Form(s) • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website : www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P (3 Copies) • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 • Market Development Grant MATRADE Form MDG 1/05 Tax Incentives • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Service • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] IRB Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Legal Services 19 Section 3 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 3.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • • • 3.2 Equity Policy • • • 3.3 • • • • Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentives • • 3.6 Expatriate Posts Specific to Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Financial Assistance • 3.5 Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Specific Immigration Procedures • 3.4 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants Setting Up A Practice In Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 3 ACCOUNTING, AUDITING AND TAXATION SERVICES Accounting, book-keeping, auditing and tax consultancy services (classified under code 74120 of the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) include activities involving the recording of commercial transactions for business or others, the preparation of financial accounts, the examination of these accounts and the certification of their accuracy and the preparation of personal and business income tax returns. Included are related advisory activities and representation (other than legal representation) on behalf of clients before tax authorities. However, accounting and auditing services exclude the following: (a) Data processing and tabulation activities which are classified in item 72300: Data processing services. (b) Activities involving management consultancy, by units that do not provide accounting or auditing which are classified in item 74142: General management consultancy services. (c) Bill collection which is classified in item 74999: Other business activities. 3.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of an accounting, auditing and tax consultancy practice requires the intended professional to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. Registration with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) is the body that regulates the practice of accounting and auditing in Malaysia. According to the MIA (Membership and Council) Rules, 2001 which was approved on 7 November 2001, a member shall not hold himself out as a member in public practice unless he holds a valid practising certificate issued by the Institute. As a signatory to the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Malaysia allows foreign professionals to practise in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. For commercial presence (mode 3), a foreign supplier of accounting and auditing is allowed to practice only through a locally registered partnership with Malaysian accountants or Malaysian accounting firms. The same rule applies to foreign supplier of taxation services. Under ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), the same set of rule applies. 22 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services For the purpose of registration with the MIA, qualifying examination for foreign professionals who intend to hold himself as a member in public practice in order to determine the competence and ability to supply the service will be conducted by MIA. The examination will be conducted in the English language. The requirements and conditions for the certificate and licences to practise are as follows: Practising Certificate for Chartered Accountant Requirements Conditions • At least three (3) years experience in the service of: • Member must commence public practice within six months from the date of issuance of the practising certificate and practise on a full time basis (i) a chartered accountant who is in public practice; (ii) an accountant practising public certificate outside Malaysia who is a member of one of the recognised bodies specified in Part II of the First Schedule of the Act; and (iii) an accountant in public practice overseas who is a member of any other professional bodies as may be recognised by the Council from time to time OR • The certificate will be renewed automatically on a year to year basis for a period of twelve months on the 1st of July • The annual fee for practising certificate is RM250 • All practising certificate holders shall enclose documentary evidence of having a valid professional indemnity insurance (PII) for the renewal of practising certificate • At least three (3) years of such other experience in any areas of the public practice services as may be approved by the Council Audit Licence for Auditor Requirements • Must be a Chartered Accountant registered with MIA with a valid Practising Certificate issued; • Have continuous three (3) years of auditing experience post to their membership with MIA; and Conditions • Licence is renewable every 2 years • Application for renewal must be made at least 3 months before the expiry date • Have attended a “Public Practice Programme” organised by MIA (Effective 1 January 2006) Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 23 Liquidator Licence for Liquidator Requirements Conditions • Applicant must be an Audit Licence holder with a valid practising certificate • The person must have obtained the audit licence for at least a year prior to the application • Licence is renewable every 2 years • Application for renewal must be made at least 3 months before the expiry date Tax Licence for Tax Agent Requirements • Member of any accounting body recognised by the Malaysian government as stated in Part II of the First Schedule of the Accountants Act, 1967 (please refer Section 3.6) and with 5 years practical experience in tax with either the public or private sector • An individual with any qualification as stated in Part 1 of the First Schedule of the Accountants Act, 1967 (please refer Section 3.6) and with 5 years practical experience in tax with either the public or private sector • An individual with a higher qualification in business, economics, or any related fields, and has 5 years of practical experience in tax with either the public or private sector • An individual who qualified in the opinion of the Director General of the Inland Revenue Board which is equivalent to the qualifications mentioned above with 10 years practical experience in tax with either the public or private sector • An individual who has passed the Advanced Course examination organised by the Inland Revenue Board with 5 years practical experience in tax with either the public or private sector 24 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Conditions • Licence is renewable every 2 years • Application for renewal must be made at least 4 months before the expiry date Tax Licence for Tax Agent Requirements Conditions • An individual who has passed the Beginner Course examination organised by the Inland Revenue Board, and is holding the position of Examiner and above during the employment with the Inland Revenue Board with 10 years practical experience in tax with either public or private sector • An individual who has passed the Tax Agent Course conducted by the Inland Revenue Board (Skim Latihan Khas) • A member of the Malaysian Institute of Taxation with 5 years of practical experience with either public or private sector • A member of the Malaysian Association of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrator (MAICSA) with 5 years practical experience with either the public or private sector Note: Beginning 1 January 2006, any person who wishes to perform taxation service is required to obtain a tax agent licence. The proposal includes licensed auditors. However, a licensed auditor who has acquired an audit licence prior to 1 January 2006 shall be allowed to continue to be a tax agent. The proposal is effective from 1 January 2006. Application for audit licence, liquidator licence or tax licence will have to be submitted to Bahagian Analisa Cukai, Ministry of Finance. Please refer to Section 3.6 for further details. Setting Up a Practice in Malaysia SETTING UP A FIRM IN MALAYSIA AUDIT FIRM NON-AUDIT FIRM CA + PC + AL (Offers all public practice services) CA + PC (Offers all public practice services except audit & tax) CA: PC: AL: TL: Chartered Accountant Practising Certificate Audit Licence Tax Licence CA + PC + TL (Offers all public practice services except audit) Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 25 The requirements for setting up a practice in Malaysia are as follows: Types of Establishment Requirements Audit Firm Sole proprietor or partners must be Chartered Accountants registered with MIA, with valid practising certificates and valid audit licences Branch Office (of an Audit Firm) Branch office of an audit firm must be managed by a member of MIA Non-Audit Firm Sole proprietor or partners must be Chartered Accountants or Licenced Accountants registered with MIA with valid practising certificates Branch Office (of a Non-Audit Firm) Branch office of a non-audit firm must be managed by a member of MIA Annual Returns All firms registered with MIA are required to update their records with MIA by submitting an annual return on particulars of their firm and branch/branches (where applicable) on a yearly basis. Submission of the annual return to the Institute is MANDATORY, as stated in the By-Law B-2.5 (1)(d) of the Institute’s By-Laws (on Professional Conduct and Ethics). Annual return form will be sent (by MIA) to all member firms on a yearly basis. Professional Indemnity Insurance Every member in public practice shall comply with By-Law B-10 (Professional Indemnity Insurance) of the Institute's By-Laws to ensure that his firm carries and maintains a policy of professional indemnity insurance, purchase policies from local insurance companies, obtain a policy of professional indemnity insurance with a minimum coverage of RM100,000 within three (3) months from the date of commencement of public practice. If a member in public practice carries on his practice under more than one firm, he is required to have separate policies of professional indemnity insurance with a minimum coverage of RM100,000 for himself in each of the firms in which he practises. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any accounting, auditing and taxation services firms intending to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) using the codes specified by MOF. 26 Code Description 240900 Accounting 241000 Auditing 240800 Taxation Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF: (i) Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm must have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contributes to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active bank current account. (v) The field of expertise submitted for registration with MOF must be consistent with the practising licence issued by the respective Professional Boards. (vi) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied, in accordance with the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV/work experience. (vii) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. (viii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable except in the case of Higher Learning Institutions and Financial Institutions. (ix) Shareholder must also be a full time executive Director. (x) For professions whose ethics of service are governed by professional boards, the shareholders or partners of partnerships must register with their respective professional boards. The field of expertise to be registered with the MOF will be the expertise approved by the professional board. (xi) The consulting firm is also required to forward permits/approvals from the respective professional boards in compliance with the provisions of the Act that governs the respective professional boards. (xii) Any firm that applies for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) and the respective professional boards. (ii) Firms that register with MOF can be classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera (Malaysians of indigenous origins) cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be in the same proportion. Applications must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 27 Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fees for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and are dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company is located. Generally, application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of the company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia but excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide accounting, auditing and taxation services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of accounting, auditing, book-keeping, and consultancy services in connection with business organisation situated outside Malaysia is also exempted from service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence shall be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 3.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). 28 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, the FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera’s equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Under the Schedule of Specific Commitments of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), foreign investment in accounting and auditing services can be made only through a locally registered partnership with Malaysian accountants or Malaysian accounting firms and the aggregate foreign interests shall not exceed 30%. For taxation services, foreign investment could also be made only through a locally registered partnership or private limited company with Malaysian authorised tax agents/firms and the aggregate foreign interests in the partnership shall not exceed 30%. ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Under AFAS, foreign investment in accounting and auditing services can be made only through a locally registered partnership with Malaysian accountants or Malaysian accounting firms and the aggregate foreign interests shall not exceed 40%. For taxation services, foreign investment could also be made only through a locally registered partnership or private limited company with Malaysian authorised tax agents/firms and the aggregate foreign interests in the partnership shall not exceed 35%. 3.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Companies providing accounting, auditing and taxation services in Malaysia may employ expatriates. The company must submit its applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. Before applying for the employment pass, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from the Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies shall forward their application for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. In addition to the qualification requirements prescribed under the Accountants Act, 1967, the expatriate must also meet the following residency guidelines as set by the MIA Council:(i) Must be in the country for at least one hundred and eighty two (182) days within one (1) year at the point of application (must be supported by documentary evidence such as passport entry and exit stamps) Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 29 (ii) Must possess a working permit issued by the Malaysian Immigration Department stating the position held and the commencement and expiry date of the permit (iii) Must have a residential address in Malaysia Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the employment pass is issued. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application for employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Expatriate Posts Specific to Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Under GATS, supply of services through mode 4 (the movement of natural persons) is unbound except as specified in the horizontal section. Section 1 (b) of the horizontal section allows two specialists or experts per organisation being persons within the organisation who possess knowledge at an advanced level of continued expertise and who possess proprietary knowledge of the organisation’s new service products and technology, research equipment and techniques or management. Additional specialists or experts may be allowed subject to market test and the training of Malaysians through an acceptable training program in the relevant services sector or subsector. Such persons must be employees of the foreign service supplier and who have been in employment of that foreign service supplier for a period of not less than one year immediately preceding the date of their application for a work permit and he is to serve in at least a similar capacity. Under 2(b) of the horizontal section, the condition that must be met is that professionals being persons who possess necessary academic credentials, professional qualifications, experience and/or expertise must be duly recognised by the professional bodies in Malaysia and registered with the respective professional bodies. Section 2 (c) covers business visitors being persons not based within Malaysia, receiving no remuneration from a source located within Malaysia, who have been employed for at least one year by a foreign service supplier, whose entry and temporary stay is for the purpose of negotiating for the sale of services or entering into agreements to sell services for that service supplier and who will not engage in direct sales to the general public. Entry and stay of natural persons defined in categories specified above shall not exceed a total of five years. Under AFAS, for the supply of services through mode 4, five (5) specialists/experts are allowed for each institution, subject to registration with MIA and having passed the qualifying examination conducted by MIA as well as fulfillment of residency requirements. Entry shall be limited to a maximum period of two years. Auditing services must be authenticated by licenced auditor in Malaysia. For taxation services, two (2) specialists/experts are allowed for each institution, subject to registration as a tax agent under Section 153 of the Income Tax Act, 1967 and fulfillment of residency requirements. Entry shall be limited to a maximum period of two years. Taxation services must be authenticated by an authorised tax agent in Malaysia. 30 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 3.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient SMEs. Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channeled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs: (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 31 Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. Application should be submitted to SMIDEC. Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. (ii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. 32 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Application should be submitted to MIDF. Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is up to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application shall be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 33 Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of BPG is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Company owns the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) 34 Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to a maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services (iii) (iv) Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, ICT and legal services. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act 1965, or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Arrangements by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders Application should be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 35 3.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to professional services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives shall be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 3.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is only given to companies registered with CCM. Effective from the Year of Assessment 2003, the incentive is extended to accounting services (including taxation and management consultancy services) registered as partnership or sole proprietors under Registrar of Business (ROB), CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in accounting and taxation services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. 3.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration • Practising Certificate 36 Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) Dewan Akauntan, No. 2 Jalan Tun Sambathan 3 Brickfileds 50470 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2279 9200 Fax : (603) 2274 1783 Website : www.mia.org.my Email : [email protected] Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Practising Certificate Application Form and payment of annual fee of RM250 made payable to “Malaysian Institute of Accountants” Application • Audit Licence Where to Apply Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia Bahagian Analisa Cukai Tingkat 7, Blok Tengah Kompleks Kementerian Kewangan Presint 2 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 4308 Fax : (603) 8882 3885 Website : www.treasury.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form(s) Form A (7 sets with original signature on all sets) 7 sets of certified true copy of the valid practising certificate Application will be reviewed and applicant will be called for an interview arranged by MOF within 3 to 4 months from the date of a complete application received. Upon passing the interview, the following are to be submitted to MOF: (i) A copy of a letter from CCM on the allocation of audit firm number (ii) A copy of the Form 5 submitted to the CCM with proof of lodgement and (iii) Payment of RM100 payable to “AKAUNTAN NEGARA MALAYSIA” • Liquidator Licence Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia Bahagian Analisa Cukai Tingkat 7, Blok Tengah Kompleks Kementerian Kewangan Presint 2 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 4308 Fax : (603) 8882 3885 Website : www.treasury.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form B (5 sets) Application will be reviewed and applicant will be called for an interview arranged by MOF within 3 to 4 months from the date a complete application is received. Payment of RM50 payable to “AKAUNTAN NEGARA MALAYSIA” Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 37 Application • Tax Licence Where to Apply Ketua Setiausaha Perbendaharaan Kementerian Kewangan Malaysia Bahagian Analisa Cukai Tingkat 7, Blok Tengah Kompleks Kementerian Kewangan Presint 2 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3595 Fax : (603) 8882 3885 Website: www.treasury.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form(s) Form D (3 sets) The application will be processed within 3 months from the date the application is received. Interview session for new application is conducted on a continuous basis by the Inland Revenue Board Payment of RM50 payable to “AKAUNTAN NEGARA MALAYSIA” Audit Firm MIA • Setting up an Audit Firm Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] MIA Form MF - A Form 5 Approval letter by MIA and payment of RM500 made payable to “PENDAFTAR SYARIKAT” Form M1 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) Form MF - A (change of name) • Setting up of a Branch Office 38 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services CCM Form 5 MIA Form 2 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) Application Where to Apply • Registration of Local / Regional / International Affiliation MIA Form(s) Form M1 Form M4 (Registration of Associated Firms) Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) • Closing of Audit Firm MIA Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) Registration of Firm Certificate (issued by MIA) and Practising Certificate (partners who are no longer in practice) to be returned to MIA • Changes in Firm Particulars MIA Form M1 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) • Changes of Audit Firm Name MIA Form MF - A CCM Form 5 and Approval letter from MIA MIA Form M1 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) MIA Form MF – A • Conversion of Audit Firm to Non-Audit Firm Form 3 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) Non-Audit Firm • Setting up a Non-Audit Firm MIA Form MF – A Form M3 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 39 Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Setting up of a Branch Office MIA Form M2 • Registration of Local / Regional / International Affiliation MIA Form M3 and Form M4 (Registration of Associated Firms) • Closing of NonAudit Firm MIA Registration of Firm Certificate and practising certificate of partners who are no longer in practice to be returned to MIA • Changes in Firm Particulars MIA Form M3 • Changes of Non-Audit Firm Name MIA Form MF – A • Conversion of Non-Audit Firm to Audit Firm MIA Form MF - A CCM Form 5 Form M3 Approval letter for the proposed name from MIA Payment of RM500 made payable to “PENDAFTAR SYARIKAT” • Government Procurement 40 MIA Form M1 and Form 5 (with proof of lodgement with CCM) Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2 Federal Goverment Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website: www.eperolehan.com.my Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Application • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence Where to Apply Form(s) State Local Authority Prescribed Form Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precinct 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website: www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1 Block B5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 3333 (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website: www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 - Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 41 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Specific Immigration Procedures • Expatriate Post Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8881 2000 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Or Immigration Department Office Form DP11 Or Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance 42 • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown, Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services Application • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption • Soft Loan for SMEs Where to Apply Form(s) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] Loan Enquiry Form MIDF Loan Enquiry Form • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website : www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P (3 copies) • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 43 Application Where to Apply MATRADE • Market Development Grant Form(s) Form MDG 1/05 Tax Incentives • Double Deduction On Promotion of Export of Services The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports IRB Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Form EX/AIES/2003-1 *PART I OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE ACCOUNTANTS ACT, 1967 - Diploma in Accounting, University of Malaya - Bachelor of Accounting, University of Malaya - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia - Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, MARA Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Accounting, Universiti Teknologi MARA - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Utara Malaysia - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Univeristi Pertanian Malaysia - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Putra Malaysia - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Sains Malaysia - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours) (Information System), Universiti Sains Malaysia (for academic programme that commenced prior to Academic Year 2002/2003) - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Tenaga Nasional (for academic programme that first commenced from Academic Year 2002/2003 and onwards) - Bachelor of Accounting (Honours), Universiti Multimedia (for academic programme that first commenced from Academic Year 2002/2003 and onwards) 44 Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services **PART II OF THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE ACCOUNTANTS ACT, 1967 - Malaysian Association of Certified Public Accountants (Certified Public Accountant) - Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (Chartered Accountant) - Institute of Chartered Accountants In England & Wales (Chartered Accountant) - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (Chartered Accountant) - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (United Kingdom) (Associate Member) - Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (Chartered Accountant) - Australian Society of Certified Practising Accountants (Certified Practising Accountant) (Now known as CPA Australia) - New Zealand Chartered Accountants (Chartered Accountant) (Now known as Institute of Chartered Accountants of New Zealand) - Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants (Chartered Accountant) - Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (Chartered Accountant) - Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (United Kingdom) (Associate Member) The following is only applicable to applications for tax licence for tax agent. - *Association of International Accountants (AIA), UK - *Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, UK * Institute recognised by the government to be equivalent with general degree from local universities. Accounting, Auditing and Taxation Services 45 Section 4 Architectural Consultancy Services 4.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • • 4.2 Equity Policy • • 4.3 • • • • Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentives • • 4.6 Employment of Foreign Architectural Professional Expatriate Posts Specific to Architectural Consultancy Service Financial Assistance • 4.5 Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Specific Immigration Procedures • • 4.4 Registration as an Architectural Consultancy Practice with the Board of Architects Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Registration with PETRONAS Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 4 ARCHITECTURAL CONSULTANCY SERVICES Architectural consultancy services (classified under code 74211 of the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) include consulting which concerns building design and drafting and often supervision of construction, town and city planning and landscape architecture. A more detailed description is given under the Architects Act, 1967. “Architectural consultancy services” refer to the provision of architectural consultancy advice and services pertaining to all or any of the following: • submission of plans or drawings to any person or local authority in Malaysia; • conceptualisation, research and development of any design for the built environment • any survey, preparation of reports including environmental impact assessment reports, or investigation relating to the built environment • project programming, construction and manufacturing programming, and product design • planning and development services including interior design, financial advisory services, project management, contract administration and landscaping • preparation of feasibility studies and cost estimates • preparation of plans and other means of presentation • all services in compliance with statutory requirements • any other activities relating to the creation, preservation and enhancement of the built environment 4.1 Licensing and Registration Registration as an Architectural Consultancy Practice with the Board of Architects Malaysia Under the Architects Act, 1967 “architectural consultancy practice” can be a sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 providing architectural consultancy services and is registered with the Board of Architects Malaysia under section 7A or 7B. The Board of Architects is the body that regulates the practice of architectural consultancy in Malaysia. 48 Architectural Consultancy Services Only professional architects are allowed to provide architectural consultancy services in Malaysia. Any candidate who applies for registration as a Professional Architect must fulfil the following criteria: (i) Citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia (ii) Registered Architect (iii) Obtained the practical experience as prescribed by the Board (iv) Passed the Part III Professional Examination and (v) Corporate Member of the Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) The certificate of registration for Professional Architect expires on 31st December of each year and is renewable before 31st January of the following year. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) As a signatory to GATS, Malaysia allows foreign professionals to provide architectural consultancy service in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. There is no restriction under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2) but the service must be authenticated by a registered architect in Malaysia. Foreign architects are not allowed to set up an architectural consultancy practice through commercial presence (mode 3). Architectural consultancy services may be supplied only by a natural person subject to the horizontal commitment specified in GATS. Only an architect who is a consultant to a project wholly financed by a foreign government or implemented under a bilateral arrangement between governments subject to temporary registration for a period of one year per temporary registration is allowed to provide architectural consultancy services. ASEAN Free Trade Agreement Commitments (AFAS) For multi-disciplinary practices (Architecture, Engineering and/or Quantity Surveying), foreign equity up to a maximum of 5% for joint-ventures by professionals who are registered in the country of origin is allowed. Foreign directorship is not allowed. For Urban Planning and Landscape Architectural services, Malaysia allows foreign professional to practise in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. There is no restriction under modes 1 and 2. For supply of services via mode 3, a foreign company is allowed to practice only through a locally registered partnership with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both and the aggregate foreign shareholding in the joint-venture corporation shall not exceed 40%. The Board of Architects Malaysia will conduct an examination for foreign professionals with permanent resident status who intend to hold himself as a professional architect to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purpose of registration with the Board. The examination will be conducted in the English language. Architectural Consultancy Services 49 The requirements for setting up an architectural consultancy practice in Malaysia are as follows: Types of Establishment Sole Proprietorship Requirements • Being the sole principal of the firm, Professional Architects shall preferably use their individual names in full e.g. Arkitek Ahmad Bakar Lim Ah Kow Architect • Professional Architects may also be allowed to use part of their names: e.g. Arkitek A. Bakar AK Lim Architect Partnership • All partners must be Professional Architects Architectural Body Corporate • The Board of Directors consists of Professional Architects • A minimum paid-up capital of RM50,000 • The shares will be held by members of the Board of Directors or any other persons who are Professional Architects • The Board of Directors consists of Professional Architects, Professional Engineers and/or registered Quantity Surveyors • The shares shall be held by those mentioned above and any of the following persons and/or bodies corporate where: Multi-Disciplinary Body Corporate • 50 Architectural Consultancy Services (i) The Professional Architects, Professional Engineers, registered Quantity Surveyors, bodies corporate providing architectural consultancy services, bodies corporate providing professional engineering services and/or bodies corporate practising as consulting Quantity Surveyors hold a minimum combined share of 70% of the overall equity of that body corporate, of which the Professional Architects and/or bodies corporate providing architectural consultancy services hold a minimum share of 10% and (ii) Any other persons including persons belonging to a profession allied to architect, engineering or quantity surveying, being a profession approved in writing by the board regulating the profession of architecture, engineering or quantity surveying, respectively, hold a maximum share of 30% of the overall equity of the body corporate. A minimum paid-up capital of RM150,000 The certificate of registration for Architectural Consultancy Practice expires on 31st December of each year and is renewable before 31st January of the following year. Other Requirements are: (i) The names of the companies should not be pretentious or ostentatious or of such nature that may negatively affect the dignity of the profession or place negatively. (ii) The names of the companies shall preferably comprise of the actual names of the partners or the acronyms of their initials. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any architectural consultancy services firms intending to be considered for government projects are required to register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under code 230700 for Architectural Services. (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF: (i) Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active bank current account. (v) The field of expertise submitted for registration with MOF must be consistent with the ‘licence to practice’, ‘certificate of registration’ and ‘authority to practise’ issued by the respective Professional Boards. (vi) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV/work experience. (vii) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. (viii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. (ix) Shareholder must also be a full time executive Director. (x) For professions whose ethics of service are governed by Professional Boards, the shareholders or partners of partnerships must register with their respective Professional Boards. The field of expertise to be registered with the MOF will be the expertise approved by the Professional Boards. Architectural Consultancy Services 51 (xi) The consulting firm is also required to forward permits/approvals from the respective Professional Boards in compliance with the provisions of the Act that governs the respective Professional Boards. (xii) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) and the respective Professional Boards. (ii) Firms that register with MOF are classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Registration with PETRONAS Architectural firms intending to provide architectural consultancy to PETRONAS are required to register with its Licensing and Registration Department under code SC5 05 for Architectural Services. Requirements for registration with PETRONAS are as follows: 52 (i) Registered with the CCM as a Private Limited Company or Limited Company. Sole proprietorship or partnership will not be accepted except in the case of professional consulting companies which must be registered with the Registrar of Business and the relevant professional board. (ii) Paid-up capital of Private Limited or Limited Company in the form of ordinary shares of not less than RM100,000. (iii) Companies must have stable financial status. For companies that have been incorporated for more than eighteen (18) months, shareholder’s fund has to be at a positive level. (iv) Possess technical capability in aspects of employee management, skilled employees and equipment for each service category to be applied. (v) Fulfil Bumiputera participation requirement at the level of equity, Board of Director, management and employee of the company. (vi) Registered with accredited/professional bodies or government departments which are related to the category to be applied. Architectural Consultancy Services Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fees for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and are dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia but excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide architectural consultancy services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of architectural services in connection with goods and land situated outside Malaysia is also exempted from service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence shall be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 4.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Architectural Consultancy Services 53 Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. However, the ownership structure of architectural services remains protected with Malaysian companies owning 100% equity with the exception of foreign equity participation under AFAS. ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Under AFAS, foreign investment can be made only through multi-disciplinary practices that comprise architecture, engineering and/or quantity surveying. Foreign equity up to a maximum of 5% for joint-ventures by professionals who are registered in the country of origin is allowed. Foreign directorship is not allowed. For Urban Planning and Landscape Architectural services, foreign investment could also be made only through a locally registered partnership with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both and the aggregate foreign shareholding in the joint venture corporation shall not exceed 40%. 4.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Employment of Foreign Professional (1) Under Section 10A(1) of the Architects Act, 1967 any foreign architect who is a consultant to a project wholly financed by a foreign government or implemented under a bilateral arrangement between governments, may be temporarily registered by the Board. (2) A foreign architect may be considered for temporary registration if he satisfies the Board that: (3) (a) he possesses the necessary qualification which is recognised for the practice of architecture as an architect in the country where he normally practises; and (b) he possesses the necessary expertise and his physical presence is required in Malaysia for not less than one hundred and eighty days in one calendar year or he is a resident representative of the foreign component of a joint-venture. The Board may approve a temporary registration for a period not exceeding one calendar year and may renew such temporary registration as it deems fit. Foreign architects who wish to work in Malaysia need to obtain a letter of support from the Board of Architects Malaysia before submitting their application for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. Before applying for Employment Pass, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of Immigration Department. 54 Architectural Consultancy Services Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies shall forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application for the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Expatriate Posts Specific to Architectural Consultancy Service According to AFAS, under the movement of natural persons (mode 4), two (2) specialists/experts per country are allowed and registration is subject to qualification of registration and domestic regulations. The foreign specialists/experts will have to sit for the qualifying examination to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purpose of registration with the professional bodies. The examination is conducted in the English language. 4.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient SMEs. Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channeled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs. (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Architectural Consultancy Services 55 Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. (ii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% 56 Architectural Consultancy Services Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the relevant agencies. Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application should be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. Architectural Consultancy Services 57 Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of BPG is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Company owns the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia 58 Architectural Consultancy Services Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, information and communication technology, and legal services. Architectural Consultancy Services 59 Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act 1965, or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Arrangements by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders Application should be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. 4.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to professional services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 4.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Effective from year of assessment 2003, the incentive is extended to architectural consultancy service (including town planning and landscaping services) that are provided by partnership or sole proprietors registered with Registrar of Business (ROB) under CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in architecture services are given tax exemption of statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. 60 Architectural Consultancy Services 4.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration • Sole Proprietorship • Partnership • Body Corporate Board of Architects 17th Floor, Block F JKR Headquarters Jalan Sultan Salahuddin 50582 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2698 2878 (603) 2696 7087 Fax : (603) 2693 6881 Website : www.lam.org.my Email : [email protected] CCM Form A Board of Architects Form I CCM Board of Architects • Multi-Disciplinary Body Corporate CCM Board of Architects • Government Procurement Form I Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website : www.eperolehan.com.my Form 13A Form J Form 13A Form K Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Architectural Consultancy Services 61 Application • Registration with PETRONAS • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence Where to Apply PETRONAS, Registration & Licensing Department Group Tenders & Contracts Level 66, Tower 1 PETRONAS Twin Towers 50088 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2331 4515 Fax : (603) 2331 2440 Website : www.petronas.com.my State Local Authority Form(s) Form BTK Prescribed Form Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1 Block B5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 3333 : (603) 8888 2944 : (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) 62 Architectural Consultancy Services Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Specific Immigration Procedures • Expatriate Post Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8881 2000 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8, Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form Architectural Consultancy Services 63 Application • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption • Soft Loan for SMEs Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] MIDF Form(s) Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website : www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P (3 copies) • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 • Market Development Grant 64 Where to Apply Architectural Consultancy Services MATRADE Form MDG 1/05 Where to Apply Form(s) Tax Incentives • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Service • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] IRB Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Architectural Consultancy Services 65 Section 5 Surveying Consultancy Services 5.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • • • • Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board - Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board, Peninsular Malaysia - Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Sabah Surveyors Board - Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board, Sarawak Registration as a Quantity Surveyor with the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia Registration as Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence 5.2 Equity Policy 5.3 Specific Immigration Procedures • 5.4 Financial Assistance • • • • • 5.5 Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentive • 5.6 Employment of Foreign Quantity Surveyors Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Application Procedures 5 SURVEYING CONSULTANCY SERVICES Land and quantity surveying consultancy service (classified under code 74213 of the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) includes geological and prospecting activities utilising surface measurements and observation designed to yield information on subsurface structure and the location of petroleum, natural gas and mineral deposits and of ground water. This may involve airborne geophysical surveys, hydrological surveys, and etc. Also included are map making and related land surveying activities. However, it excludes test drilling and test hole boring in connection with petroleum and gas extraction which is classified in item 11200: Services activities incidental to crude oil and natural gas extraction excluding surveying. The practice of the surveyor’s profession involves a broad range of activities which may occur on, above or below the surface of the land or the sea and may be carried out in association with other professionals. (i) (ii) Land Surveyors are involved in: • Cadastral surveying for the delineation of property boundaries and the issuance and registration of title to land and building (property) • Geodetic surveying for the provision of major control system for national and international mapping • Topographical surveying for the determination of the size, position, shape and contour of the earth for the planning and executing of development projects • Engineering surveying and setting-out for construction and facilities management • As-built and certification surveys • Aerial photography, photogrammetric mapping digital orthophotography and remote sensing • Spatial, land and geoinformation sciences • Cartography and map production • Hydrographic surveying for coastal zone management, nautical charting and offshore development • Oceanographic observation/measurement • Meteorological observation/measurement Quantity Surveyors whose practices involve: • 68 Preparing and submitting to any person, organisation or authority in Malaysia, for construction projects, any feasibility study reports, preliminary estimates, cost plans, documents and reports for pre-qualification of contractors, bills of quantities and other tender documents, tender estimates and reports, contract documents and valuation of works for interim payments, variation and final account Surveying Consultancy Services • (iii) (iv) Providing professional services such as project cost management, value management, risk management, facilities management, project management, construction management, construction claims management, dispute resolution services, technical and construction cost auditing and condition survey Property Consultants and Valuation Surveyors are involved in: • The whole spectrum of property ownership, development, management, investment and final disposal • Ensuring that the built environment is well managed and enhanced in value and utility for posterity • Helping to ensure that the allocation of real estate is maximised through the market mechanism acting as intermediaries • Providing valuations of real estate for the financial institutions to enable proper and adequate collateral are available and that the risks to lending are adequately covered Building Surveyors are involved in matters relating to building and property maintenance and development including: • Re-refurbishment and restoration of old and dilapidated buildings • Maintenance and repair of buildings • Building control, building law and regulation 5.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of a land and quantity surveying consultancy practice requires the intended professional to register with Companies Commissions of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1965 or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board The Land Surveyor Board, Peninsular Malaysia is the body that regulates the practice of land surveying service in Peninsular Malaysia, while the practice of land surveying service in Sabah has to register with the Sabah Surveyors Board and the practice of land surveying service in Sarawak is to register with the Land Surveyor Board Sarawak. (a) Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board, Peninsular Malaysia Under the Licensed Land Surveyors Act, 1958 “licence to practise” means a licence to practise as a licensed land surveyor issued under section 10 and “licensed land surveyor” means a person whose name has been placed upon the Register and to whom a licence to practise has been issued by the Board. Surveying Consultancy Services 69 A licensed land surveyor who intends to go into private practice (sole proprietorship and partnership) in Peninsular Malaysia may apply for a “licence to practise” from the Board if he or she fulfills the requirements outlined below: (i) Graduates in Land Surveying or Survey Science whose degrees have been recognised by the Board and must be articled for a minimum period of two years as articled qualified persons with a Licensed Land Surveyor who himself has been registered with the Board for a minimum period of five years (ii) The articled qualified person must serve two years full-time office and field practice in cadastral surveys (minimum of nine months on office work and minimum of twelve months on field work) (iii) Pass the Board's examination in “Law and Regulations” (iv) Submit an urban survey and a rural survey (field work, computations and plan drawing all carried out by the articled qualified person) (v) Submit particulars of all cadastral survey field and office work carried out by the qualified person while under articleship (vi) The articled qualified person must pass the “Law and Regulations” paper before he can submit his cadastral survey plans and other evidence of his work for examination (vii) The articled qualified person will be called for an Oral and Practical Examination. On passing his Oral and Practical Examination, the articled qualified person will then appear for the "Viva Voce" before the Land Surveyors Board, and then be placed on the Register as a Land Surveyor After registration, the articled qualified person who intends to go into private practise (sole proprietorship and partnership) in Peninsular Malaysia may then apply for a “licence to practise”. The licence to practise has to be renewed before 31st December of each year. (b) Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Sabah Surveyors Board Subject to the provisions of Surveyors Ordinance, 1960 and Surveyors Regulations, 1989 a land Surveyor can apply for registration and licence to practise in Sabah if he or she fulfils the requirements as follows: (i) Has attained the age of 21 years and is of good character (ii) He/she is a Malaysian Citizen and is prepared to stay in Sabah for not less than 6 months in a calendar year (iii) He/she possesses a degree or certificate prescribed by the Board (iv) He/she has passed the Board’s examination relevant to the local Ordinance & Regulations and has obtained the certificate of competency issued by the Board after complying with the requirement for articleship under a Licensed Surveyor in Sabah (v) He/she has paid the fees for registration/licence as required The licence to practise in Sabah has to be renewed before 31st December of each year. (c) Registration as a Land Surveyor with the Land Surveyors Board, Sarawak A licensed land surveyor who intends to go into private practice (sole proprietorship and partnership) in Sarawak may apply for a “licence to practise” if he or she fulfills the requirements as follows: 70 Surveying Consultancy Services (i) He/she is a Malaysian citizen who is permanently residing in Sarawak and (ii) Has attained the age of 21 years Provided that the Board may in its discretion grant to any person exemption from any of the requirements in paragraph (i) or (ii) on such terms and conditions as it deems fit. (iii) Possesses a degree or equivalent qualification in land surveying from a list of universities or educational institutions published in the Gazette by the Board OR Has passed the examinations prescribed by the Board OR Has passed the professional examination recognised by the Board as carrying exemption from the Board's examinations and has passed such further examination as the Board may prescribe (iv) Has obtained a Certificate of Competency issued by the Board as provided for under rules made under Section 31 (v) Has duly paid the fees for registration as set out in the Second Schedule The licence to practise in Sarawak has to be renewed before 31st December of each year. Registration as a Quantity Surveyor with the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia Under the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 “a firm or body corporate practising as consulting Quantity Surveyors” means a sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 which is approved by the Board to practise as consulting Quantity Surveyors under Section 7A or 7B. The Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia is the body that regulates the practice of quantity surveying consultancy in Malaysia. Only registered Quantity Surveyors are allowed to provide surveying consultancy service in Malaysia. Registered Quantity Surveyor include registered Quantity Surveyor, registered graduate Quantity Surveyor, temporary registered Quantity Surveyor and a firm or body corporate approved in writing and issued with a valid permit to practise as consulting Quantity Surveyors by the Board. Any candidate who applies for registration as a registered Quantity Surveyor must fulfil the following criteria: (i) He or she is a registered graduate Quantity Surveyor (ii) He or she has obtained the practical experience as prescribed under Section 10(1)(b) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 (iii) He or she has passed a test of professional competence or other professional assessment examination conducted or sanctioned by the Board A quantity surveyor or consulting Quantity Surveyor must apply for a “Registration of Certificate” or “Permit to Practise” from the Board if he/she intends to go into private practice. The “Registration of Certificate” or “Permit to Practise” for registered Quantity Surveyor expires on 31st December of each year and must be renewed before 31st January each year. Surveying Consultancy Services 71 The requirements for setting up a quantity surveyor practice in Malaysia are as follows: Types of Establishment Sole Proprietorship Partnership Body Corporate 72 Surveying Consultancy Services Requirements • Being the sole principal of the firm, the proprietor must be a registered Quantity Surveyor • Shall have a minimum of 5 years of working experience to the satisfaction of the Board after registration as registered Quantity Surveyor under Section 10(2) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 • Every application shall be accompanied with a processing fee for the amount of RM100 and a registration fee for the amount of RM1,000 in money order/bank draft/cheque made payable to the Board • The majority of the partners, in terms of number of partners and equity, shall have a minimum of 5 of years working experience to the satisfaction of the Board after registration as registered Quantity Surveyors under Section 10(2) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 • Every application shall be accompanied with a processing fee for the amount of RM100 and a registration fee for the amount of RM1,000 in money order/bank draft/cheque made payable to the Board • A minimum paid-up capital of RM50,000 • The directors shall be registered Quantity Surveyors, and the majority of the directors, in terms of number of directors and equity, shall have a minimum of 5 years of working experience to the satisfaction of the Board after registration as registered Quantity Surveyors under Section 10(2) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 • Every application shall be accompanied with a processing fee for the amount of RM100 and a registration fee for the amount of RM1,000 in money order/bank draft/cheque made payable to the Board Types of Establishment Multi-Disciplinary Body Corporate Requirements • The Board of Directors consists of registered Quantity Surveyors, Professional Engineers and/or Professional Architects • The shares shall be held by those mentioned above and any of the following persons and/or corporate bodies where: (i) The registered Quantity Surveyors, Professional Engineers and/or Professional Architects, bodies corporate practising as consulting Quantity Surveyors, bodies corporate providing professional engineering services and/or bodies corporate providing architectural consultancy services hold a minimum combined share of 70% of the overall equity of that body corporate, of which the registered Quantity Surveyors and/or bodies corporate practising as consulting Quantity Surveyors hold a minimum share of 10% (ii) Any other person, including persons belonging to a profession allied to quantity surveying, engineering or architecture, being a profession approved in writing by the board regulating the profession of quantity surveying, engineering or architecture respectively hold a maximum share of 30%, of the overall equity of the body corporate (iii) Has a minimum paid-up capital which shall be an amount to be determined by the Minister (Ministry of Work). Currently the amount determined is RM150,000 • Every application shall be accompanied with a processing fee for the amount of RM100 and a registration fee for the amount of RM1,000 in money order/bank draft/cheque made payable to the Board Registration as Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents with the Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents is the body that regulates the practice of valuers, appraisers and estate agent consultancy in Malaysia. Under Section 23 of the Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Act, 1981 no registered valuer, appraiser or estate agent shall practise valuation, appraisal or estate agency or has the right to recover in any court any fee, charge or remuneration for any professional advice or services rendered by him pursuant to his practice unless he practises as a sole proprietor of a sole proprietorship, a partner of a partnership, a shareholder or director of a body corporate registered with the Board, or as an employee of such sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate. Surveying Consultancy Services 73 The minimum practical training and experience required for a candidate to be registered as a valuer are: (i) That he passed the Test of Professional Competence set by the Board (ii) That he has either: • Two years post-qualifying practical training and experience in Malaysia under a registered valuer after the date of the coming into force of the Act or • Three years experience lecturing in a recognised local institution of higher learning with either: - A minimum of 1,600 hours of practise on a part-time basis in a valuation establishment in Malaysia under a registered valuer within those three years or - A minimum of one year’s continuous full-time employment in a valuation establishment in Malaysia under a registered valuer within those three years The minimum practical training and experience required for a candidate to be registered as an estate agent are: (i) That he has passed the Test of Professional Competence set by the Board (ii) That he has two years post-qualifying practical training and experience in Malaysia under a registered estate agent in a registered estate agency firm The requirements for setting up a valuer, appraiser or estate agents practice in Malaysia are as follows: Types of Establishment Sole Proprietorship 74 Surveying Consultancy Services Requirements • Being the sole principal of the firm, he/she must be a registered valuer or registered appraiser or registered estate agent • Every application shall be accompanied by the processing fee of RM75 to the Board Types of Establishment Partnership Requirements • All partners of the partnership are: (i) in the case of a valuation practice, solely registered valuers (ii) in the case of an appraisal practice, solely registered appraisers (iii) in the case of an estate agency practice, solely registered estate agents • The shares in the partnership are held: (i) in the case of the valuation practice, solely by registered valuers (ii) in the case of an appraisal practice, solely by registered appraisers (iii) in the case of an estate agency practice, solely by registered estate agents Body Corporate • Satisfies all the conditions specified by the Board • In the case of a partnership, an application shall be accompanied by a copy of the partnership agreement • Every application shall be accompanied by the processing fee of RM75 to the Board • All directors and shareholders of the body corporate are: (i) in the case of a valuation practice, solely registered valuers (ii) in the case of an appraisal practice, solely registered appraisers (iii) in the case of an estate agency practice, solely registered estate agents • The shares in the body corporate are held: (i) in the case of the valuation practice, solely by registered valuers (ii) in the case of an appraisal practice, solely by registered appraisers (iii) in the case of an estate agency practice, solely by registered estate agents • Satisfies all the conditions specified by the Board • In the case of a body corporate incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 an application shall be accompanied by a copy of the Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) • Every application shall be accompanied by the processing fee of RM75 to the Board Surveying Consultancy Services 75 A valuer, appraiser or estate agent must apply for an “authority to practise” from the Board if he/she intends to go into private practice. The “authority to practise” for Valuer, Appraiser and Estate Agent Consultancy Practice expires on 31st December of each year and is renewable before the 31st of December. A firm shall not be registered by a name that, in the opinion of the Board, is: (i) A name that is undesirable (ii) A name or a name of a kind that is likely to deceive or cause confusion to the public or would be contrary to law (iv) A name that is identical with a name belonging to a different registered firm and entered in the Register of Firms in respect of that firm or (v) A name that so nearly resembles a name belonging to a different registered firm as it is likely to deceive or cause confusion Registration with Ministry of Finance Any land and quantity surveying consultancy service firms that intends to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) using the codes specified by MOF. Code Description 230900 Land Surveying 230800 Quantity Surveying 231000 Valuers Surveying (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF are as follows : (i) 76 Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contributes to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active bank current account. (v) The field of expertise submitted for registration with the MOF must be consistent with the ‘licence to practise’, ‘certificate of registration’ and ‘authority to practise’ issued by the respective Professional Boards under the land and quantity surveying consultancy service. (vi) Owner of the firm has to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance with the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV/work experience. Surveying Consultancy Services (vii) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. (viii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. (ix) Shareholder must also be a full time executive Director. (x) For professions whose ethics of service are governed by Professional Boards, the shareholders or partners of partnerships must register with their respective Professional Boards. The field of expertise to be registered with the MOF will be the expertise approved by the Professional Boards. (xi) The consulting firm is also required to forward permits/approvals from the respective Professional Boards in compliance with the provisions of the Act that governs the respective Professional Boards. (xii) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (xiii) Land surveying practice is compulsory to have a permanent surveying team that comprises surveyors, technicians and draftsmen. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with the MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) and the respective Professional Boards. (ii) Firms that register with MOF are classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fees for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and are dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Surveying Consultancy Services 77 Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (vi) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975 companies that provide land and quantity surveying consultancy service that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of land and surveying consultancy service in connection with business organization situated outside Malaysia is also exempted from service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 5.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, a registered practice in land and quantity surveying consultancy service registered with the respective Boards is required to maintain a 100% Malaysian equity ownership. 5.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Employment of Foreign Quantity Surveyors Under section 10A (1) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 a foreign Quantity Surveyor may apply to the Board to be registered as a temporary registered Quantity Surveyor in such manner as may be prescribed by the Board. Under section 10A (6) of the Quantity Surveyors Act, 1967 a foreign Quantity Surveyor means a Quantity Surveyor who is not a citizen or a permanent resident of Malaysia. Foreign Quantity Surveyor who wishes to work in Malaysia needs to obtain a letter of support from the Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia before submitting application for Employment Pass to the Immigration Department. 78 Surveying Consultancy Services The requirements for obtaining temporary registration are as follows: Requirements Academic qualification Possesses the qualification that is recognised by the Board Working experience Possesses the necessary expertise in Malaysia Physical presence in Malaysia A requirement of not less than 180 days a year Employment He is a resident representative of the foreign component of a joint-venture Before applying for the Employment Pass, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from the Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application for the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). 5.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient SMEs. Initiatives and programs by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial Assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channelled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs. (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Surveying Consultancy Services 79 Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) 80 Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (a) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. Surveying Consultancy Services Application should be submitted to the SMIDEC. Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. (ii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum; - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the MIDF. Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time Surveying Consultancy Services 81 (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application should be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of BPG is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: 82 (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 Surveying Consultancy Services (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. Surveying Consultancy Services 83 Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, information and communication technology, and legal services. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act 1965, or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Agreement by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders Application shall be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. 5.5 Tax Incentive Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Effective from Year of Assessment 2003, the incentive is extended to valuation and quantity surveying service that are provided by partnerships or sole proprietors registered with Registrar of Business (ROB) under CCM. All claims relating to tax incentives shall be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 5.6 for contact details. 84 Surveying Consultancy Services 5.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration • Licensed Land Surveyor, Peninsular Malaysia (i) Sole Proprietorship Companies Commission of Malaysia 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A Land Surveyors Board Peninsular Malaysia 2735, 1st Floor Jalan Permata 4, Taman Permata Ulu Kelang 533300 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4108 5191 Fax : (603) 4108 5178 Website : www.jupem.gov.my/ lsb.html Email : [email protected] (ii) Partnership CCM - Form A Land Surveyors Board Peninsular Malaysia - • Licensed Land Surveyor Sabah (i) Sole Proprietorship CCM Sabah Surveyors Board Level 3, East Wing Wisma 2020, Karamunsing 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Tel : (088) 240 801 : (088) 260 492 Fax : (088) 224 160 Website : www.ljs.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A Write In Surveying Consultancy Services 85 Application (ii) Partnership Where to Apply CCM Form(s) Form A Sabah Surveyors Board - • Licensed Land Surveyor, Sarawak (i) Sole Proprietorship CCM Form A Land Surveyors Board, Sarawak Lot 474 1st Floor, Jalan Nanas 93400 Kuching, Sarawak Tel : (082) 417 920 Fax : (082) 246 149 Email : [email protected] (ii) Partnership CCM - Form A Land Surveyors Board, Sarawak - • Quantity Surveyor Consultancy Practice (i) Sole Proprietorship (ii) Partnership (iii)Body Corporate (iv)MultiDisciplinary Body Corporate 86 Surveying Consultancy Services CCM Form A Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia 17th Floor, JKR Headquarters Jalan Sultan Salahuddin 50582 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2696 7999 Fax : (603) 2692 5680 Website : www.bqsm.gov.my Email : [email protected] [email protected] Form G CCM Form A Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia Form G CCM Form A Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia Form G CCM Form A Board of Quantity Surveyors Malaysia Form G1 Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agency (i) Sole Proprietorship CCM The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia Suite 3B-10-3A, Level 10 Block 3B, Plaza Sentral 5 Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur. Tel : (603) 2273 7839 (603) 2273 7862 (603) 2273 5584 Fax : (603) 2273 1808 Website : www.lppeh.gov.my Email : [email protected] (ii) Partnership (iii)Body Corporate • Government Procurement • Signboard Licence Form A Form N CCM Form A The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia Form N CCM Form A The Board of Valuers, Appraisers and Estate Agents Malaysia Form N Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2 Federal Goverment Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website: www.eperolehan.com.my State Local Authority Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Prescribed Form Surveying Consultancy Services 87 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 • Expatriate Post Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 • Service Tax Licence Specific Immigration Procedures Foreign Quantity Surveyor Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) 88 Surveying Consultancy Services Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form Where to Apply Form(s) • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption • Soft Loan for SMEs Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] MIDF Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumour Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website : www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P (3 copies) • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme Surveying Consultancy Services 89 Application • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) • Market Development Grant Where to Apply Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] MATRADE Form(s) Form BPG1/05 Form MDG 1/05 Tax Incentive • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Service 90 Surveying Consultancy Services The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan. Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Section 6 Medical and Health Care Services 6.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • • • • • 6.2 Equity Policy • • • 6.3 • • • of of of of of Foreign Foreign Foreign Foreign Foreign Medical Practitioners Dental Practitioners Pharmacists Nurses Midwives Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentives • • 6.6 Employment Employment Employment Employment Employment Financial Assistance • 6.5 Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Specific Immigration Procedures • • • • • 6.4 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration of Medical Practitioners with Malaysia Medical Council Registration of Dentists with Malaysian Dental Council Registration of Pharmacists with Pharmacy Board of Malaysia Registration of Nurses with Nursing Board Malaysia Registration of Midwives with Midwives Board Malaysia Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 6 MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE SERVICES The medical and health care services in this Guidebook only cover general medical services, dental services, pharmacy services1, nurses and midwives. It does not include medical speciality services (classified under code 93122, Central Product Classification). Medical services (classified under code 85121, Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) refer to the consultation and treatment activities of general physicians and medical specialists. It involves activities of doctors of general medicine or medical specialists or surgeons in health institutions (including hospital outpatient clinics and departments of prepaid groups of physicians) or private practice. It includes activities carried out in clinics such as those attached to firms, schools, houses for the aged, labour organisation and fraternal organisations as well as in patient's homes. Patients are usually ambulatory and can be referred to specialists by general practitioners. It excludes in-patient hospital activities which are classified in item 85110 Hospital services and para-medical activities such as those of midwives, nurses and physiotherapists which are classified in the appropriate items of Class 8519. Dental services (classified under code 85122, Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) refer to the general or specialised in nature and can be carried out in a practice as stand alone clinics or clinics in schools or hospitals. Pharmacy, nursing and midwives (classified under code 8519, Malaysian Standard Industrial Classification) are under other human health activities. It refers to all activities for human health not performed by hospitals or by medical doctors or dentists. 6.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of a medical and health care practice requires the intended practitioner to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. 1 Refers to forensic medicine, nuclear medicine, geriatrics, micro vascular surgery, neurosurgery, cardiothoracic surgery, plastic surgery, clinical immunology and oncology, traumatology, anaesthesiology, intensive care specialist, child psychiatry and physical medicine 94 Medical and Health Care Services Registration of Medical Practitioners with Malaysia Medical Council Medical practitioners intending to practise medicine in Malaysia are required to register with Malaysia Medical Council (MMC), in accordance with the Medical Act, 1971. Only medical undergraduates from recognised institutions as listed in the Schedule 2 of the Medical Act, 1971 are eligible for registration. There are three types of registration allowed under the law: (a) Registration as Provisionally Registered Medical Practitioners (Section 13 Medical Act, 1971) Under the Medical Act, 1971 newly qualified medical undergraduates wishing to practice medicine are required to be provisionally registered before undergoing internship. Provisional registered practitioners need to obtain experience for a period of not less than one year in Medical Qualifying Board (MQB) approved hospitals in three compulsory disciplines comprising Paediatrics or Medicine, Surgery or Orthopaedic and Obstetrics & Gynaecology. (b) Registration as Fully Registered Medical Practitioners Upon completion of internship and to the satisfaction of the MQB, practitioners who have been provisionally registered with the MMC as well as those who have been provisionally or fully registered with other Medical Councils can apply for full registration. Under Section 14 of the Medical Act, 1971 there are two types of full registration allowed: Registration under Section 14 (1): Section 14 (1) to the Medical Act, 1971 states: (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, no person shall be entitled to be fully registered as medical practitioner under this Act unless: a) He has been provisionally registered under Section 12 b) He furnishes proof of having satisfied the provisions of Section 13 For Malaysian practitioners who have completed internship training locally, their respective employers must process and submit their application within one month of their completion. For Malaysian practitioners who completed internship overseas, the Evaluation Committee (EC) appointed by the MMC will determine whether their internship training can be exempted, upon the application made by individual applicants. Medical and Health Care Services 95 Registration under Section 14 (1): Section 14 (3) to the Medical Act, 1971 states: (3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Act, any person may be fully registered under this section subject to such restriction and conditions as may be stipulated by the Minister, provided that the person seeking registration under this subsection possesses a qualification with respect to which the Minister, after consulting the Council, is satisfied that it is adequate. For non-citizens who wish to practice in Malaysia, registrations are approved only for a limited period and limited place of practice. All applications are to be made through their employer and duly screened by the Evaluation Committee. Eligible applicants will be forwarded to the Minister of Health for approval for registration under Section 14 (3) of the Medical Act, 1971. Under the law, every fully registered practitioners must serve within public services for a period of not less than three years or what is normally known as the “compulsory service” before they are allowed to set up a private practice. (c) Temporary Registration under Section 16 Temporary registration is only applicable to medical practitioners who wish to practise in Malaysia. This type of registration is only approved for the purpose of postgraduate study or attachment training, demonstration during conference or research with institutions, universities or even private hospitals. The registration is renewable on a 3 monthly basis. To be eligible for temporary registration: • the practitioner must be registered with foreign Medical Council • the practitioner holds an insurance to cover his practice in Malaysia • the local practitioner acting as a guarantor for the application holds a valid and current Annual Practising Certificate issued by the MMC The practitioner applying for the temporary registration need not possess a medical degree from recognised institutions as listed in the Schedule 2 of the Medical Act, 1971. Under the law, whilst holding the temporary registration, practitioners are not allowed at all times to operate or even set up a private practice. Registration of Dentists with Malaysian Dental Council Dental practitioners intending to practise dentistry in Malaysia are required to register with the Malaysian Dental Council (MDC), in accordance with Section 12 of the Dental Act, 1971. Only Malaysians and spouses of Malaysians can register with the MDC. 96 Medical and Health Care Services (a) Registration as Dental Practitioners Dental practitioners are registered in compliance with the provisions under Section 12 of the Dental Act, 1971. After registration, every dental practitioner is required to serve not less than 3 years compulsory government service. (b) Annual Practising Certificate (APC) APC is only issued to dental practitioner who is registered with the MDC. All applications should be submitted to the MDC. Upon approval, the MDC will issue an Annual Practising Certificate (APC) to the applicant as per Section 19(2) of the Dental Act, 1971. The APC expires on 31st December of every year. APC needs to be renewed annually and are issued upon request. (c) Temporary Practising Certificate (TPC) TPCs are issued to foreign dental practitioners who come to Malaysia for the purpose of employment, training or research with government institutions, or to conduct short courses. The applicant must have a registerable qualification. Foreign dental practitioners who hold a TPC are not allowed to set up their own private practice in Malaysia. TPCs need to be renewed every 3 months. Registration of Pharmacists with Pharmacy Board of Malaysia Pharmacy graduates intending to practise pharmacy in Malaysia are required to register with the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia (PBM), in accordance with the Registration of Pharmacists (Amendment) Act, 2003. Only Malaysians and few groups of foreigners can register with PBM. There are three types of registration with PBM: (a) Registration as Provisionally Registered Pharmacist Under Section 6, Registration of Pharmacists (Amendment) Act, 2003 a pharmacy graduate need to register as a provisionally registered pharmacist and obtain experience for a period of not less than one year to the satisfaction of PBM before the pharmacist can be registered as a fully registered pharmacist in Malaysia. At the same time, he/she needs to apply to Public Service Commission (SPA) for employment in the government sector or other public services. For the pharmacist graduates from recognised universities who are registered overseas on or after 2nd September 2004, he/she should apply for Provisional Registration and Full Registration from PBM and at the same time he/she needs to apply to SPA for employment in government sector or other public services. This category of pharmacists can obtain exemption from “employment as pharmacists to gain experience while under provisional registration” as mentioned under Section 6A (7) Registration of Pharmacists (Amendment) Act, 2003. Medical and Health Care Services 97 (b) Registration as Fully Registered Pharmacist Pharmacy graduates can apply for full registration as a pharmacist upon the completion of the provisional registration period. With the implementation of compulsory service, he/she will have to serve the government for not more than 3 years on obtaining full registration. Groups of pharmacist who are exempted from the compulsory service are as follows: (i) who holds a basic pharmacy qualifications recognised by PBM and who holds a PhD qualification in pharmacy or (ii) who holds a basic pharmacy qualifications recognised by PBM and who holds a qualification of the Board of Pharmaceutical Specialities (BPS), United States of America. For those who are exempted from the compulsory service with the government, the pharmacists can apply to PBM for full registration and at the same time apply to the Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health for exemption from compulsory service with justification. (c) Temporary Registration (TR) TR can be issued to non-Malaysian (foreigners) of the following groups, in accordance to Section 11A of the Registration of Pharmacists (Amendment) Act, 2003: • Spouses of Malaysians who possess pharmacy qualification recognised by PBM and are registered as a pharmacist in countries which are recognised by PBM. • Spouses of foreigners who are in Malaysia with a working permit who possess pharmacy qualification recognised by PBM and are registered as a pharmacist in countries which are recognised by PBM. • Foreigners who hold a PhD or post graduate Doctor of Pharmacy who possess basic pharmacy qualification recognised by PBM and are registered in countries for three years. [However, a holder of Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from universities in United States of America is not recognised by PBM as PhD or Doctor of Pharmacy. He/she needs to provide a letter of appointment from his/her employer in Malaysia]. Registration of Nurses with Nursing Board Malaysia The graduates of nursing and midwives programmes, assistant nurses and community health nurses intending to practise nursing in Malaysia are required to register with the Nursing Board Malaysia and Midwives Board Malaysia in accordance with the Nurses Act, 1950 and Midwives Act, 1966. Only Malaysians and spouses of Malaysians can register with the board. The Nursing Board Malaysia and Midwives Board Malaysia are the regulatory authorities to register nurses for life and to issue annual practising certificate if they deem fit. (a) Registration with Nursing Board Malaysia For any persons wanting to practise nursing in Malaysia, he/she needs to be trained in a pre-registration programme. Entry requirements are the Malaysian Certificate of Education (MCE) or Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or its equivalent; a pass in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mathematics and preferably with 3 credits. 98 Medical and Health Care Services The pre-registration programme is accredited by the Joint Committee of the Nursing Board Malaysia, National Accreditation Board (LAN) and the Department of Private Education (JPS) and Public Services Department (Training Division). During the pre-registration programme, he/she needs to undergo 3 years of basic training as stipulated by the Nursing Board and sits for the registration examinations conducted by the Nursing Board. Upon completion and passing the pre-registration programme, he/she can register with the Nursing Board and practise as a nurse. Licence for nursing practitioners is renewable annually. There are five types of nurses registered under Section 4(2) of the Nurses Act, 1950: (i) Registered Nurse Registered Nurse means a person who is admitted to the general part of the Register and who has undergone a 3 year Diploma in Nursing Programme at a recognised College of Nursing or University and passed the Nursing Board Examination. (ii) Assistant Nurse Assistant Nurse means a person who is admitted to the supplementary part of the Nurses Act, 1950 containing the name of assistant nurses and who has undergone a 2 years Certificate Programme in a recognised School of Nursing and passed the Assistant Nurses Examination set by the Nursing Board. (iii) Mental Health Nurse Mental Health Nurse is a person who is admitted to the supplementary part of the Nurses Act, 1950 containing the names of nurses trained in nursing and care of person suffering from mental diseases. (iv) Public Health Nurse Public Health Nurse is a person who is admitted to the supplementary part of the Nurses Act, 1950 containing the names of nurses trained in Public Health Nursing. (v) Community Nurse Community Nurse is a person registered under the supplementary part of the Nurses Act, 1950 and who has undergone 2 years training in a recognised Community Nurses College. Medical and Health Care Services 99 (b) Annual Practising Certificate (APC) Every registered nurse who is fully registered must have a valid APC to practise nursing in Malaysia. The APC expires on 31st December of every year. APC needs to be renewed annually. All applications should be submitted to the Nursing Board Malaysia and Midwives Board Malaysia by the 31st of September of each year. (c) Temporary Practising Certificate (TPC) TPC only applies to registered foreign nurses who want to register as locally trained nurses. Foreign nurses need to fulfil the following requirements: (i) Possess a Certificate equivalent to Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (ii) Completed a 3 full years nursing training (iii) Must have a minimum of 3 years of clinical working experience (age limit below 56 years) (iv) Registered with their country's Nursing Board or Ministry of Health (v) Nurse training must meet the minimum requirements of the current nursing curriculum of the Ministry of Health Malaysia For foreign qualified nurses who want to register as locally trained nurses, currently, only foreign qualified nurses from the seven countries stated below will be considered: • Myanmar • Bangladesh • Philippines • Albania • India • Indonesia • Pakistan Registration of Midwives with Midwives Board Malaysia Currently the Midwives Board Malaysia only admits Midwives Division I and III. For registration in Division I, the Registered Nurse must have undergone a 12 months midwives training including domiciliary training and passed the examination set by the Board. For registration in Division III (Community Nurses) the persons must have undergone not less than 18 months including domiciliary training and passed the examination prescribed by the Board. Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. 100 Medical and Health Care Services There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and is dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents: (i) A copy of the company's Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company's business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of company's business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company's signboard (vi) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975 companies that provide medical and health care services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of medical and surgical treatment supplied as a services or supplied in connection of goods or supplied in land situated outside Malaysia is also exempted from service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 6.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Persons intending to set up private practices in the medical and health services are required to possess the necessary licensing conditions specified by the respective licensing authorities of the accredited professional services. The licensing conditions are as follows: Medical and Health Care Services 101 Accredited Professional Services Licensing Conditions Licensing Authorities Medical Services Full Registration Certificate and Annual Practising Certificate Malaysia Medical Council Dental Services Annual Practising Certificate Malaysia Dental Council Pharmacy Services Full Registration Certificate Pharmacy Board of Malaysia Licence A under Poisons Act, 1952 Licensing Officer Please note that the licensing conditions also apply to private practices in the form of sole proprietor or partnership. Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins) have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera's equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) As a signatory to GATS, Malaysia only allows foreign medical professionals in the medical speciality services (CPC93122) in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2). Medical speciality services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. These foreign medical professionals can only practise in private hospitals of at least 100 beds. The foreign professional can only practise at a specified location and any changes to the location requires approval from the respective councils. The setting up of individual or joint group practices is not permitted. The examination to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purposes of registration with the respective councils will be conducted in the English language. 102 Medical and Health Care Services ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) As a signatory to AFAS, Malaysia only allows foreign medical professionals in the medical speciality services (CPC93122) in Malaysia subject to the ASEAN Service Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2). Medical speciality services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. These foreign medical professionals can only practice in private hospitals of at least 100 beds. The foreign professional can only practice at a specified location and any changes to the location requires approval from the respective councils. The setting up of individual or joint group practices is not permitted. The examination to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purposes of registration with respective councils will be conducted in the English language. 6.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Employment of Foreign Medical Practitioners Under the Medical Act, 1971 expatriate practitioners are only registered to practise medicine with a specific employer and for a specific time either in the public service or private sector. Foreign medical practitioners with basic medical degree as listed in the Schedule 2 of the Medical Act, 1971 are allowed only to work in the public sector whereas those holding specialist qualification are allowed to work in private sector as well. For the purpose of employment, any interested practitioners from foreign countries should apply directly to the prospective employer who will submit the application for registration or licensing to the MMC. Expatriate should not submit directly to the MMC. Employer will arrange the application of Employment Pass for their respective expatriate. Application can be submitted to the Immigration Headquarters, Putrajaya or any Immigration State Office. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Employment of Foreign Dental Practitioners Foreign dental practitioners are employed by the Ministries of Health, Education and Defence only. These practitioners must have a valid TPC issued by the MDC. The application for these TPCs is made by the individuals. Medical and Health Care Services 103 Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the employer must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, the employer should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Employment of Foreign Pharmacists Foreign pharmacists are only allowed to work in private sector. These practitioners must have a valid Temporary Registration Pharmacist Certificate issued by PBM, which is renewable every two years. Foreign pharmacists have to apply for job from employers. With the job offer letter, they can apply for Temporary Registration from PBM. Before they can be registered, they have to pass the Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination handled by PBM. Applicants are only allowed to start working after they got the approval from PBM. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the employer must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, the employer should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment passes. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Employment of Foreign Nurses Foreign nurses are allowed to work in the private sector. Currently, Malaysia does not recruit foreign nurses to work in the public sector. Foreign nurses intending to work in the private sector need to obtain a temporary practising certificate from the Nursing Board Malaysia. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the employer must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, the employer should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. 104 Medical and Health Care Services Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Employment of Foreign Midwives Currently Malaysia does not recruit any foreign midwives. 6.4 Financial Assistance Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application should be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 6.6 for contact details. Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Medical and Health Care Services 105 Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 6.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) 106 Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign Medical and Health Care Services (iii) (iv) • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 6.6 for contact details. Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, information and communication technology, and legal services. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act 1965, or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Agreement by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders Application should be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 6.6 for contact details. Medical and Health Care Services 107 6.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to professional services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 6.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Effective from year of assessment 2003, the incentive is extended to medical and dental services that are provided by partnership or sole proprietors registered with Registrar of Business (ROB) under CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in health services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. 6.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A • Partnership CCM Form A • Local Company CCM Form 13 A • Sole proprietorship Medical Service • Provisional Registration 108 Medical and Health Care Services Malaysia Medical Council (MMC) 7th Floor, Block E-10 Parcel E, Precint 1 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62590 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8883 1400 – 1471 Fax : (603) 8883 1406 Website : www.moh.gov.my/mmc Email : [email protected] Form 4 Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Full Registration Housemanship in Malaysia MMC Form 9 Housemanship Overseas MMC Form 9 • Temporary Practising Certificate MMC TPC Form • Annual Practising Certificate MMC Form 11 Dental Service • Full Registration Malaysian Dental Council (MDC) 5th Floor, Block E-10 Parcel E, Precint 1 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62590 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8883 4217 Fax : (603) 8888 6133 Website : www.moh.gov.my/ohd Email : [email protected] Form 4 • Annual Practicing Certificate MDC Form 8 • Temporary Practicing Certificate MDC Form DC/CP/3-03 Pharmacy Service • Provisional Registration Pharmacy Board of Malaysia (PBM) Pharmaceutical Services Division, Ministry of Health Locked Bag No. 924, Jalan Sultan Post Office 46790 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia Tel : (603) 7968 2200 Fax : (603) 7968 2222 Website : www.pharmacy.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form 1 Medical and Health Care Services 109 Application • Provisional Registration Where to Apply Public Service Commission (PSC) Level 6-10, Block C7 Parcel C Federal Government Administrative Centre 62590 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8885 6000 Fax : (603) 8888 5036 Website :www.spa.gov.my Form(s) Form SPA 8 • Full Registration Exempted from compulsory service Not exempted from compulsory service • Temporary Registration (Foreigners) PBM PBM & PSC PBM Form 5 Form 5 & SPA 8 Form PS1 and officially write in to the PBM Nursing Services • Annual Practising Certificate (i) Registered Nurse (ii) Assistant Nurse (iii) Community Nurse • Temporary Practising Certificate Nursing Board Malaysia Level 3, Block E-1 Parcel E, Precint 1 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62590 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8883 1317 Fax : (603) 8883 1329 Email : [email protected] [email protected] Nursing Board Malaysia (i) Form M/APC/JB/003 (ii) Form LJM/APC/PJ/005 (iii) Form LJM/APC.JM/004 Form A – Application form Form B – Verification of training Form C – Verification of registration 110 Medical and Health Care Services Application Where to Apply Form(s) Midwives Services • Application for Registration as a Midwife (i) Registered Nurse (ii) Community Nurse • Intention to practise for midwives (excluding those midwives in the government service) • Signboard Licence (Medical, Dental, Pharmacy Services and Nursing Homes) • Service Tax Licence Midwives Board Malaysia Level 3, Block E-1 Parcel E, Precint 1 Federal Government Administrative Centre 62590 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8883 1317 Fax : (603) 8883 1329 Email : [email protected] [email protected] Form A for (i) and Form C for (ii) under the Midwives Act 1966, Regulation 1990 Midwives Board Malaysia Schedule 3 (Regulation 34) State Local Authority Prescribed Form Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administration Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 Medical and Health Care Services 111 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) (Processing Time: 10 working days) • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1 Block B5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my Specific Immigration Procedures • Expatriate Post 112 Medical and Health Care Services Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 Application • Endorsement of Employment Pass Where to Apply Form(s) Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website : www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P (3 copies) • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 • Market Development Grant MATRADE Form MDG 1/05 Medical and Health Care Services 113 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Tax Incentives • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Service • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports 114 Medical and Health Care Services The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] IRB Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Section 7 Energy Consultancy Services 7.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • • • 7.2 Equity Policy • • • 7.3 • • • • Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Market Development Grant (MDG) Tax Incentives • • • 7.6 Employment of Foreign Engineering Professional Financial Assistance • 7.5 Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) Specific Immigration Procedures • 7.4 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration as an Engineering Consultancy Practice with the Board of Engineers Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Registration with PETRONAS Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Incentives for Energy Conservation Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 7 ENERGY CONSULTANCY SERVICES Advisory and consultative engineering services (classified under code 8672, Central Product Classification) in the energy sector include the provision of assistance, advisory and recommendation services concerning engineering matters. Included here are the undertakings of preparatory technical feasibility studies and project impact studies in the energy sector. In Malaysia, oil, gas, coal, electricity (hydroelectricity and thermal), renewable energy (biomass, solar, biogas, municipal wastes, mini-hydro, wind and etc.) made up the energy sector. Engineering consultants who specialise in the energy related activities are able to provide consultancy services in power generation, transmission and distribution, oil/gas/coal-fired plants and hydro schemes, rural and urban electrification schemes, electrical sub-stations, utility services and production facilities for oil/gas and petrochemical industry, energy audit, study, training, application, management and conservation, project management, power quality management, turnkey services and any other activities related to energy. 7.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of an engineering consultancy practice requires the intended professional to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. Registration as an Engineering Consultancy Practice with the Board of Engineers Malaysia Under the Registration of Engineers Act, 1967 “Engineering consultancy practice” means a sole proprietorship, partnership or body corporate, providing professional services, registered under Section 7A or 7B. The Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) is the body that regulates the practice of engineering. Only Professional Engineers are allowed to provide engineering consultancy services. Any candidate who applies for registration as a Professional Engineer must fulfil the following criteria: 118 (i) Be registered as a Graduate Engineer with BEM (ii) Have satisfied the training requirements of BEM Energy Consultancy Services (iii) Have passed the Professional Assessment Examination (PAE) of BEM or be elected as a Corporate Member of the Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) (iv) Have been residing in Malaysia for a period of not less than six months immediately prior to the date of application The certificate of registration for Professional Engineer expires on 31st December every year and yearly renewal is mandatory. General Agreement on Trade in Services As a signatory to General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Malaysia allows foreign professionals to provide engineering consultancy services (CPC 8672) and integrated engineering services (CPC 8673) in the country subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. For engineering consultancy services (CPC 8672), there are no restrictions under crossborder supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2) but the engineering services must be authenticated by a registered engineer in Malaysia. Engineering consultancy services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. It is subject to temporary registration for a period of one year per temporary registration. For integrated engineering services (CPC 8673), there are no restrictions under crossborder supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2) but the integrated engineering services must be authenticated by the relevant registered engineer in Malaysia. The qualifying examination to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purposes of registration with the professional bodies will be conducted in English language. ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services As a signatory to ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), Malaysia allows foreign professionals within ASEAN to provide engineering consultancy services (CPC 8672) in the country subject to ASEAN Service Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross-border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2) but the engineering services must be authenticated by a registered engineer in Malaysia. Engineering consultancy services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. It is subject to temporary registration for a period of one year per temporary registration. The qualifying examination to determine the competence and ability to supply the service for the purpose of registration with the professional bodies will be conducted in English language. Other requirements are as per in ASEAN Engineer Registry. The requirements for setting up an Engineering Consultancy Practice in Malaysia are as follows: Energy Consultancy Services 119 Types of Establishment Requirements Sole Proprietorship • The proprietor is a Professional Engineer Partnership • All the partners are Professional Engineers Body Corporate • Has a Board of Directors comprising persons who are Professional Engineers • The shares will be held by members of the Board of Directors mentioned above solely or with any other persons who are Professional Engineers • A minimum paid-up capital which shall be of an amount to be prescribed by the BEM • The Board of Directors comprising Professional Engineers, Professional Architects and/or registered Quantity Surveyors • The shares shall be held by persons mentioned above and any of the following persons and/or bodies corporate where: Multi-Disciplinary Body Corporate (i) The Professional Engineers, Professional Architects, registered Quantity Surveyors, bodies corporate providing professional engineering services, bodies corporate providing architectural consultancy services and/or bodies corporate practising as consulting Quantity Surveyors hold a minimum combined share of 70% of the overall equity of that body corporate, of which the Professional Engineers and/or bodies corporate providing professional engineering services hold a minimum share of 10%; and (ii) Any other person, including persons belonging to a profession allied to engineering, architecture or quantity surveying, being a profession approved in writing by the board regulating the profession of engineering, architecture or quantity surveying, respectively, holds a maximum share of 30% of the overall equity of the corporate body. The certificate of registration for Engineering Consultancy Practice expires on 31st December of each year and is renewable yearly. 120 Energy Consultancy Services Registration with Ministry of Finance Any engineering consultancy services companies and integrated engineering services companies wishing to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) using the codes specified by MOF. Engineering Code Description 230100 Civil Engineering 230200 Structural Engineering 230300 Electrical Engineering 230400 Mechanical Engineering 230500 Electronic Engineering 230600 Chemical Engineering 231600 Mining Engineering 231700 Marine Engineering 231800 Geological Engineering 231900 Industrial Engineering 231200 Naval Architecture Engineering Planning Code Description 230700 Architectural 230800 Quantity Surveying Code Description 231500 Environmental Research Code Description 243700 Energy Management Multi-discipline Agriculture Energy Consultancy Services 121 (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF: (i) Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above • Environmental research management - RM100,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active current account. (v) The field of expertise submitted for registration with the MOF must be consistent with the practising licence issued by the respective Professional Boards. (vi) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV or work experience. (vii) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. For Environmental Management expertise, a minimum of ten (10) years of working experience is required. (viii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. (ix) Shareholder must also be a full time Executive Director. (x) For professions whose ethics of service are governed by Professional Boards, the shareholders or partners of partnerships must register with their respective Professional Boards. The field of expertise to be registered with the MOF will be determined based on the expertise approved by the Professional Boards. (xi) The consulting firm is also required to forward permits/approvals from the respective Professional Boards in compliance with the provisions of the Act that governs the respective Professional Boards. (xii) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the CCM and the respective Professional Boards. (ii) Firms that register with MOF are classified as: • 122 Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. Energy Consultancy Services • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Registration with PETRONAS Organisations intending to provide engineering and architectural consultancy to PETRONAS are required to register with its Licensing and Registration Department. Code Description SC5 03 Mechanical & Electrical Engineering 3.1 Mechanical 3.2 Electrical SC5 04 Civil and Structural Engineering SC5 05 Architectural SC5 15 Naval Architectural Consultancy Services SC5 16 Marine Engineering Consultancy Services Requirements for registration with PETRONAS are as follows: (i) Registered with the CCM as a Private Limited Company or Limited Company. Sole proprietorship or partnership will not be accepted except in the case of professional consulting companies which must be registered with the Registrar of Business and the respective Professional Boards. (ii) Paid-up capital of Private Limited or Limited Company in the form of ordinary shares of not less than RM100,000. (iii) Company with stable financial standing. For companies that are incorporated more than eighteen (18) months, shareholders' fund needs to be at a positive level. (iv) Possess the technical capability in management of employees, skilled employees and equipment for each service category of application. (v) Fulfill the Bumiputera participation requirement at the equity level, Board of Director, management employee and company’s employee. (vi) Registered with accredited/professional bodies or government departments which are related to the category of application. Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. Energy Consultancy Services 123 There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and is dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide engineering consultancy services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of engineering consultancy services in connection with goods and land situated outside is also exempted from service tax. Application for the Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 7.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. However, the ownership structure of an engineering consultancy company remains protected with Malaysian companies owning 100% equity with the exception of foreign equity participation under GATS and AFAS. 124 Energy Consultancy Services In 2004, FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins) have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera’s equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Foreign investment in integrated engineering services (CPC 8673) can be made through a representative office, regional office or locally incorporated a joint-venture corporation with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian-controlled corporations or both for the purpose of services contract awarded in Malaysia. The aggregate foreign shareholding in the joint-venture corporation shall not exceed 30%. Establishment of such joint-venture corporation is only for the duration necessary to complete the services contract. ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) For engineering services (CPC 8672), foreign investment through multi-disciplinary practices (Architecture, Engineering and/or Quantity Surveying), where foreign equity up to a maximum of 10% for joint-ventures by professionals who are registered in the country of origin, is allowed. Foreign Directorship is not allowed. 7.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Employment of Foreign Engineering Professional Any foreign citizen or any other person who is not a citizen or permanent resident of Malaysia who take up employment as engineer in Malaysia, shall obtain temporary registration from BEM as provided under Section 10A of the Registration of Engineers Act, 1967. A temporary registered Professional Engineer could only submit plans and drawings for the project he is assigned to. He or she is not permitted to take up position as a director or be the shareholder of a local company/firm practising as consulting engineers in Malaysia and is not allowed to set up his own consultancy practice in Malaysia. The temporary registration will lapse upon the completion of the project in which the foreign engineer is assigned to. If the sponsor desires to reassign the foreign engineer, the sponsor must seek prior approval from the BEM to permit the foreign engineer to be reassigned to a new project. In the case where upon the completion of a project, a new sponsor desires to employ the foreign engineer for another project, the new sponsor must submit a fresh application to the Board in the usual manner. Energy Consultancy Services 125 The requirements for obtaining temporary registration are as follows: (i) He holds the necessary qualifications which are recognised for practice as a Professional Engineer in the country where he normally practises. (ii) He possesses the necessary expertise and has a minimum of 10 years experience in the field he intends to practise. (iii) His physical presence is required in Malaysia for not less than 180 days in one calendar year. (iv) He is employed as an engineer and has been assigned to a specific project by a particular company. (v) He is sponsored by a local Professional Engineer in the company which offers him the assignment. (vi) The sponsor to confirm that no local expertise is available and to attach local engineers to be trained by the Temporary Professional Engineer. Any foreign engineer, who is not satisfied with the decision of BEM in rejecting his application for temporary registration or the renewal of such registration, may appeal to the Minister of Works through the Registrar’s office. All such appeals must be made within 21 days of being notified of the rejection. The certificate of registration expires on 31st December of each year regardless of whether the project is completed or otherwise. Before the expatriates apply for the employment pass, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Upon approval of the expatriate post, companies should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). 7.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. 126 Energy Consultancy Services Financial Assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channelled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs. (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. Energy Consultancy Services 127 Types of Financial Assistance Schemes (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) Description The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Forms of Assistance Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. (ii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum; - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the relevant agencies. Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. 128 Energy Consultancy Services Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) Financing Scheme for Professionals MARA is the agency that administers a scheme known as General Financing Scheme for Professionals. Under this scheme, Bumiputera entrepreneurs who are members of professional bodies and who would like to start up business or to expand their venture capital to upgrade business are eligible to apply for assistance. This financing scheme covers business sectors that are not in conflict with the Islamic concept. The amount of financing for each applicant is to a maximum of RM250,000. Each applicant is eligible for the facility for two (2) times only. The applicant must fulfil the requirements as listed below: (i) Malaysian citizens; Malay or Bumiputera (ii) 18 years of age (iii) Knowledgeable and experienced in business (iv) Conduct business full time (v) Capital contribution: 10% of total project cost must be borne by the applicant (vi) Possess licence/permit/consent letter from relevant authorities (vii) Submit sufficient collateral (viii) Must undergo Entrepreneurship Course if applicant has less than six months of experience in the relevant field(s) Application should be submitted to MARA. Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Energy Consultancy Services 129 Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for nonSMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand. (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia. Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) 130 Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Energy Consultancy Services (iii) (iv) Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Market Development Grant (MDG) In order to assist SMEs in developing their export markets, matching grants of up to RM100,000 per company are provided. This grant is extended to accounting, engineering, construction, architectural, education, healthcare, printing and publishing, information and communication technology, and legal services. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under Companies Act, 1965 or under Business Ordinance, 1956 (ii) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM5 million or not more than 50 full time employees (iii) At least 60% equity held by Malaysians Eligible activities: (i) Participation in trade missions, specialised selling missions, international trade fairs, industry related international conference (ii) Participation in Malaysian trade centres overseas (iii) Participation in meetings related to negotiations on Mutual Recognition Agreement by representatives of the Trade and Industry and Professional Services Association (iv) Setting up sales promotion office overseas to promote exports of Malaysian services (v) Participation in overseas international tenders. Application should be submitted to MATRADE. Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Energy Consultancy Services 131 7.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to professional services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Incentives for Energy Conservation Companies undertaking the following activities are eligible to be considered for incentives under the Promotion of Investments Act, 1986:• Undertake energy efficiency/energy conservation projects on behalf of clients (including financing) on the basis of recovery of all costs from agreed sharing of energy efficiency/energy conservation savings over a specified contract period based on the performance contract. • If the performance contracting services undertaken involve services such as consultancy and advisory services (energy audit, training, energy management services, feasibility studies project) and project management (design and tendering, procurement, supervision and commissioning of the project), these services can also be taken into account for consideration of tax incentives. Companies providing these services are eligible for:(a) Pioneer Status Companies granted Pioneer Status enjoys tax exemption on 70% of the statutory income for a period of five (5) years. Applications received from companies located in the promoted areas i.e. the States of Sabah and Sarawak, and the designated "Eastern Corridor" of Peninsular Malaysia, will enjoy a 100% tax exemption on their statutory income during their 5-year exemption period. All project applications received by 31 December 2010 will be eligible for this incentive. (b) Investment Tax Allowance As an alternative to Pioneer Status, a company can also apply for Investment Tax Allowance (ITA). The ITA provides an allowance of 60% on the qualifying capital expenditure (such as expenditure on factory, plant, machinery or other equipment used for the approved project) incurred within five (5) years from the date the first qualifying capital expenditure is incurred. 132 Energy Consultancy Services The company can offset this allowance against 70% of its statutory income in the year of assessment. Any unutilised allowance can be carried forward to subsequent years until the whole amount is used up. The remaining 30% of its statutory income will be taxed at the prevailing company tax rate. Applications received from companies located in the promoted areas i.e. the States of Sabah and Sarawak, and the designated "Eastern Corridor" of Peninsular Malaysia, will enjoy an allowance of 100% on the qualifying capital expenditure incurred within a period of five (5) years. The allowance can be utilised to offset against 100% of the statutory income for each year of assessment. All project applications received by 31 December 2010 will be eligible for this incentive. The company is required to implement the project within one year from the date of approval of the incentive. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) The services and/or projects must be implemented within one (1) year of approval. The incentives apply to applications received by 31 December 2010 (iii) The companies must carry out performance contracting services to conserve energy Applications should be submitted to Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA). Please refer Section 7.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Effective from year of assessment 2003, the incentive is extended to engineering and integrated engineering services that are provided by partnership or sole proprietors registered with Registrar of Business (ROB) under CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in engineering consultancy services are given tax exemption of statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. Energy Consultancy Services 133 7.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A • Partnership CCM Form A • Local Company CCM Form 13 A • Foreign Company CCM Form 13 A • Sole proprietorship 134 • Engineering Consultancy Practice Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) Tingkat 17, Ibu Pejabat JKR Kompleks Kerja Raya Malaysia Jalan Sultan Salahuddin 50580 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2696 7095 (603) 2696 7096 (603) 2696 7097 (603) 2696 7098 Fax : (603) 2692 5017 Website : www.bem.org.my Email : [email protected] [email protected] Form E • Government Procurement Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website: www.eperolehan.com.my Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Energy Consultancy Services Application • Registration with PETRONAS • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence Where to Apply PETRONAS, Registration & Licensing Department Group Tenders & Contracts Level 66, Tower 1 PETRONAS Twin Towers 50088 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2331 4515 Fax : (603) 2331 2440 Website : www.petronas.com.my State Local Authority Form(s) Form BTK Prescribed Form Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1, Block D5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Energy Consultancy Services 135 Application • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Where to Apply Form(s) Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my Specific Immigration Procedures BEM • Temporary Professional Engineers Form B2 • Employment Pass Application Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) 136 Energy Consultancy Services Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form Where to Apply Form(s) • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption • Soft Loan for SMEs Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] MIDF Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form • MARA Financing Scheme Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) 21, Jalan Raja Laut, 50609 Kuala Lumour Tel : (603) 2691 5111 Fax : (603) 2691 3620 Website: www.mara.gov.my Form RP 2P • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme Energy Consultancy Services 137 Application • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) • Market Development Grant (MDG) Where to Apply Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] MATRADE Form(s) Form BPG1/05 Form MDG 1/05 Tax Incentives • Incentive for Energy Conservation Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA) Block 4, Plaza Sentral Jalan Stesen Sentral 5 Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2267 3633 Fax : (603) 2274 7970 Website : www.mida.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form EC 2001 • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports 138 Energy Consultancy Services IRB Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Section 8 Management Consultancy Services 8.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • 8.2 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Equity Policy • • Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) 8.3 Specific Immigration Procedures 8.4 Financial Assistance • • • 8.5 Tax Incentives • • • 8.6 Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Incentive for MSC Status Companies Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 8 MANAGEMENT CONSULTANCY SERVICES Business and management consultancy services (classified under code 7414, Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) include the provision of advice, guidance or operational assistance to businesses. These activities involve public relations, for example through image building and opinion moulding, to improve the relations of the client with the public, media or others, other than by paid advertisements, welfare and charity affairs, politics, lobbying; activities in connection with planning, organising, efficiency and control, management information; combined management consultancy and actual management, for example by agronomists and agricultural economists to farm; arbitration and conciliation between management and labour; and activities of management holding companies. It excludes the following: (a) Computer activities which are classified in the appropriate item in Division 72: Computer and related activities. (b) Legal advice and representation which are classified in Item 74110: Legal services. (c) Accounting, book-keeping and auditing activities and taxation consultancy which are classified in Item 74120: Accounting, book-keeping and auditing activities and; taxation consultancy. (d) Market research and public opinion polling which are classified in Item 74130: Market Research and public opinion polling. (e) Technical advisory activities which are classified in Item 74211: Architectural consultancy services or in Item 74212: Engineering consultancy services. (f) Advertising activities which are classified in Item 74300: Advertising. 8.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of a company providing management consultancy services requires the party (individual or individuals) to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any management consultancy services firms wishing to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) using the codes specified by MOF. 142 Management Consultancy Services Multi-discipline Code 231500 Description Environmental Research Social Economy Code Description 240200 Organisational Management 240300 Management, Privatisation & Corporate 240400 Economy Management 240500 Socio-economy Management 240600 Marketing and Research Management 241100 Human Resource Management 241200 Training Management 241300 Course/Seminar & Educational Management 241500 Hotel Management 241600 Tourism Management 241900 Culture, Arts & Handicraft 242100 Marine Management 242600 Safety Management 243400 Traffic Management 243500 Quality Management 243800 Hospital Management 243900 Library Management 244000 Statistic Management Finance Code Description 240700 Finance Management 242700 Value Management 243100 Property Evaluation & Management 243300 Land Property Management Management Consultancy Services 143 Agriculture Code Description 242200 Forest Management 242300 Agriculture Management 242400 Agriculture Development 242800 Natural Resource and Garden Management 243200 Food Technology 243600 Technology Development Management 243700 Energy Management Multimedia and Communications Code Description 241700 Public Relations 242200 Documentary Firm 242500 Transport Management 242900 Telecommunication (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF: (i) Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above • Environmental research management - RM100,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active current account. (v) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV or work experience. (vi) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. For Environmental Management expertise, a minimum of ten (10) years of working experience is required. (vii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. 144 Management Consultancy Services (viii) Shareholder must also be a full time Executive Director. (ix) For professions whose ethics of service are not governed by any Professional Boards, the field of expertise applied for registration is based on the academic qualifications or working experience of the owner or the partners of the partnership (x) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with the MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the CCM. (ii) Firms that register with MOF can be classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and is dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of the company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Management Consultancy Services 145 Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide management consultancy services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Consultancy services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 8.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, the FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins) have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera’s equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) As a signatory to General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Malaysia allows foreigners to provide management consultancy services (CPC 86501) in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2). Management consulting services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. Foreign investment in management consultancy services can be made only through a locally incorporated joint-venture corporation with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both and Bumiputera shareholding in the joint-venture corporation is at least 30%. 1 Covering advisory, guidance and operational assistance services concerning management of the transmission of non-conventional energy; on environmental management services including risk assessment services 146 Management Consultancy Services 8.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Companies providing management consultancy services in Malaysia may employ expatriates. The company must submit its applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Companies which already acquired the MSC status must apply for approval of the related post from MSC Management Services Sdn Bhd (MSCMS) under the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC). Important post will be considered if the foreign paid-up capital are at least RM500,000. However, this sum is only a guideline and the number of important posts applied is dependent on the company's needs. Application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). 8.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channelled through commercial financial institutions. Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs: (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Management Consultancy Services 147 Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Additional financial assistance schemes are available for SMEs under the Special Assistance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs other than the above five financial assistance schemes: (a) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs (b) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product (c) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs Additional qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) (ii) For a 100% owned Malaysian company: • A minimum of 51% of the equity must be held by the woman/women or • In the case where the majority equity is not held by the woman/women - The largest single shareholder must be a woman and the company is run and managed by a woman or - The Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a woman and has a minimum equity of 10% in the company For 60% Malaysian owned company: • A minimum of 51% of the local equity must be held by the woman/women and the company is run and managed by a woman or • The MD/CEO must be a woman and she must hold a minimum of 10% in the company • For existing business of minimum period of one year, grants are offered for expansion programmes Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. 148 Management Consultancy Services (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the Government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. (d) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to acquire and improve product packaging, design and labeling. It enables companies to improve their product packaging to enhance product appearance and comply with market regulations. A total of RM100 million has been allocated to implement the scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM200,000. (e) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product The scheme is introduced to encourage SMEs in the development and promotion of halal products (food and non-food). A total of RM10 million has been allocated to implement the Scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM150,000. Management Consultancy Services 149 (ii) Institute of Global Management (IGM) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs This scheme provides assistance for SMEs to improve their marketing strategies to compete in both the domestic as well as export markets. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the cost of training is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. (iii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum; - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the relevant agencies. Please refer Section 8.6 for contact details. 150 Management Consultancy Services Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 8.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for nonSMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand. (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia. Eligible expenses: (i) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation Management Consultancy Services 151 (ii) (iii) (iv) • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000.00) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 8.6 for contact details. 8.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 8.6 for contact details. Incentive for Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) Status Companies Qualifying criteria are as follows: 152 (i) Be a Provider or a Heavy User of Multimedia Products and Services. (ii) Employ a substantial number of knowledge workers. (iii) Provide technology transfer and/or contribute towards the development of the MSC or support Malaysia's k-economy initiatives. Management Consultancy Services (iv) Establish a separate legal entity for the MSC qualifying multimedia business and activities. (v) Locate in a MSC designated cybercity. (vi) Comply with environmental guidelines. MSC Status companies may enjoy the following financial incentives: (i) Five-year exemption from Malaysian income tax, renewable to 10 years, or a 100% Investment Tax Allowance (ITA) of qualifying capital expenditures from its statutory income for five years (ii) Duty-free importation of multimedia equipment (iii) Eligibility for R&D grants Other benefits: (i) Intellectual property protection and a comprehensive framework of cyberlaws (ii) No censorship of the Internet (iii) World-class physical and IT infrastructure (iv) High-powered implementation agency, the Multimedia Development Corporation (MDC), to provide consultancy and assistance within MSC (v) A well-planned high quality urban development (vi) Excellent R&D facilities (vii) A green and protected environment Application should be submitted to MDC. Please refer Section 8.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in management consultancy services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. Management Consultancy Services 153 8.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A • Partnership CCM Form A • Local Company CCM Form 13 A • Foreign Company CCM Form 13 A • Sole proprietorship • Government Procurement • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence 154 Management Consultancy Services Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website: www.eperolehan.com.my State Local Authority Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Prescribed Form Form JKED 1 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1, Block D5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th, Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my Specific Immigration Procedures • Employment Pass Application (MSC Status Companies) MSC Management Services Sdn Bhd (MSCMS) Stage One Processing Team Suite F 01-02, First Floor 2300 Century Square Jalan Usahawan 63000 Cyberjaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 8313 7200 Fax : (603) 8313 7299 Website : www.mscms.com.my Email : [email protected] Pass Application Form Management Consultancy Services 155 Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Employment Pass Application Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya, Federal Territory Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) 156 Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form Management Consultancy Services Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labelling Capabilities of SMEs SMIDEC Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labelling Capabilities of SMEs Form • Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product SMIDEC Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product Form • Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs Institute of Global Management (IGM) No. 39 & 41, 1st & 2nd Floor Jalan USJ 21/10, City Centre UEP Subang Jaya, P.O Box 8629 46794 Petaling Jaya Selangor Tel : (603) 8024 0060 Fax : (603) 8024 0086 Website : www.igm.edu.my Email : [email protected] • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] • Soft Loan for Small and Medium Enterprises • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme MIDF Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] - Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme Management Consultancy Services 157 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 • Incentive for MSC Status Companies Multimedia Development Corporation Sdn Bhd (MDC) MSC Headquarters 2360 Persiaran APEC 63000 Cyberjaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 8315 3000 Fax : (603) 8318 8519 Website : www.mdc.com.my Email : [email protected] Pre-Application Form • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Tax Incentives • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports 158 Management Consultancy Services IRB Application Form Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Section 9 Market Research Services 9.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • 9.2 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Equity Policy • • • Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) 9.3 Specific Immigration Procedures 9.4 Financial Assistance • • • 9.5 Tax Incentives • • 9.6 Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Application Procedures 9 MARKET RESEARCH SERVICES Market research services (classified under code 86401, Central Product Classification) is defined as the investigation services designed to secure information on the prospects and performance of an organisation's products in the market. It includes market analysis (size and other characteristics of a market) and analysis of consumer attitudes and preferences utilising personal interviews, telephone and mail surveys, historical data, etc. Economic and social intelligence services not in connection with merchandised products, such as industry analysis, econometric modeling, demographic analysis, etc., are also included. It excludes public opinion polling services classified in subclass 86402. 9.1 Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of a company providing market research services requires the party (individual or individuals) to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any market research services firms wishing to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under code 240600 for Marketing and Research Management. (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF: (i) 162 Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active current account. (v) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV or work experience. (vi) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. Market Research Services (vii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. (viii) Shareholder must also be a full time Executive Director. (ix) For professions whose ethics of service are not governed by any Professional Boards, the field of expertise applied for registration is based on the academic qualifications or working experience of the owner or the partners of the partnership. (x) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with the MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the CCM. (ii) Firms that register with MOF can be classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and is dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of company’s business premise Market Research Services 163 (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide market research services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Consultancy services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 9.2 Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins) have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera’s equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) As a signatory to General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Malaysia allows foreigners to provide market research services (CPC 864) in Malaysia subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2). Market research services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. Foreign investment in market research services can be made only through a locally incorporated joint-venture corporation with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both and Bumiputera shareholding in the joint-venture corporate must exceed 30%. 164 Market Research Services ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) As a signatory to ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS), Malaysia allows foreign professionals within ASEAN to provide market research services (CPC 864) in Malaysia subject to the ASEAN Service Commitments. There are no restrictions under cross border supply (mode 1) and consumption abroad (mode 2). Market research services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. Foreign investment in market research services can be made only through a locally incorporated joint-venture corporation with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both with foreign equity up to 35%. 9.3 Specific Immigration Procedures Companies providing market research services in Malaysia may employ expatriates. The company must submit its applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Important post will be considered if the foreign paid-up capital are at least RM 500,000. However, this sum is only a guideline and the number of important posts applied is dependent on the company's needs. Application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). 9.4 Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channelled through commercial financial institutions. Market Research Services 165 Eight different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs: (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs (e) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product (f) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs (g) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (h) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Companies providing manufacturing related services incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 with annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM25 million or full-time employees not exceeding 150 (ii) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (iii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iv) Possess valid premise licence Additional qualifying criteria are required under the Special Assistance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs: (i) (ii) For a 100% owned Malaysian company: • A minimum of 51% of the equity must be held by the woman/women or • In the case where the majority equity is not held by the woman/women - In the largest single shareholder must be a woman and the company is run and managed by a woman or - The Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a woman and has a minimum equity of 10% in the company For 60% Malaysian owned company: • A minimum of 51% of the local equity must be held by the woman/women and the company is run and managed by a woman or • The MD/CEO must be a woman and she must hold a minimum of 10% in the company • For existing business of minimum period of one year, grants are offered for expansion programmes Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. 166 Market Research Services (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. (d) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to acquire and improve product packaging, design and labeling. It enables companies to improve their product packaging to enhance product appearance and comply with market regulations. A total of RM100 million has been allocated to implement the Scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM200,000. (e) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product The scheme is introduced to encourage SMEs in the development and promotion of halal products (food and non-food). A total of RM10 million has been allocated to implement the Scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM150,000. Market Research Services 167 (ii) Institute of Global Management (IGM) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs This scheme provides assistance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to improve their marketing strategies to compete in both the domestic as well as export markets. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the cost of training is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. (iii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum; - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the relevant agencies. Please refer Section 9.6 for contact details. 168 Market Research Services Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 9.6 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of the Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for nonSMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand. (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia. Eligible expenses: (i) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development Market Research Services 169 (ii) (iii) (iv) • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual and information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 9.6 for contact details. 9.5 Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 9.6 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in market research services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. 170 Market Research Services 9.6 Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A • Partnership CCM Form A • Local Company CCM Form 13 A • Foreign Company CCM Form 13 A • Sole Proprietorship • Government Procurement • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website : www.eperolehan.com.my State Local Authority Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Prescribed Form Form JKED 1 Market Research Services 171 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1, Block D5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my - Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 Specific Immigration Procedures • Employment Pass Application 172 Market Research Services Application • Endorsement of Employment Pass Where to Apply Form(s) Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form • Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs SMIDEC Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs Form • Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product SMIDEC Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product Form Market Research Services 173 Application • Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs Institute of Global Management (IGM) No. 39 & 41, 1st & 2nd Floor Jalan USJ 21/10, City Centre UEP Subang Jaya, P.O Box 8629 46794 Petaling Jaya Selangor Tel : (603) 8024 0060 Fax : (603) 8024 0086 Website : www.igm.edu.my Email : [email protected] • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] • Soft Loan for SMEs • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme 174 Where to Apply Market Research Services MIDF Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Form(s) - Loan Enquiry Form Loan Enquiry Form Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme Application • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Where to Apply Form(s) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Tax Incentives • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports IRB Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Market Research Services 175 Section 10 Advertising 10.1 Licensing and Registration • • • • 10.2 Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia Registration with Ministry of Finance Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Service Tax Licence Equity Policy • • Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) 10.3 Specific Immigration Procedures 10.4 Financial Assistance • • • 10.5 Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Tax Incentives • • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports 10.6 Advertising Practice 10.7 Application Procedures 10 ADVERTISING Advertising (classified under code 74300, Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification) refers to the provision of advertising services by advertising agency. Advertising agency activities encompass creating and placing advertisement in periodicals, newspapers, radio, television and outdoor advertising. Its activities also include media representation, aerial advertising, distribution or delivery of advertising materials or samples, and renting of spaces for advertisement. Outdoor advertising refers to billboards, panels, bulletins and frames, window dressing, showroom design, car and bus carding, etc. Media representation refers to sale of time and space for various media soliciting advertising. It excludes the following: (a) Printing of advertising material which is classified in Item 22210: Printing. (b) Market research which is classified in Item 74130: Market research and public opinion polling. (c) Public relations activities which are classified in Item 74143: Public relations consultancy services. (d) Direct mailing activities which are classified in Item 74992: Bill collecting, credit rating, direct mailing, mail advertising and similar activities. (e) Production of commercial messages for radio, television and film which are classified in the appropriate items of Group 921: Motion picture, radio, television and other entertainment activities. 10.1Licensing and Registration Registration with Companies Commission of Malaysia The setting up of a company providing advertising services requires the party (individual or individuals) to register with Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956, or incorporate a company under the Companies Act, 1965. A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia with CCM. Foreign company means a company, corporation, society, association or other body incorporated outside Malaysia which under the law of its place of origin may sue or be sued. For a foreign company to register a company in Malaysia, the same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply. Registration with Ministry of Finance Any advertising agencies wishing to tender for government contracts must register with the Ministry of Finance (MOF) under code 241800 for Design and Advertising. (a) Conditions that must be fulfilled for registration with MOF (i) 178 Advertising Firm with accumulated/paid-up capital as follows: • Sole proprietorship - RM10,000 and above • Partnership - RM20,000 and above • Private limited company - RM20,000 and above (ii) The firm needs to have a legitimate office address, either leased or own property. (iii) The firm needs to have at least one sub-professional and clerk (excluding the Office Manager) under permanent employment and who contribute to the Employee Provident Fund (EPF) account. (iv) The firm needs to have an active current account. (v) Owner of the firm needs to possess professional qualification in the field of expertise applied for registration, in accordance to the provision of laws and regulations. The applicant is required to submit his/her CV or work experience. (vi) All shareholders or partners are required to possess at least five (5) years of working experience upon obtaining their academic degree. (vii) Application by firms with shareholding under nominee or corporate is not acceptable with the exception of Higher Learning Institution and Financial Institution. (viii) Shareholder must also be a full time Executive Director. (ix) For professions whose ethics of service are not governed by any Professional Boards, the field of expertise applied for registration is based on the academic qualifications or working experience of the owner or the partners of the partnership. (x) The firm that applied for registration with MOF must have at least one shareholder, one sub-professional and one clerk who are in full-time employment. (b) Registration Policy (i) The registration with the MOF can take place upon the registration of the firm with the CCM. (ii) Firms that register with MOF can be classified as: • Ordinary Registration - This applies to wholly-owned Malaysian firms. All shareholders, Board of Directors, management and staff are Malaysian citizens. • Local-foreign Joint-venture - Firms have to be incorporated in Malaysia where foreign shares cannot exceed 30% and share holdings of Bumiputera cannot be less than 30%. The composition of the Board of Directors, management and staff must be of the same proportion. Application must be made only through www.eperolehan.com.my Signboard Licence Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to each of the local authorities and is dependent on the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Advertising 179 Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of the company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Service Tax Licence The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and “Joint Development Area”. Under the Service Tax Act, 1975 and the Service Tax Regulation, 1975, companies that provide advertising services that generate a total annual sales turnover of RM150,000 or more are required to obtain a Service Tax Licence. The rate of the service tax is 5% on the value of the services rendered. Consultancy services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. In addition, the provision of advertising services for promotion outside Malaysia is also exempted from the service tax. Application for Service Tax Licence should be submitted to the Royal Customs Department. 10.2Equity Policy The Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, to increase local participation in business, the government encourages joint-ventures between Malaysian and foreign investors. The Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests” (Appendix A). Foreign Investment Committee Guidelines The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, the FIC has liberalised the Malaysian policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins) have to hold at least 30% of the equity. Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity are required to increase the Bumiputera’s equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. 180 Advertising General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) As a signatory to General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Malaysia allows foreigners to provide advertising services (CPC 8711, 8712, 8719) subject to the Schedule of Specific Commitments. Foreigners can only provide cross border supply (mode 1) through commercial presence. There is no restriction under consumption abroad (mode 2). Advertising services may be supplied only by natural person subject to the horizontal commitment. Foreign investment in advertising services can be made only through a locally incorporated joint-venture corporation with Malaysian individuals or Malaysian controlled corporations or both and the aggregate foreign shareholding in the joint-venture corporation shall not exceed 30%. For advertisement through electronic media, it must have at least 80% local content and be made in Malaysia. 10.3Specific Immigration Procedures Companies providing advertising services in Malaysia may employ expatriates. The company must submit its applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department. Before applying for the employment pass for expatriates, the company or organisation must apply for approval of the related post from Expatriate Committee of the Immigration Department. Important post will be considered if the foreign paid up capital are at least RM 500,000. However, this sum is only a guideline and the number of important posts applied is dependent on the company's needs. Application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Upon approval of the expatriate posts, companies should forward their applications for Employment Passes to the Immigration Department for endorsement. Spouses and children of the expatriates can apply for dependant passes once the expatriates have been issued with employment pass. The dependant pass may be applied together with the application before the employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Spouses and children of the expatriates who enter the country on a visit (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). 10.4Financial Assistance Financial Assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) The government provides an enabling environment for the growth and development of globally competitive and resilient small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Initiatives and programmes by the government are directed towards addressing constraints and enhancing capabilities of SMEs in areas such as financial accessibility, advisory services, marketing, technology and ICT. Financial assistance in the form of grants and soft loans are provided by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) and its agencies. Apart from the government, funds are also channelled through commercial financial institutions. Advertising 181 Five different types of financial schemes are available for SMEs: (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) (d) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption (e) Soft Loan for SMEs Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) For the services sector, businesses must be incorporated under the Registration of Business Ordinance, 1956 under CCM with an annual sales turnover of not exceeding RM5 million or full-time employees not exceeding 50 (ii) At least 60% of equity must be held by Malaysians (iii) Possess valid premise licence Additional financial assistance schemes are available for SMEs under the Special Assistance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs other than the above five financial assistance schemes: (a) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs (b) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product (c) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs Additional qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) (ii) For a 100% owned Malaysian company: • A minimum of 51% of the equity must be held by the woman/women or • In the case where the majority equity is not held by the woman/women - The largest single shareholder must be a woman and the company is run and managed by a woman or - The Managing Director (MD)/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is a woman and has a minimum equity of 10% in the company For 60% Malaysian owned company: • A minimum of 51% of the local equity must be held by the woman/women and the company is run and managed by a woman or • The MD/CEO must be a woman and she must hold a minimum of 10% in the company • For existing business of minimum period of one year, grants are offered for expansion programmes Agencies that are responsible for the administration of these financial assistance schemes are presented below. 182 Advertising (i) Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to undertake studies in business planning, technology and market development. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM40,000. (b) Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to improve and upgrade existing product, product design and processes. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM500,000. (c) Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) The scheme provides assistance to SMEs for productivity and quality improvement and to comply with international quality standards and certification. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM250,000. (d) Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging, Design and Labeling Capabilities of SMEs The scheme provides assistance to SMEs to acquire and improve product packaging, design and labeling. It enables companies to improve their product packaging to enhance product appearance and comply with market regulations. A total of RM100 million has been allocated to implement the scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM200,000. (e) Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product The scheme is introduced to encourage SMEs in the development and promotion of halal products (food and non-food). A total of RM10 million has been allocated to implement the scheme. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the approved project cost is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. The maximum grant allocated per company is RM150,000. Advertising 183 (ii) Institute of Global Management (IGM) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs This scheme provides assistance for SMEs to improve their marketing strategies to compete in both the domestic as well as export markets. Assistance is given in the form of a matching grant where 50% of the cost of training is borne by the government and the remainder by the applicant. (iii) Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Types of Financial Assistance Schemes Description Forms of Assistance (a) Soft Loan for ICT Adoption This scheme provides assistance in the form of soft loan for SMEs to adopt ICT to improve competitiveness, efficiency and productivity. Loan: - minimum loan RM20,000 - maximum loan RM250,000 - interest rate: 3% per annum - repayment period: up to 5 years Not to be used for refinancing of existing loan Percentage of financing up to 75% (b) Soft Loan for SMEs This soft loan scheme is to assist existing as well as new start-up companies in project, fixed assets and working capital financing. Minimum : RM50,000 Maximum : - Project Financing - RM5 million (including preoperational expenses of up to RM250,000) - Fixed Assets Financing RM2.5 million; and - Working Capital Financing - RM1 million Interest rate: 4% p.a. Application should be submitted to the relevant agencies. Please refer Section 10.7 for contact details. 184 Advertising Tabung Usahawan Siswazah (TUS) / Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme The SME Bank provides funding assistance of a minimum of RM20,000 to up to RM250,000 to part finance business ventures by graduates. The eligibility criteria for this fund are: (i) Sole proprietorship/Partnership/Private Limited companies registered under the Companies Act, 1965 (majority of equity must be held by graduates) (ii) Graduates must have completed tertiary level studies - diploma/bachelor/PhD (iii) Successfully attended courses provided by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperative Development (MECD) (iv) Graduates must not be more than 35 years old during registration with MECD Application should be submitted to the SME Bank. Please refer Section 10.7 for contact details. Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) The objective of BPG is to develop and promote in the international market brand names owned by Malaysian companies for products and services originating from Malaysia. Companies can obtain 100% reimbursable grants of up to a maximum of RM1 million per company per brand (for SMEs only), or 50% reimbursable grant of up to a maximum of RM2 million per company per brand (for non-SMEs).This scheme is extended to all services. The BPG will only be granted to eligible brands identified to be assisted by the Brand Grant Approval Committee. Qualifying criteria are as follows: (i) Incorporated under the Companies Act, 1965 (ii) At least 60% equity is owned by Malaysians (iii) Companies own the brand and is the registered approved owner of the trademark registered in any country and has rights to it (iv) Annual sales turnover of not more than RM250 million (based on the latest financial report) (v) For 100% reimbursable grant, annual sales turnover not exceeding RM5 million or with full time employees not exceeding 50 (vi) Products/services are already exported with at least 20% of the sales from export. For companies that do not meet the 20% export condition, the application may be considered based on the export potential and commitment of the company to develop the brand into an international brand. (vii) Products/services should originate from Malaysia. Advertising 185 Eligible expenses: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Branding/marketing strategy consultancy (subject to maximum limit of not more than 10% of grant approved): • Brand strategy, creation and development • Marketing strategy and implementation • Media strategy • Brand communication strategy • Brand management system • Brand manual & information system Brand Development: • Logo design and redesign • Product design and redesign • Packaging design and redesign • Intellectual property matters, including registration and trademark Brand Promotion: • Customer relationship management system to monitor brand • Advertising and Promotion (maximum 50% of grant approved) • Enhancement of Brand Website (maximum grant RM50,000) Brand Market Research/Service: • Brand Audit/Valuation • Research • Brand Tracking Application should be submitted to Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE). Please refer Section 10.7 for contact details. 10.5Tax Incentives The general tax incentives applicable to services are presented below. All claims relating to tax incentives should be submitted to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). Please refer Section 10.7 for contact details. Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services Double deduction on expenses for promotion of all services is given only to companies registered with CCM. 186 Advertising Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports Companies engaged in advertising services are given tax exemption on the statutory income equivalent to 50% of the value of increased exports. 10.6Advertising Practice The Malaysian Code of Advertising Practice is a fundamental part of the system of control by which the advertising activities are regulated in Malaysia. It is administered by the Advertising Standards Authority Malaysia (ASAM). It does not cover publicity for products which appear in media otherwise than in space or time paid by advertisers. Please contact the ASAM for details of the code. Outdoor advertising guidelines and approvals are under the auspices of respective state government / local authorities. Government-owned television and radio have their own Advertising Code (Kod Pengiklanan) which is under the control of the Ministry of Information. Advertisements communicated electronically, which include private-owned television and radio, online services and audiotext hosting services otherwise referred to as premium rate services, have their own Content Code which is administered by the Malaysian Communications & Multimedia Content Forum (CMCF) of Malaysia. Commercials must have at least 80% local content and be made in Malaysia if they wish to qualify as a Made-in Malaysia advertisement according to the Made-in Malaysia (MIM) rules under Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS). The Film Censorship Board (Lembaga Penapisan Filem) has its own Film Censorship Guidelines (Garis Panduan Penapisan Filem). General guidelines to be followed by the companies providing advertising services are: 1. All advertisement shall be legal, decent, honest and truthful. 2. Advertisements must project the Malaysian culture and identity, reflect the multiracial character of the population and advocate the philosophy of “RUKUNEGARA” which reads as follows: • Believe in God • Loyalty to King and Country • Upholding the Constitution • Rule of Law • Good Behaviour and Morality Advertising 187 3. Advertisement must not identify or type-cast each particular racial group or sex with vocations, traditional values and backgrounds. 4. A list of statutes affecting advertising is set out. Particular attention is drawn to the Trade Description Act. 5. Advertisements must comply in every respect with the Law, common or statute. Advertising should not propagate fraudulent trade practice. 6. No advertising material which tends to offend the proprieties of ethics generally observed by the community or contain terms, words or subject matter not generally considered acceptable in polite conversation shall be accepted. 7. All advertisement shall be prepared with a sense of responsibility to the consumer. 8. All advertisement shall conform to the principles of fair competition as generally accepted in business. 9. No advertisement shall bring advertising into disrepute or reduce confidence in advertising as a service to the industry and to the public. 10. Advertisements must be clearly distinguishable as such. 10.7Application Procedures Application Where to Apply Form(s) Licensing and Registration Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) 2nd Floor, 10-18, Putra Place 100 Jalan Putra 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 4047 6000 Fax : (603) 4047 6317 Website : www.ssm.com.my Email : [email protected] Form A • Partnership CCM Form A • Local Company CCM Form 13 A • Foreign Company CCM Form 13 A • Sole proprietorship 188 Advertising Application • Government Procurement • Signboard Licence • Service Tax Licence Where to Apply Registration Unit Government Procurement Management Division Ministry of Finance Malaysia Ground Floor, North Block Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62592 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 3166 (603) 8882 4341 (603) 8882 4339 Website : www.eperolehan.com.my State Local Authority Form(s) Application must be made through www.eperolehan.com.my Prescribed Form Royal Malaysian Customs Block 2G1B Ministry of Finance Complex Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62596 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8882 2100 (603) 8882 2300 (603) 8882 2500 Fax : (603) 8889 5899 (603) 8889 5901 Website : www.customs.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form JKED 1 Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) Economic Planning Unit Prime Minister’s Department Level 1, Block D5 Federal Government Administrative Centre 60502 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8888 2944 (603) 8888 2916 Fax : (603) 8888 3917 Website : www.epu.jpm.my Form FIC S2004 FIC Form FIC R/2004 Equity Policy • Acquisitions, Mergers and Takeovers • Appeal (Application for extension of time to comply equity condition imposed by FIC) Forms Proforma I/2004 and/or Proforma II/2004 Advertising 189 Application Where to Apply Form(s) Trade Practices Division Ministry of International Trade and Industry 12th Floor, Block 10 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6203 3053 Fax : (603) 6201 9920 Website : www.miti.gov.my - • Employment Pass Application Immigration Department of Malaysia Level 1-7 (Podium) Block 2G4 Precint 2, Federal Government Administrative Centre 62550 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8880 1000 Fax : (603) 8880 1200 Website : www.imi.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form DP10 • Endorsement of Employment Pass Immigration Department of Malaysia Form DP11 Or Or Immigration Department Office Form IM8 & IM38 • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Specific Immigration Procedures Form DP 8 Financial Assistance • Grant for Business Planning and Development (ITAF 1) 190 Advertising Small and Medium Industries Development Corporation (SMIDEC) Level 8 , Tower C, Uptown 5 No.5, Jalan SS21/39 Damansara Uptown Damansara Utama 47400 Petaling Jaya Selangor Darul Ehsan Tel : (603) 7628 7400 Fax : (603) 7660 1919 Website : www.smidec.gov.my Email : [email protected] ITAF 1 Form Application Where to Apply Form(s) • Grant for Product and Process Improvement (ITAF 2) SMIDEC ITAF 2 Form • Grant for Productivity and Quality Improvement and Certification (ITAF 3) SMIDEC ITAF 3 Form • Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labelling Capabilities of SMEs SMIDEC Grant for Enhancing Product Packaging Design and Labelling Capabilities of SMEs Form • Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product SMIDEC Grant for Development and Promotion of Halal Product Form • Grant for Enhancing Marketing Skills of SMEs Institute of Global Management (IGM) No. 39 & 41, 1st & 2nd Floor Jalan USJ 21/10, City Centre UEP Subang Jaya, P.O Box 8629 46794 Petaling Jaya Selangor Tel : (603) 8024 0060 Fax : (603) 8024 0086 Website : www.igm.edu.my Email : [email protected] • Soft Loan Scheme for ICT Adoption Malaysian Industrial Development Finance Berhad (MIDF) Bangunan MIDF 195A, Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2161 0066 (603) 2161 1166 Fax : (603) 2161 5973 (603) 2161 3906 Website : www.midf.com.my Email : [email protected] - Loan Enquiry Form Advertising 191 Application Where to Apply • Soft Loan for SMEs MIDF Form(s) Loan Enquiry Form • Graduate Entrepreneur Scheme Bank Perusahaan Kecil & Sederhana Malaysia Berhad (SME Bank) Menara SME Bank Jalan Sultan Ismail P.O. Box 12352 50774 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2615 2020 (603) 2615 2828 Fax : (603) 2692 8520 (603) 2698 1748 Website : www.smebank.com.my Email : [email protected] Register for Entrepreneur Training Scheme • Brand Promotion Grant (BPG) Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th Floor, Wisma Sime Darby Jalan Raja Laut 50350 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363 Website : www.matrade.gov.my Email : [email protected] Form BPG1/05 The Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) 15th Floor, Block 9 Government Offices Complex Jalan Duta, P.O. Box 11833 50758 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 6209 1000 Fax : (603) 6201 3798 Website : www.hasilnet.org.my Email : [email protected] Form DD/POE/PS/2003-1 Tax Incentives • Double Deduction on Promotion of Export of Services • Tax Exemption on the Value of Increased Exports 192 Advertising IRB Form EX/AIES/2003-1 Application Where to Apply Advertising Practice • Malaysian Code of Advertising Practice Advertising Standards Authority Malaysia Unit 706, Block B Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara I 9 Jalan 16/11, off Jalan Damansara 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel : (603) 7660 8535 Fax : (603) 7660 8532 • Advertising Code Ministry of Information Angkasapuri 50610 Kuala Lumpur Tel : (603) 2282 5333 Fax : (603) 2282 1255 Website : www.kempen.gov.my Email : [email protected] • Content Code Communications & Multimedia Content Forum of Malaysia (CMCF) Unit 706, Block B Pusat Dagangan Phileo Damansara I 9 Jalan 16/11, off Jalan Damansara 46350 Petaling Jaya, Selangor Tel : (603) 7660 8535 Fax : (603) 7660 8532 Website : www.cmcf.org.my Email : [email protected] • Guideline for the Application & Issuance of the Made in Malaysia Certificate (MIM) Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem National Malaysia (FINAS) Kompleks Studio Merdeka Jalan Hulu Kelang 68000 Jalan Ampang Selangor Tel : (603) 4108 5722 Fax : (603) 4107 5216 Website : www.finas.gov.my Email : [email protected] • Film Censorship Guidelines Film Censorship Board/Film Control Division Ministry of Home Affairs Level 3, Block D2, Parcel D Federal Government Administrative Centre 62546 Putrajaya Tel : (603) 8886 3330 Fax : (603) 8889 1685 Website : www.moha.gov.my Email : [email protected] Advertising 193 Appendices A Methods of Conducting Business in Malaysia B Taxation C Immigration Procedures D Manpower for Industry E Banking, Finance and Exchange Administration F Intellectual Property Protection G Environmental Protection H General Agreement on Trade in Services Appendix A Methods of Conducting Business in Malaysia 1. Methods of Conducting Business in Malaysia In Malaysia, a business may be conducted: 2. (i) By an individual operating as a sole proprietor. This applies only to Malaysians who are residents in Malaysia or foreigners who are permanent residents in Malaysia. (ii) By two (2) or more (but not more than 20) persons in a partnership. This applies only to Malaysians who are residents in Malaysia or foreigners who are permanent residents in Malaysia unless in very specific professional capacity such as solicitors. (iii) By a locally incorporated company or by a foreign company (i.e. branch office) registered under the provisions of the Companies Act, 1965. Sole Proprietorship and Partnership All sole proprietorships and partnerships must be registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) under the Registration of Business Act,1956. In the case of partnerships, partners are both jointly and severally liable for the debts and obligations of the partnership, should its assets be insufficient. Formal partnership deeds may be drawn up to govern the rights and obligations of each partner, but this is not obligatory. In the event of the death of an individual partner, the partnership is dissolved unless the partnership agreement specifically provides otherwise. A partnership is not required to file its financial statements in any public registry or to publish them in any other way. Only Malaysians who are residents in Malaysia or foreigners who are permanent residents in Malaysia may register a sole proprietorship or a partnership. 2.1 Procedure for Sole Proprietorship and Partnership A person needs to obtain prior approval from the Commission for the purposed name of the business. A complete Form A (Registration of New Business) must be return within 21 days from the date of approval of name. Form A includes all the following details:- 196 (i) Particulars of applicants (ii) Date of business commencement (iii) Branch(es) of the business (iv) Nature of business Appendix A A person must submit a copy of permit, licence and letter of approval or supporting letter when registering a business that requires special consent or approval. A person must attach the following documents to CCM:(i) Photocopy of Identity Card (ii) Photocopy of Partnership Agreement (if any) (iii) Letter from another agency (if any) The registration fee for payable to the Companies Commission of Malaysia is as follows:- 3. (i) Sole Proprietorship using personal name as identity card – RM30 (ii) Sole Proprietorship and Partnership using trade name – RM60 (iii) Registration of Branches – RM5 per branch (iv) Certified copies of New Business Registration Certificate – RM10 Locally Incorporated Company 3.1 Company Structure The Companies Act, 1965 governs all companies in Malaysia. The Act stipulates that a person must register a company with CCM before it can engage in any business activity. It provides for three (3) types of companies:(i) A company limited by shares where the personal liability of its member is limited to the par value of their shares and the number of shares taken or agreed to be taken by them (ii) A company limited by guarantee where the members (shareholders) guarantee to meet liabilities of up to the amount nominated in the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association in the event of the company being wound up (iii) An unlimited company where there is no limit to the members’ (shareholders’) liability 3.2 Company Limited by Shares The most common company structure in Malaysia is a company limited by shares. Such limited companies may be either privately-held (Sendirian Berhad or Sdn. Bhd.), or publiclisted (Berhad or Bhd.) companies. A company having a share capital may be incorporated as a private company if its Memorandum and Articles of Association:(i) Restricts the right to transfer its shares (ii) Limits the number of its owners to 50, excluding employees and some former employees (iii) Prohibits any invitation to the public to subscribe for its shares and debentures (iv) Prohibits any invitation to the public to deposit money with the company Appendix A 197 A public company may be formed or, alternatively, a private company may be converted into a public company subject to Section 26 of the Companies Act, 1965. Such a company can offer shares to the public provided:(i) It has registered a prospectus with the Securities Commission (ii) It has lodged a copy of the prospectus with the CCM on or before the date of its issue A public company can apply to have its shares quoted on Bursa Malaysia Berhad subject to its compliance with the requirements laid down by the exchange. Any subsequent issue of securities (e.g. by way of rights or bonus, or rising from an acquisition, etc.) requires the approval of the Securities Commission. 3.3 Procedure for Incorporation of Local Company Before proposing a name for incorporation of a company, a name search has to be done to determine whether the name can be used to register the company. A person must complete the Form 13A together with a payment of RM30 for each name applied. A person must then lodge the following documents with CCM within three (3) months to secure the use of the proposed name:(i) 198 Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A); • Original copy stamped at any stamp office with a RM100 stamp in the Memorandum and another RM100 in the Articles • The first Directors and Secretaries are named in the M&A • At least two Directors or more promoters shall sign the M&A (ii) Form 6 - Statutory Declaration of Compliances (iii) Form 48A - Statutory declaration by a director or promoter before appointment. The Director and promoter declared under oath that: • He/she not a bankrupt; and • He/she has not been convicted at an offence and sentenced by the Court (iv) Original copy of 13A (v) A copy of letter approving the name issued by CCM (vi) A copy of Identity Card of each Director and company secretary Appendix A Capital duty for the authorised capital must also be paid to the CCM. The registration fee for share capital payable to the CCM is as follows: Authorised share capital (RM) Up to 100,000 Fee Payable (RM) 1,000 100,001 - 500,000 3,000 500,001 - 1,000,000 5,000 1,000,001 - 5,000,000 8,000 5,000,001 - 10,000,000 10,000 10,000,000 - 25,000,000 20,000 25,000,001 - 50,000,000 40,000 50,000,001 - 100,000,000 50,000 100,000,001 and above 70,000 The Certificate of Incorporation will be issued when all the documents for registration are in order. Form 8 will be issued for a public company while Form 9 for private company. Once the Certificate of Incorporation is issued, the subscribers to the Memorandum, together with such other persons who may from time to time become members of the company, shall be a body corporate, capable of exercising the functions of an incorporated company and of suing and being sued. It has a perpetual succession under common seal with the power to hold land, but with such liability on the part of the members to contribute to its assets in the event of it being wound up, as provided for in the Companies Act, 1965. 3.4 Requirements of a Locally Incorporated Company Upon registration, a certificate of incorporation of the company will be issued by the CCM. A company must maintain a registered office in Malaysia where all books and documents required under the provisions of the Companies Act 1965 are kept. Under Section 121 of the Companies Act 1965, the name of the company shall appear in legible Romanised letter, together with the company number, on its seal and documents. A company cannot deal with its own shares or hold shares in its holding company. Each equity share of a public company carries only one vote at a poll at any general meeting of the company. A private company may, however, provide for varying voting rights for its shareholders. The secretary of the company must be a natural person of full age who has his principal or only place of residence in Malaysia. He must be a member of a prescribed body or is licensed by CCM. The company must also appoint an approved auditor to be the company auditor in Malaysia. Generally, audited accounts must be submitted to the Companies Commission of Malaysia after adoption at the annual general meeting (AGM) which should be held within six months after the end of the financial year. Appendix A 199 In addition, the company shall appoint at least two (2) directors who each has his principal or only place of residence within Malaysia. Directors of public companies or subsidiaries of public companies normally must not exceed 70 years of age. A company director may also be a shareholder. 3.5 Establishment of Foreign Company A foreign company cannot carry on business in Malaysia unless it incorporates a local company or registers the company in Malaysia. Foreign companies incorporated outside Malaysia that intends to establish a company in Malaysia must register with CCM. The same registration procedures pertaining to the registration of a locally incorporated company apply, whereby an application for conducting a name search must be submitted in Form 13A to the CCM headquarters in Kuala Lumpur or any of its branch offices in Malaysia, with a payment of RM30. The name to be used to register the foreign company in Malaysia should be the same as the one registered in its country of origin. If the intended name of the foreign company is available, the application will be approved and the name reserved for three (3) months. Upon approval, applicants must lodge the following documents with the CCM for registration (Section 332 of The Companies Act 1965):(i) A certified copy of its Certificate of Incorporation (or a document of similar effect) from the country of origin (ii) A certified copy of its Charter, Statute, or M&A, or any other instrument that constitutes or defines its constitution (iii) Form 79 - A list and particulars of its directors of the foreign company; • if the list includes directors resident in Malaysia who are members of a local board of directors include a memorandum stating their powers (iv) A Memorandum of Appointment or Power of Attorney, authorising one or more persons resident in Malaysia to accept on behalf of the company the service of process and any notices that may be served to the company (v) Form 80 - A statutory declaration in the prescribed form made by the agent of the company (vi) Original copy of Form 13A (vii) A copy of the letter approving the name issued by CCM The appointed agent will agree to undertake all acts that are required to be carried out by the company under the Companies Act, 1965. Any change of agents must be reported to the CCM within one month from the date of change together with the appropriate fees. Registration fees are payable in accordance with a graduated scale set by the CCM based on the authorised capital of the parent company. For the registration of a foreign company, the fee payable to Companies Commission of Malaysia as per payment schedule for authorised share capital for local company. 200 Appendix A Where the documents are in a foreign language, a certified translation into English or the National Language must accompany the documents - section 360. On being satisfied that the requirements of the Act are fulfilled and on payment of the appropriate fee, the Registrar will register the Company as a foreign company under Division 2 or Part XI of the Act and a certificate in form 83 will be issued evidencing the registration. The forms are technical in nature and set out in the Companies Regulations 1966. The process of registering a branch office takes one (1) month. Every foreign company shall, within a month of establishing a place of business or commencing business within Malaysia, lodge with the CCM the registration notice of the location of its registered office in Malaysia, by using the prescribed form. A foreign incorporated company must file a copy of its annual return each year within one (1) month of its annual general meeting. The company must also file a copy of the balance sheet of its headquarters, a duly audited statement of assets used, and liabilities arising out of, its operations in Malaysia, as well as a duly audited profit and loss account within two (2) months of its annual general meeting. 4. Equity Policy In general, the Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions on Malaysian incorporated companies. However, persons wanting to set up private practices in the accredited professional services are required to possess the necessary licensing conditions specified by the respective licensing authorities of the accredited professional services. The licensing conditions are as follow: Accredited Professional Services Licensing Conditions* Licensing Authorities Legal Services Annual Certificate Practising Certificate Bar Council Malaysia High Court of Malaya Accounting and Auditing Services Practising Certificate Audit Licence Liquidators Licence Ministry of Finance Taxation Services Tax Licence Ministry of Finance Architectural Consultancy Registration Certificate Board of Architects Malaysia Surveying Services and Consultancy Registration Certificate Board of Quantity Surveyors, Malaysia Medical Services Annual Practising Certificate Malaysia Medical Council Dental Services Annual Practising Certificate Malaysia Dental Council Pharmaceutical Services Full Registration Certificate Pharmacy Board of Malaysia Nursing and Midwives Board Annual Practising Certificate Nursing and Midwives Board Energy Consultancy Services Certificate of Registration Board of Engineers Malaysia Appendix A 201 Please note that the licensing conditions also apply for private practices in the form of sole proprietor or partnership. Although the Companies Act, 1965 does not stipulate any equity conditions during the incorporation of companies in Malaysia, the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) has a set of “Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Take-overs by Local and Foreign Interests” in the Malaysian incorporated companies. 4.1 Foreign Investment Committee Equity Guidelines on the Acquisition of Interests, Mergers and Takeovers by Local and Foreign Interests The Malaysian government has liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation in businesses in Malaysia as one of its strategies to continuously attract new investments into the country. In 2004, the FIC had liberalised its policy on foreign equity participation to allow foreigners to hold up to 70% of the equity in a Malaysian company. Of the remaining balance, 30% has to be allocated to Bumiputeras (Malaysians of indigenous origins). The FIC equity conditions include: (i) Companies which do not have any Bumiputera equity or having less than 30% Bumiputera equity, are required to increase the Bumiputera equity to at least 30%. The remaining equity shareholding can be held either by local interest, foreign interest or by both. (ii) The requirement of at least 30% Bumiputera equity participation will be applied uniformly except if expressly stated otherwise by the government. (iii) For companies which activities involve national interests such as water and energy supply, broadcasting, defense and security, the participation of foreign interest is limited to 30%. In certain circumstances, the government may also impose other conditions such as the issuance of the “golden share”. (iv) Companies with Bumiputera equity shareholding of 30% or more, but less than 51% are required to maintain at least 30% Bumiputera equity at all times. (v) Companies which already have Bumiputera equity shareholding of 51% or more, will be required to maintain at least 51% Bumiputera equity at all times. (vi) For companies incurring losses and undertaking debt restructuring, the equity conditions may be waived and the company’s equity structure will be reviewed after three (3) years from the date of FIC’s approval letter. (vii) For a non-licensed manufacturing company incorporated after 31 July 1998, no equity condition will be imposed. (viii) The equity conditions that will be imposed on companies seeking listing on Bursa Malaysia are as follows: • 202 Appendix A upon listing on the Main Board or Second Board, companies are required to have at least 30% Bumiputera equity unless exempted by the relevant government agencies or regulatory bodies; 5. • for listing on the Malaysian Exchange of Securities Dealing and Automated Quotation Berhad (MESDAQ) market, companies are required to comply with the Bumiputera equity condition as stipulated in the Bursa Malaysia Listing Requirements For The MESDAQ Market; and • for listing of companies having major foreign-based operations as defined in SC’s Policies And Guidelines On Issue/Offer Of Securities, the 30% Bumiputera equity shareholding requirement need not be complied with. (ix) For companies which are allowed to issue/offer Depository Receipts (DR) overseas, the allocation of 30% equity to Bumiputera will not be imposed on the DR. (x) Any corporate transaction that involves in the increase of the paid-up capital and results in the dilution of Bumiputera equity, 30% of the new shares issued must be offered to Bumiputera investors. (xi) For transactions which require approval of any government agencies/statutory bodies, the equity condition imposed will be considered by the relevant government agencies/statutory bodies based on this Guideline. Signboard Licences Issued by State Authorities Companies intending to set up an office are required to obtain a signboard licence from the respective local authorities, depending on the nature of the business activity. There are 147 local authorities in Malaysia. The requirements for obtaining a signboard licence may vary according to the conditions set/requirements of each local authority. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority (based on the location of the business premise) about the specific rules and regulations pertaining to signboard registration. The fee for signboard registration may vary according to the local authority and is dependent upon the size and type of the signboard. Applicants are advised to contact the relevant local authority where the company will be located. Generally, an application for a signboard licence must be accompanied by the following documents:(i) A copy of the company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and Forms 9, 24 and 49 (ii) A copy of either the rental agreement or the sales and purchase agreement of the company’s business premise (iii) A copy of location plan of the company’s business premise (iv) Photographs showing the location of the company’s signboard (v) Samples of the signboard indicating its design and colours Appendix A 203 Appendix B Taxation 1. Taxation in Malaysia All income of companies and individuals accrued in, derived from or remitted to Malaysia, are liable to tax. However, income derived from outside Malaysia and remitted to Malaysia by resident companies (except those involved in the banking, insurance, shipping and sea transportation businesses), non-resident companies and non-resident individuals are exempted from tax. Effective from the year of assessment 2004, income remitted to Malaysia by a resident individual is also exempted from tax. To modernise and streamline the tax administration system, the assessment of income tax was changed to a current year basis of assessment from the year 2000. In 2001, the SelfAssessment System replaced the Official Assessment System for companies and in 2004; it was implemented for businesses, partnerships, cooperatives and salaried groups. Apart from income tax, there are other direct taxes such as stamp duty and real property gains tax, and indirect taxes such as sales tax, service tax, excise duty, import duty and export duty. 2. Sources of Income Liable to Tax The following sources of income are liable to tax:(i) Gains and profits from a trade, profession and business (ii) Gains or profits from an employment (salaries, remuneration, etc.) (iii) Dividends, interests or discounts (iv) Rents, royalties or premiums (v) Pensions, annuities or other periodic payments (vi) Other gains or profits of an income nature Chargeable income is arrived at after adjusting for allowable expenses incurred in the production of the income, capital allowances and incentives where applicable. Section 34 of the Income Tax Act, 1967 allows specific provisions for bad or doubtful debts. However, no deduction for book depreciation is allowed although capital allowances are granted. Unabsorbed business losses and unabsorbed capital allowances may be allowed to be carried forward if there is continuity of ownership i.e. the shareholders of the company are substantially the same on the last day of the basis period for the year of assessment in which the amount was ascertained and the first day of the year of assessment in which the loss is to be setoff, except for companies with Pioneer Status. 204 Appendix B 3. Company Tax A company, whether resident or not, is assessable on income accrued in or derived from Malaysia. Income derived from sources outside Malaysia and remitted by a resident company is exempted from tax, except in the case of the banking and insurance business, and shipping and air transportation undertakings. A company is considered a resident in Malaysia if the control and management of its affairs are exercised in Malaysia. Under Income Tax 1967, a tax rate of 28% applies to both resident and non-resident companies. However companies with a paid-up capital of RM2.5 million and below are subject to a corporate tax of 20% on chargeable income of up to RM500,000. The corporate rate on the remaining chargeable income is maintained at 28%. 4. Personal Income Tax All individuals are liable to tax on income accrued in, derived from or remitted to Malaysia. However, a non-resident individual will be taxed only on income earned in Malaysia. The rate of tax depends on the individual’s resident status, which is determined by the duration of his stay in the country as stipulated under Section 7 of the Income Tax Act, 1967. Generally, an individual residing in Malaysia for more than 182 days in a year has resident status. However, there are other conditions where the individual can be treated as a resident even if he stays for less than 182 days. An individual is resident in Malaysia in the basis year of assessment if he: (i) is in Malaysia for not less than 182 days in the relevant basis year (ii) is in Malaysia for a period of less than 182 days in the basis year and that period is linked to another period where he is continuously in Malaysia for not less than 182 days immediately before or after the relevant basis year. Where temporary absence occur, the period of temporary absence can be taken to form part of such period, where he is in Malaysia, immediately prior to or after the temporary absence (iii) is in Malaysia for not less than 90 days (need not be consecutive) in the basis year and is resident or has been in Malaysia for 90 days or more in 3 out of the 4 preceding years of assessment or (iv) has not been in Malaysia in the relevant basis year but he is deemed to be resident in Malaysia in the relevant basis year if he is resident in Malaysia in the following basis year and also in the each of the 3 basis year immediately preceding the relevant basis year Effective from the year of assessment 2004, income remitted to Malaysia by a resident individual is also exempted from tax. Appendix B 205 4.1 Resident Individual A resident individual is taxed on his chargeable income at a graduated rate from 0% to 28% after deducting tax reliefs. Personal Relief The chargeable income of an individual resident is arrived at after making several deductions. These include the personal reliefs for self (a further RM5,000 for that individual if he is a disabled person), spouse and unmarried children below 18 years of age; parents’ medical expenses, medical expenses on serious diseases including medical examinations for individual, spouse or child; expenditure for the purchase of basic support equipment for the individual, spouse, child or parent who is disabled (RM4,000 be given for each disabled child pursuing education in a recognised institution of higher learning); and contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), life insurance premiums, and insurance premiums for education or medical benefits. An amount limited to a maximum of RM5,000 on fees expended by the individual for any course of study up to tertiary level for the purpose of acquiring scientific, technical, vocational, industrial, and information and communications technology (ICT) skills at institutions of higher learning in Malaysia recognised by the Government is also allowed as a deduction. Effective from year of assessment 2006, eligibility for relief is extended to professional courses, accountancy and law undertaken at recognised institutions of higher learning in the country. The eligible professional fields are to be approved by the Ministry of Finance. Non-Resident Citizen Relief Non-Resident Citizen Relief shall be allowed to an individual who is a citizen but not resident for the basis year for a year of assessment by reason of his employment (in the public services or the services of a statutory authority) which is exercised outside Malaysia. An individual, who is claiming relief under this provision, should make his claim in the prescribed form and should furnish such further particulars as may be required by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (IRB) Tax Rebates The tax liability of a resident individual is reduced by way of the following rebates:- 206 (i) An individual with a chargeable income not exceeding RM35, 000 enjoys a rebate of RM350. Where the wife is not working or the wife’s income is jointly assessed, she also enjoys a further rebate of RM350. Similarly, a wife who is assessed separately will also enjoy a RM350 rebate, provided her chargeable income does not exceed RM35, 000. (ii) The amount paid in respect of any zakat, fitrah or other obligatory Islamic religious dues. Appendix B (iii) RM400 towards the purchase of a personal computer once every five (5) years per family. (iv) Any fee paid to the government for the issue of an employment pass, visit pass or work permit. 4.2 Non-Resident Individual A non-resident individual is liable to tax at the rate of 28% without any personal reliefs. However, he can claim rebates in respect of the levy paid to the Government for the issuance of an employment work permit. Director General of Inland Revenue is only allowed to make assessments on income tax within a period of six years. Effective from year of assessment 2006, the Director General of Inland Revenue is empowered to make assessment after a period of six years in cases where the assessment is determined by the court or withdrawal, revocation or cancellation of any exemption, relief, remission or allowance. 5. Withholding Tax The withholding tax is imposed on income of non-resident in respect of amount paid in consideration of services rendered in Malaysia as follows:(i) 10% on special classes of income under Section 4A of Income Tax Act 1967 such as the use of moveable property, technical advice, assistance or services, installation services on the supply of plant, machinery, etc., and personal services associated with the use of intangible property. Payments to non-residents for services rendered abroad will not be liable to the withholding tax. (ii) 10% on royalty (iii) 15% on interests (iv) 15% on the services of a public entertainer. Currently, income received by non-resident skilled teaching personnel in the performing arts and the production of crafts is subject to withholding tax of 10%. Effective for a period of 5 years from 1 October 2005 it is proposed that income received by non-resident individuals who train Malaysians in such fields and related technical areas be exempted from withholding tax. A non-resident employee on a short-term visit to Malaysia enjoys tax exemption in respect of his income from an employment exercised in Malaysia when his presence does not exceed 60 days in a calendar year. However, the income of a non-resident individual who performs independent services such as consultancy services is not exempted from tax. Appendix B 207 6. Real Property Gains Tax Capital gains are generally not subject to tax in Malaysia. Real property gains tax is charged on gains arising from the disposal of real property situated in Malaysia or of interest, options or other rights in or over such land as well as the disposal of shares in real property companies. Tax rates for Malaysian citizens and permanent residents are as follows:Disposal within 2 years - 30% Disposal in the 3rd year - 20% Disposal in the 4th year - 15% Disposal in the 5th year - 5% Disposal in the 6th year and thereafter - Company - Individual 5% nil For non-citizens and non-permanent resident individuals, gains from the disposal of real property within five (5) years are taxed at a flat rate of 30%, after which the tax rate will be 5%. An exemption of RM5,000 or 10% of the gains whichever is the greater for each disposal of a property by an individual, a gain accruing to the government, a State Government or a local authority, a gain equal to the amount of estate duty payable where the disposer is compelled to dispose the property in order to pay the estate duty, besides a one-time tax exemption on the gains arising from the disposal of one (1) private residence. To accord equal tax treatment without gender bias, it is proposed that the election to claim RPGT exemption on a residential property is given to both husband and wife on one residential property each, once in a lifetime. The proposal is effective from 1 October 2005. Director General of Inland Revenue is only allowed to make assessments on real property gains tax within a period of six years. Effective from year of assessment 2006, the Director General of Inland Revenue be empowered to make assessment after a period of six years in cases where the assessment is determined by the court or withdrawal, revocation or cancellation of any exemption, relief, remission or allowance. 7. Service Tax The Service Tax Act, 1975 shall apply throughout Malaysia excluding Langkawi, Tioman, Labuan, Free Zones and ‘Joint Development Area’. A service tax applies to certain prescribed goods and services in Malaysia including food, drinks and tobacco, provision of rooms for lodging and premises for meetings, conventions, cultural and fashion shows and provision of accommodation and food by private hospitals. 208 Appendix B The tax also applies to professional and consultancy services provided by lawyers, engineers, surveyors, architects, accountants, advertising agencies, consultancy firms, insurance companies, motor vehicle service and repair centres, telecommunication services companies, security and guard services agencies, recreational clubs, estate agents, parking space services operators, courier service firms and veterinary doctors. Professional services provided by a company to companies within the same group will be exempted from the current service tax of 5%. This applies to service provided by public accountants, advocates and solicitors, engineers, architects, surveyors (including valuers, assessors and real estate agents), consultants and management service providers. The following provisions are also exempted for the Service Tax:(i) Provision of accounting, auditing, book-keeping, and consultancy services in connection with business organisations situated outside Malaysia (ii) Provision of legal services in connection with goods or land situated outside Malaysia or where subject matter related to a country outside Malaysia (iii) Provision of engineering consultancy services in connection with goods or land situated outside Malaysia (iv) Provision of architectural services in connection with goods or land situated outside Malaysia (v) Provision of all types of surveying services in connection with goods or land situated outside Malaysia (vi) Provision of consultancy services relating to medical and surgical treatment or supplied in connection of goods or land situated outside Malaysia (vii) Provision of all types of management services in connection with goods or land situated outside Malaysia. (viii) Provision of advertising services for promotion outside Malaysia The tax base has been widened to include other services such as those provided by car rental agencies licensed under the Commercial Vehicles Licensing Board Act, 1987 having an annual sales turnover of RM300,000 and above, employment agencies having an annual sales turnover of RM150,000 and above, and companies providing management services, including project management and coordination services, having an annual sales turnover of RM150,000 and above. Hotels having more than 25 rooms and restaurants within such hotels are subject to this tax. Restaurants operating outside hotels having an annual sales turnover of RM500,000 and above are also subject to service tax. Generally, the imposition of service tax is subject to a specific threshold based on an annual turnover ranging from RM150,000 to RM500,000. The application for a Service Tax Licence shall be made in Form JKED1 and submitted to the nearest Royal Customs Department where the business premise is located. Appendix B 209 8. Import Duty In Malaysia, import duty is mostly imposed ad valorem although some specific duties are imposed on a number of items. Nevertheless, over the last few years, Malaysia has abolished import duties on a wide range of raw materials, components and machinery. Furthermore, Malaysia is committed to the ASEAN Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT) Scheme whereby import duties imposed on most goods from ASEAN countries with a minimum 40% ASEAN content have been reduced to between 0% and 5%. 9. Agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreements for the Avoidance of Double Taxation prevent incidences of double taxation on income such as business profits, dividends, interest and royalties that are derived in one country and remitted to another country. To date, Malaysia has signed such tax treaties with the following countries (by alphabetical order):- Albania Iran Papua New Guinea Argentina * Ireland Philippines Australia Italy Poland Austria Japan# Romania Bahrain Jordan Russia Bangladesh Korea, South Saudi Arabia* Belgium Kuwait Seychelles# Canada Kyrgyz Singapore# Chile Lebanon Sri Lanka# China Luxembourg Sudan Croatia Malta Sweden# Czech Republic Mauritius Switzerland Denmark Mongolia Thailand Fiji Morocco Turkey Finland Myanmar United Arab Emirates France Namibia United Kingdom# Germany Netherlands United States of America* Hungary New Zealand Uzbekistan India# Norway Vietnam Indonesia Pakistan Zimbabwe In addition, an Agreement for the Avoidance of Double Taxation has been signed between the Malaysian Friendship and Trade Centre in Taipei (MFTC) and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Kuala Lumpur (TECO). * Limited to shipping and air transport services # New agreement 210 Appendix B Appendix C Immigration Procedures 1. Passport and Visa Requirements All persons entering Malaysia must possess valid national passports or other internationally recognised travel documents valid for travel to Malaysia. These documents must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the date of entry into Malaysia. Those with passports not recognised by Malaysia must apply for a document in lieu of the passport as well as a visa issued by Malaysian missions abroad. Applications for visas can be made at the nearest Malaysian mission abroad. In countries where Malaysian missions have not been established, applications can be made to the nearest British High Commission or Embassy. Visa Requirements Citizens of No visa required Commonwealth countries (except India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nigeria), Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein No visa required for visit not exceeding 30 days All ASEAN countries (except Myanmar) No visa required for visit not exceeding three (3) months Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, BosniaHerzegovina, Brazil, Croatia, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kyrgyz Republic, Kuwait, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Morocco, North Yemen, Norway, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, South Afrika, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Slovakia, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Uruguay No visa required for visit not exceeding two (2) weeks Iran (15 days), Iraq, Libya and Syria, Macau (Travel Permit), Portugal Alien Passport, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somali, Somalia and South Yemen Appendix C 211 Visa Requirements Citizens of Visa required India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Angola, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote d' Ivoire, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea - Bissau, Liberia, Ghana, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Western Sahara, Taiwan, Myanmar, Nepal, Bhutan, Colombia, PR China, All Holders of Certificate of Identity, All Holders of Laisses Passer, All Holders of Titre De Voyage and Afghanistan (Visa with Reference) Prior approval required from the Malaysian Government Israel, Serbia and Montenegro For countries other than those stated above, no visa is required for visits not exceeding one (1) month. 2. Entry into Malaysia 2.1 Passes Issued at Point of Entry A visitor can obtain a visit pass for the purpose of a social or business visit at the point of entry provided he/she can satisfy Immigration authorities that he/she has a valid passport and visa (where necessary) which allows him/her to stay temporarily in Malaysia. The types of passes issued are: Visit Pass (Social) Every foreigner entering Malaysia for the purpose of Social Visit must obtain a Social Visit Pass. Social visit Pass is issued at all point of entry on arrival. A person holding a social visit pass cannot take up employment, business or professional work while in Malaysia. The validity of the passes are depends on the agreement between respective country and Malaysia. All foreign visitors entering Malaysia through the gazette entry points will be given social visit pass for social visits including the following purposes:(i) Visiting Relatives (ii) Tourism (iii) Journalist / Reporter (iv) Attending Meeting (v) Attending Business Discussion (vi) Inspection of factory (vii) Auditing Company's Account 212 Appendix C (viii) Signing Agreement (ix) Doing survey on investment opportunities/setting up factory (x) Attending Seminars (xi) On goodwill mission for students or sitting for examinations in University (xii) Taking part in sports competitions (xiii) Other activities not mentioned above but approved by the Director General of Immigration. 2.2 Passes Issued upon Arrival in Malaysia Other than applications for entry for the purpose of social or business visits, all applications for passes mentioned below must be made upon arrival in the country. All such applications must have sponsorship in Malaysia whereby the sponsors agree to be responsible for the maintenance and repatriation of the visitors from Malaysia if necessary. The types of passes are: Visit Pass (Temporary Employment) This is issued to persons who enter the country to take up temporary employment or earn a monthly income of less than RM2,500 per month. Employment Pass This is issued to foreigners who enter the country to take up a contract of employment with a minimum period of two (2) years and minimum wages not less than RM2,500 per month. Before applies for the employment pass, employer has to apply for the position from Expatriate Committee. Employer must arrange the application of Employment Pass for their respective Expatriate. Application can be submitted to Immigration Headquarters Office, Putrajaya or any Immigration State Office. The required documents for application are: (i) Cover Letter from the Employer (ii) Letter of Authorisation from the Company (iii) DP11 Form (iv) Approval Letter from JKPD/ MIDA/ MITI/ KPDN&HEP/ CIDB/ KPM or related (v) Form 9 (vi) Form 24 (vii) Form 49 (viii) Contract (stamping RM10) (ix) Requirement in Contract (Brief) (Position, Contract Period, Monthly Salary) (x) Personal resume, academic certificate and experience (xi) Full copy of Expatriate's passport containing Expatriate details (xii) Passport size photo Appendix C 213 Visit Pass (Professional) This is issued to foreigners on short-term contract with any agency. The validity of the pass varies but it does not exceed 12 months at any one time. Applications should be made before entering Malaysia. All applicants will only be allowed for entry once the pass is approved. The categories of foreigners who are eligible are: (i) Expert/Volunteer: Professional Visit Pass is issued to foreigners who serve as professionals or experts and also volunteers on a short-term basis in Malaysia. (ii) Artist: For performance, filming and promotion by foreign artists in Malaysia. (iii) Missionary (Muslim): Professional Visit Pass (Missionary) is issued to foreigners who wish to serve as Expatriate Imam, Religious, Arabic and Quranic Teachers (iv) Missionary (Other Region): Professional Visit Pass (Missionary) is issued to foreigners who wish to serve as Expatriate Gurukkals, Priests, Religious Sculptors, Religious Musicians, Monks, Dharma Teachers and Granthis in Temples, Shrines or Churches in Malaysia. (a) Expert/Volunteer Professional Visit Pass is issued to foreigners who serve as professionals or experts and also volunteers on a short-term basis in Malaysia: (i) Invited and Visiting Lecturers/ Lecturers (ii) External Examiners (iii) Fellow Doctorates (iv) Research Assistants (v) Seminar and Course Speakers (vi) Consultant and Technical Consultants (vii) Advisors and Technical Advisors (viii) Technical Experts (ix) Trainees and Technical Trainees (x) Horse’s Trainer (xi) Jockeys (xii) Volunteers Application must be complete and fulfill all the requirements. Incomplete application and that do not fulfill the requirements will not be processed: 214 (i) Form IMM.12 (2 copies) (ii) Form IMM.38 (if required) (iii) Stamped Personal Bond (iv) Two(2) passport sized photographs of applicant (v) Photocopy of passport/travel document (vi) Letter from Company/Institution (Sponsor) Appendix C (vii) Letter of offer (viii) Original letter of confirmation from employer overseas (ix) Letter from foreign university (for Expert/ Professional- Practical Training) (x) Income Tax declaration letter from Income Tax Department (for Experts/ Professional) (xi) Training Programme/Schedule (xii) Invoice of purchase of machinery (for Experts/ Professional- if required) (xiii) Supporting letter from Ministry of Welfare Services (for Volunteers- if required) (xiv) Photocopies of company MAA, Form 9, 24 and 49 certified by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM). The application fees are: (i) Professional Visit Pass - RM 90.00 (ii) Visa - According to country (b) Artist For performance, filming and promotion by foreign artists in Malaysia: (i) Artist (Singers) and Musicians (ii) Concerts/ Orchestra (iii) Inter-governmental Cultural Exchange (iv) Government-to-Government (v) Promotion of album, food and cosmetics (vi) Film shooting, advertisement, documentary and Television Drama (vii) Film crew, stunts director, director, actor/actress and cameraman. (viii) Opera (ix) Magicians (x) Circus performer The artiste must be outside Malaysia when applying for the Professional Pass except for extension of Pass. Application must be made by the intended agencies. The use of an outside agent or consultant is strictly forbidden. Application must be made at least one (1) month before the performance and arrival of artist. The documents needed are: (i) Form IMM. 12 (New application) (ii) Form IMM. 55 (Extension) (iii) Letter from sponsor to Immigration Department (iv) Letter from sponsor to Ministry of Home Affair's (v) Letter from sponsor to FINAS (vi) Passport sized photographs of applicant (vii) A copy of passport (Photostat) (viii) Name list of applicants Appendix C 215 (ix) Filming schedule (x) Stamped Personal Bond (xi) Performance/ Promotion (xii) Letter from sponsor to Immigration Department (xiii) Letter from sponsor or Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism (xiv) Bank Guarantee (xv) Letter from Wisma Putra (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and Embassy/High Commission for Government-to-Government status (xvi) A copy of local artiste contract (xvii) A copy of foreign artiste contract Application is to be submitted to Central Committee for Filming and Performance by Foreign Artist (PUSPAL) situated at the 32nd Floor of Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC), Ministry of Culture, Art and Tourism Malaysia. (i) For filming and performance by foreign artiste (ii) Application to be submitted to Special Committees for Professional Visit Pass (PLIK) (iii) Artists, Filming and performance by foreign artiste (iv) Cosmetic Promotion (v) Food Promotion Fees is charged for a duration of 3 months or below (each person) Categories Fees Artists, Musician, Concert, Orchestra, Album Promotion, Acrobatics RM500 Charity Concert, Cosmetic & Food Promotion, Filming & Opera, magician, Circus RM90 Cultural Exchange Gratis Dependant Pass This is issued to wives and children of foreigners who have been issued with an employment pass. This pass may be applied together with the application for an employment pass or after the employment pass is approved. Wives and children of foreigners who enter the country on a visit pass (temporary employment or professional) will be issued a visit pass (social). Student’s Pass This is issued to foreigners who enroll as students in any approved educational institution. 216 Appendix C 3. Employment of Expatriate Personnel The Malaysian Government is desirous that Malaysians are trained and employed at all levels of employment. Thus, companies are encouraged to train more Malaysians so that the employment pattern at all levels of the organisation reflects the multiracial composition of the country. Notwithstanding this, where there is a shortage of trained Malaysians, foreign companies are allowed to bring in expatriate personnel. In addition, foreign companies are also allowed key posts (posts that are permanently filled by foreigners). An expatriate personnel who is transferred from one post to another within the same company will be required to obtain a new employment pass. His original employment pass will be amended to reflect the change in post. A new expatriate personnel replacing another must also obtain a fresh employment pass. All employment passes are valid for the period approved for the post. However, for key post holders, employment passes will be issued on a five (5)-year renewable basis except in circumstances where: (i) the validity of the expatriate’s passport is less than five (5) years (ii) the expatriate’s employment contract is less than five (5) years, or (iii) the employer requires the services of the expatriate for less than five (5) years Holders of employment passes will be issued with multiple entry visas valid for the duration of the employment pass. The age policy for expatriates are 21 years old for information technology related position while for other management position must be 27 years old and above. 4. Application for Expatriate Posts Any company requiring the service of an expatriate must obtain an employment pass for the expatriates from the Immigration Department. Before an employment pass is issued, the expatriate post must obtain prior approval from the Immigration Department or an agency authorised by the Immigration Department. Any company with low paid up capital, the company will have to fulfill condition regarding the paid up capital if the post applied has been approved. (i) For 100% Bumiputera, company's capital have to be increase to RM100,000 (ii) For 100% Non-bumiputera, company's capital have to be increase to RM150,000 (iii) For jointly owned company, between Bumiputera and Non-bumiputra, the capital have to be increase to RM125,000 - RM150,000 depending on the composition of majority share. Appendix C 217 (iv) For 100% foreign share, the paid up capital have to be increase to RM250,000 (v) For jointly owned company between foreigner and Bumiputra/Non-Bumiputera the capital has to be increase to RM200,000. Extended Condition to Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) will be imposed until the equity is no longer 100% belongs to foreigner. Below is a list of agencies approving and endorsing the expatriate posts:Agency Approval / Endorsement Company Activities Malaysian Industrial Development (MIDA) Approval Manufacturing (export), Hotel, Agriculture (export), Tourism, Research and Development Ministry of Education Malaysia Endorsement Lecturer/Teacher/Tutor for Institution and Private School Security Commissioner Endorsement Industrial Security Company, Kloffe, Investment Fund - economist, consultant, dealers Bank Negara Malaysia Endorsement Bank and finance institution - economist, researchers, financial advisor, insurance consultant Multimedia Development Corporation Approval Companies approved with Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) status Public Service Department Approval Government Hospital and Public Higher Education Institution Department of Civil Aviation Endorsement Any post related to airlines Expatriate Committee Approval Others than above For companies which do not fall under the above categories, applications to add or extend expatriate posts can be submitted directly to the Expatriate Committee of Immigration headquarters in Putrajaya. After the expatriate posts have been approved, companies can proceed with the endorsement of the employment pass at the Immigration headquarters or the state Immigration office using DP11 Form. Enquiry of Expatriate Officer Post Application can be made online using Malaysian Immigration Department Enquiry of Expatriate Officer Post Application System. 218 Appendix C The required documents for application of Expatriates Committee include all the following:(i) Letter of Authorisation from the Company / Copy of Identity Card/ Business Card (ii) DP10 Form (iii) Application Letter from the Company (iv) Organisation Chart (v) Copy of Forms 9, 24 and 49 certified by CCM (vi) Others company's relevant information (vii) Confirmation Letter from the Employer regarding Expatriate's Admission Status, for citizen of: • China • India • Philippines • Sri Lanka • Pakistan • Bangladesh • Nepal • Myanmar • North Korea • Vietnam (viii) Copy of Commentary Letter from related Government Agency (if required) (ix) Copy of Letter of Acceptance & Offer or Letter of Intent (x) For manufacturing sector, please enclose brief description/picture of the product (xi) Resume, Academic Qualifications Certificate and Copy of Expatriate Passport (xii) Letter of Approval (for extension only) (xiii) CIDB License/Contract Project (xiv) Bill of Lading/WRT from KHEDN There is no levy imposed on expatriates earning more than RM3,000 per month and with employment contracts of 24 months and more. However, a nominal fee will be imposed for key posts and management/professional and technical posts. Appendix C 219 Appendix D Manpower for Industry 1. Malaysia’s Labour Force Malaysia offers the investor a diligent, disciplined, educated and trainable labour force. Malaysian youths who enter the labour market would have undergone at least 11 years of school education i.e. up to secondary school level, and are therefore easy to train in new techniques and skills. To cater to the demand for technically trained workers, the Malaysian government has taken measures to increase the number of engineers, technicians and other skilled personnel graduating each year from local as well as foreign universities, colleges, and technical and industrial training institutions. In addition, Malaysia enjoys a free and competitive labour market where employeremployee relationship is cordial and harmonious. Labour costs in Malaysia are relatively low in comparison with industrialised countries while productivity levels remain high. 2. Manpower Development The National Vocational Training Council (NVTC) under the Ministry of Human Resources was established in May 1989 for the purpose of formulating, promoting and coordinating Malaysia's vocational and industrial training strategy and programme in keeping with the country's technological and economic development needs. The NVTC coordinates the setting up of all public and private training institutions, evaluates the demand for existing and future skills, identifies future vocational and industrial training needs and continually develops the National Occupational Skill Standards (NOSS). Up till September 2005, there are 829 NOSS covering certificate, diploma and advanced diploma qualifications. Future development of the NOSS has been assigned to the 20 major industrial sectors in Malaysia. NVTC expected that another 5000 NOSS will be developed, starting from 2005. 2.1 Facilities for Training in Industrial Skill In Malaysia, vocational and technical schools, polytechnics and industrial training institutions prepare youths for employment in various industrial trades. While they are mostly run by government agencies, several private initiatives complement the government's efforts in producing the skilled workers needed by industry. The main government agencies involved in training are: (i) 220 Appendix D Ministry of Human Resources which currently runs 16 industrial training institutes (ITIs) included the Centre for Instructors and Advanced Skills Training (CIAST), the Japan-Malaysia Technical Institute (JMTI) and 4 advanced technology centres (ADTECs). It offers industrial skills training programmes at basic, intermediate and advanced levels for pre-employment or job entry level. These include apprenticeship programmes in the mechanical, electrical, building and printing trades as well as programmes to upgrade skills and train instructors. (ii) Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) or the Council of Trust for the Indigenous People under the purview of the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development. MARA operates twelve skills training institutes in different parts of the country which offer programmes at basic, intermediate and advanced levels. MARA also coordinates the operations of three advanced skills training institutions, i.e. the German-Malaysian Institute (GMI), British Malaysian Institute (BMI) and Malaysia France Institute (MFI). (iii) Ministry of Education which runs 90 technical schools offering technical and vocational courses. School leavers from the technical schools can either seek employment at entry level or pursue their post-secondary education at certificate or diploma level in polytechnics or community colleges which are now under the purview of Ministry of Higher Education or other training institutions under the supervision of other ministries. (iv) The Ministry of Higher Education, which was established in March 2004, supervises 20 polytechnics and 34 community colleges to prepare skilled manpower for industries. At the post-secondary level, the formal training conducted in polytechnics and community colleges aims to produce trained manpower at the semi-professional level in engineering, commerce and services sectors. More polytechnics and community colleges are being planned for establishment under the Ninth Malaysian Plan (2006 - 2010). (v) Ministry of Youth and Sports which provides basic, intermediate and advanced levels of industrial skills training through its 13 National Youth Skill Training Institute, a National Youth Skill Training College and a National Youth Advanced Skill Training Institute. Short-term courses and skills upgrading programmes are also being conducted. 2.2 Human Resources Development Fund The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF), aimed at encouraging direct private sector participation (both manufacturing and services sectors) in skills development, was launched in 1993 with a grant from the government. The HRDF operates on the basis of a levy/grant system. Employers who have paid the levy will qualify for training grants from the fund to defray or subsidise training costs for their Malaysian employees. The selected services sectors which contribute to HRDF are as follows: • Advertising • Freight forwarding • Shipping • Air transport • Higher education • Telecommunications • Computing services • Hotel • Tour operating business • Energy • Postal / Courier • Training Appendix D 221 The contribution rates are as follows: (i) Companies that employ 50 or more Malaysian workers 1% of employees’ monthly wages (ii) Companies that employ less than 50 to a minimum of 10 employees, with a paid-up capital of RM2.5 million or more 1% of employees’ monthly wages (iii) Companies that employ less than 50 to a minimum of 10 of employees, with a paid-up capital of less than RM2.5 million Option of registering with the HRDF and paying a levy of 0.5% of the employees' monthly wages (Note: For this category, the Government contributes RM2.00 for every RM1.00 spent.) The rate of financial assistance is 100% of the allowable costs incurred for training in Malaysia and up to 50% for costs incurred overseas, subject to the availability of levy in the employers' accounts with the Human Resources Development Council, which has been corporatised and is now known as Pembangunan Sumber Manusia Berhad (PSMB). For specific industries, apprenticeship schemes developed and implemented by PSMB help in providing trained workers to industries. A RM35-million Apprenticeship Fund established by PSMB pays for the tuition fees of apprentices sponsored by employers in PSMB-initiated apprenticeship schemes. At the same time, 100% of allowable training costs such as apprentices' monthly allowances, insurance premiums and consumables, can be reimbursed from levy contributions. To date, the PSMB has implemented various apprenticeship schemes in the fields of mechatronics, the hotel industry, industrial machining, information technology and the wood-based industry to cater to the needs of employers. 2.3 Management Personnel In 2002, an estimated 53,000 degree and 22,000 diploma holders graduated from Malaysia's 18 public universities and other institutions of higher education. These graduates are from various disciplines ranging from business management, information technology, engineering, medicine, science and mathematics to art and design. Besides universities and colleges, agencies like the National Productivity Corporation (NPC), the Malaysian Institute of Management and the Malaysian Institute of Personnel Managers also provide training for management personnel. In addition many of Malaysia's management-level personnel have been educated overseas. 222 Appendix D 3. Labour Costs There is no national minimum wage law applicable to the service sector in Malaysia. Basic wage rates vary according to location and industrial sector, while supplementary benefits, which may include bonuses, free uniforms, free or subsidized transport, performance incentives and other benefits, vary from company to company. Salaries and fringe benefits offered to management and executive personnel also vary according to the industry and employment policy of the company. Most companies provide free medical treatment, personal accident and life insurance coverage, free or subsidised transport, an annual bonus, retirement benefits and enhanced contributions to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF). For more information on salaries and fringe benefits, please refer to the MIDA’s brochure entitled “Costs of Doing Business in Malaysia”. 4. Facilities for Recruitment Besides registered private employment agencies, employers and job seekers can seek assistance from government employment offices located throughout the country. Employers seeking to recruit workers can obtain detailed information on job seekers registered with these employment offices whose functions include: (i) Undertaking publicity campaigns to aid employers' recruitment drive (ii) Arranging preparatory work relating to holding interviews and aptitude tests The polytechnics and the community colleges also provide facilities for prospective employers to conduct interviews for graduating students in their institutions. 5. Labour Standards The Department of Labour provides advisory services to employers and employees on all aspects of the labour laws in Malaysia. Every service industry undertaking or establishment where any commerce, trade, profession or business is carried on that employs or is likely to employ employees, must notify the nearest Department of Labour in writing within 90 days of commencing operation. When employing a foreign employee, employers must inform the Department of Labour within 14 days. 5.1 Employment Act 1955 The Employment Act 1955 stipulates the minimum conditions of employment. It applies to all employees in Peninsular Malaysia and the Federal Territory of Labuan whose monthly wages do not exceed RM1,500 and all manual workers irrespective of their wages. Even so, employees who earn between RM1,500 and RM5,000 a month can still seek redress from the Department of Labour with regard to wages and any other payments in cash as stipulated in their contract of service. Under the Employment Act 1955: (i) Every employee must be given a written contract of employment which states the terms and conditions of the employment, including the notice period required to terminate it. Appendix D 223 (ii) Wages must be paid not later than the seventh (7) day after the last day of any wage period. A pay slip is required, detailing wages less any lawful deductions. (iii) Female employees are not permitted to work in any industrial or agricultural undertaking between the hours of 10.00pm and 5.00am, except with the prior written approval of the Director-General of the Department of Labour. (iv) Female employees are entitled to 60 days paid maternity leave for up to five (5) surviving children. They shall be paid their ordinary rate of pay, subject to a minimum of RM6.00 per day. (v) Normal hours of work shall not exceed eight (8) hours in one (1) day or 48 hours in one (1) week. (vi) Employees are entitled to paid holidays on at least 10 gazetted public holidays in any one (1) calendar year and on any day declared as a public holiday under Section 8 of the Holiday Act 1951. (vii) Eight (8) days of paid annual leave for employees with less than two (2) years of service, 12 days of paid annual leave for employees with two (2) years but less than five (5) years of service and 16 days of paid annual leave for those with five (5) or more years of service. (viii) 14 days of paid sick leave for employees with less than two (2) years of service, 18 days of paid sick leave for employees with two (2) but less than five (5) years of service and 22 days paid sick leave for those with over five (5) years of service per calendar year and where hospitalisation is necessary, up to a maximum of 60 days paid sick leave per calendar year. (ix) Payment for overtime work is at a minimum of one-and-a-half times the hourly rate of pay on normal working days, two (2) times the hourly rate on rest days and three (3) times the hourly rate on public holidays. 5.2 The Labour Ordinance, Sabah and the Labour Ordinance, Sarawak The Labour Ordinance, Sabah and the Labour Ordinance, Sarawak regulates the terms and conditions of employment and other employment matters in the respective states. 5.3 Employee Provident Fund Act 1991 The Employees Provident Fund Act 1991 stipulates a compulsory contribution for employees. Under the Act, all employers and employees (except foreign workers and those who are listed under the First Schedule) must contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) at the minimum rates of 12% (for the employer's share) and 11% (for the employee's share) of the employee's monthly wages respectively. Both employers and employees are encouraged to contribute at a rate higher than this mandatory contribution. All employers must register their employees with the EPF immediately upon employment except for those who are exempted under the Act such as employees who are not Malaysian citizens and persons stated in the First Schedule i.e. persons who are employed to work in or are connected with work in a private dwelling. However, persons stated in the First Schedule can elect to contribute to the EPF and the rate of contribution is at a minimum of RM50 and a maximum of RM5,000 per month. 224 Appendix D All employees who are not Malaysian citizens are exempted from compulsory contributions. They can, however, elect to contribute and the rate is RM5.00 for the employer's share and 11% for the employee's share of each employee's monthly wages. 5.4 Employee's Social Security Act 1969 The Social Security Organisation (SOCSO) administers the Employment Injury Insurance Scheme and the Invalidity Pension Scheme provided under the Employees' Social Security Act 1969. SOCSO however covers only Malaysian workers and permanent residents. All establishments, including factories, employing workers earning wages not exceeding RM2,000 a month are required to insure their workers under the two (2) social security schemes. The Employment Injury Insurance Scheme provides employees with coverage by way of cash benefits and medical care in the event of any disablement or death due to employment injury. Only the employer pays the contribution of about 1.25% of the employees' monthly wages. The Invalidity Pension Scheme provides 24-hour coverage to employees against invalidity and death due to any cause before attaining the age of 55 years. The 1% monthly contribution is shared equally between the employer and employee. 5.5 Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 The Workmen's Compensation Act 1952 administered by the Department of Labour provides for the payment of compensation to workmen in the event of injuries arising from their employment. Where fatalities occur, the Act provides for the payment of compensation to the workers' dependants. The Act covers private sector workers who earn less than RM500 a month and all manual workers irrespective of their wages. Malaysians and permanent residents who are covered by SOCSO are not covered by this Act. All foreign workers come under the purview of the Act in respect of compensation for employment injury as well as non-employment injury vide the Workmen's Compensation (Foreign Workers' Compensation Scheme) (Insurance) Order 1998. 5.6 Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1994 (OSHA) provides the legislative framework to promote, stimulate and encourage high standards of safety and health at work. The aim is to promote safety and health awareness, and establish effective safety organization and performance through self-regulation schemes designed to suit the particular industry or organization. The long-term goal of the Act is to create a healthy and safe working culture among all Malaysian employees and employers. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) is responsible for enforcing compliance with OSHA 1994. DOSH also enforces compliance with the Factories and Machinery Act 1967. Appendix D 225 The Occupational Safety and Health Act, 1994 defines the general duties of employers, employees, the self-employed, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant or substances. Although these duties are of a general character, they carry a wide ranging set of responsibilities. The Act provides a comprehensive and integrated system of law to deal with the safety and health of virtually all people at work and the protection of the public where they may be affected by the activities of people at work. All "persons at work" in manufacturing; mining and quarrying; construction; agriculture, forestry and fishing; utilities; transport, storage and communication; wholesale and retail trades; hotels and restaurants; finance, insurance, real estate and business services; public services and statutory services, are covered. The general duties of employers, employees, the self-employed, designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant or substances are clearly defined under OSHA 1994. Employers must safeguard so far as is practicable, the health, safety and welfare of the people who work for them. This applies in particular to the provision and maintenance of a safe plant and system of work. Arrangements must also be made to ensure safety and health in the use, handling, storage and transport of plant and substances. Under OSHA 1994, 'plant' includes any machinery, equipment, appliance, tool and component, whilst 'substance' means any natural or artificial substance whether in solid, liquid, gas, vapour or combination thereof, form. Risks to health from the use, storage or transportation of substances must be minimised. To meet these aims, all practicable precautions must be taken in the proper use and handling of any substance likely to cause a risk to health. It is the duty of employers to provide the necessary information, instruction, training and supervision in safe practices, including information on the legal requirements. Employers need to consider the specific training needs of their organisations with particular reference to processes with special hazards. An employer employing 40 or more persons must establish a safety and health committee at the workplace. The committee's main function is to keep under review the measures taken to ensure the safety and health of persons at the workplace and investigate any related matters arising. An employer must notify the nearest occupational safety and health office of any accident, dangerous occurrence, occupational poisoning or disease which has occurred or is likely to occur at the workplace. Some operations, installations, maintenance and dismantling of equipment and processes need competent persons. Thus, during the installation of machinery and equipment such as cranes, lifts and local exhaust ventilation systems, competent persons are compulsory to ensure safe erection, whilst a boilerman and a steam engineer are required to operate high risk equipment such as boilers. Processes that use hazardous chemicals require competent persons to conduct the air quality and personal monitoring, a safety and health officer as well as an occupational health doctor are required to ensure the proper surveillance of the workplace. There are seven (7) regulations under OSHA enforced by DOSH. They are: (i) 226 Appendix D Employers' Safety and Health General Policy Statements (Exception) Regulations, 1995 (ii) Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazards Regulations, 1996 (iii) Classification, Packaging and Labelling of Hazardous Chemicals Regulations, 1997 (iv) Safety and Health Committee Regulations, 1996 (v) Safety and Health Officer Regulations, 1997 (vi) Use and Standards of Exposure of Chemicals Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2000 (vii) Notification of Accident, Dangerous Occurrence, Occupational Poisoning and Occupational Disease Regulations, 2004 Contravention of some of the requirements can lead to prosecution in court. A person who fails to comply with an improvement or prohibition notice that is served on him is liable to prosecution, with a maximum fine of RM 50,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five (5) years, or both. The objective of the Factories and Machinery Act (FMA), 1967 on the other hand, is to provide for the control of factories on matters relating to the safety, health and welfare of persons and the registration and inspection of machinery. Some high risk machinery such as boilers, unfired pressure vessels, passenger lifts and other lifting equipment such as mobile cranes, tower cranes, passenger hoists, overhead traveling cranes and gondolas, must be certified and inspected by DOSH. All factories and general machinery must be registered with DOSH before they can be installed and operated in Malaysia. DOSH enforces 16 regulations under FMA 1967. They are: (i) Electric Passenger and Goods Lift Regulations, 1970 (ii) Fencing of Machinery and Safety Regulations, 1970 (iii) Notification, Certificate of Fitness and Inspection Regulations, 1970 (iv) Persons-In-Charge Regulations, 1970 (v) Safety, Health and Welfare Regulations, 1970 (vi) Steam Boilers and Unfired Pressure Vessel Regulations, 1970 (vii) Certificates of Competency-Examinations Regulations, 1970 (viii) Administration Regulations, 1970 (ix) Compounding of Offences Rules, 1978 (x) Compoundable Offences Regulations, 1978 (xi) Lead Regulations, 1984 (xii) Asbestos Regulations, 1986 (xiii) Building Operations and Works of Engineering Construction (Safety) Regulations, 1986 (xiv) Mineral Dust Regulations, 1989 (xv) Noise Exposure Regulations, 1989 (xvi) Notification, Certificate of Fitness and Inspection (Amendment) Regulations, 2004 Appendix D 227 6. Industrial Relation 6.1 Trade Unions The government encourages the growth of responsible trade unions and, towards this end, has enacted the Trade Unions Act, 1959 and the Trade Unions Regulations, 1959. These legislations require that: (i) Trade unions confine their membership to employees within any particular establishment, trade, occupation or industry (ii) All trade unions must be registered. (iii) No union can organize a strike without first obtaining the consent by secret ballot of at least two-thirds of its total number of members who are entitled to vote (iv) All unions are inspected regularly to ensure compliance with the laws 6.2 Industrial Relations Act, 1967 The Industrial Relations Act, 1967 regulates relations between employers and workmen and their trade unions, including the prevention and settlement of trade disputes. The Act outlines the following: (i) Protection of the legitimate rights of employers and workmen and their trade unions (ii) Procedure for submission of claims for recognition and the scope of representation of trade unions and collective bargaining (iii) Matters not allowed to be included in the proposals for collective bargaining are those relating to promotion, transfer, recruitment, retrenchment, dismissal, reinstatement, allocation of duties, and prohibition of strikes and lockouts over any of these issues. (iv) An emphasis on direct negotiation between employers and workmen and their trade unions to settle any differences. Where this fails, the Act provides for speedy and just settlement of trade disputes by conciliation or arbitration. (v) The Minister of Human Resources to intervene and to refer at any stage any trade dispute to the Industrial Court for Arbitration. (vi) A prohibition of strikes and lockouts once a trade dispute has been referred to the Industrial Court and on any matter covered by a collective agreement or by an award of the Industrial Court. (vii) The protection of pioneer industries during the initial years of their establishment against any unreasonable demands from a trade union. Collective agreements cannot contain more favourable terms of employment than those stipulated under the Employment Act, 1955 unless approved by the Minister of Human Resources. 6.3 Relations in Non-Unionised Establishments In a non-unionised establishment, the normal practice for settling disputes is for the employee to try to obtain redress from his supervisor, foreman or employer directly. An employee can also lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Human Resources which will then conduct an investigation. 228 Appendix D Appendix E Banking, Finance and Exchange Administration 1. The Banking System in Malaysia The banking system, comprising the commercial banks, merchant banks and finance companies and industrial finance institutions, is the major institutional source of credit to the economic sectors in Malaysia. In addition, there are also development finance institutions which provide financing especially to the industrial sector. 1.1 The Central Bank The central bank, Bank Negara Malaysia, is responsible for maintaining monetary stability and ensuring a sound financial system. Towards this, Bank Negara Malaysia regulates and supervises the Malaysian banking system, development finance institution and insurance companies. Bank Negara Malaysia also issues the Malaysian currency (the Ringgit), acts as a banker and economic and financial adviser to the government, administers the country's foreign exchange control regulations, and acts as lender of last resort to the banking system. 1.2 Financial Institution The commercial banks are the main players in the banking system. Currently, there are 10 domestic and 13 locally incorporated foreign commercial banks operating through a network of 1,660 branches across the country. Besides that, 6 of these domestic banks have a total of 46 branches overseas. In addition, 22 foreign banks maintain representative offices that do not conduct normal banking business, providing only liaison services and facilitating information between business interests in Malaysia, in their home countries and in countries where they have representations. Ten (10) merchant banks provide a wide range of services through 17 branches. Merchant banks play a role in the short-term money market and capital raising activities including underwriting, loans syndication, corporate finance and management advisory services, arranging for the issue and listing of shares, as well as investment portfolio management. Malaysia also has two (2) Islamic banks which provide banking services based on Islamic principles. The first to be established, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad, operates through 87 branches in the country while the more recently-established Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad has 48 branches. In addition to the Islamic banks, there are also 13 commercial banks that offer products and services under the Islamic banking scheme. In addition to the commercial banks, nine (9) finance companies, through their 723 branches, accept savings and fixed deposits and provide hire purchase financing, consumer financing, housing loans, block discounting and leasing transactions. Appendix E 229 There are also seven (7) discount houses in Malaysia that specialise in short-term money market operations and mobilise deposits from the financial institution and corporations. They are permitted to invest funds in treasury bills, government securities, banker's acceptances, negotiable instruments of deposit and private debt securities, and accept short-term funds. In addition, there are 599 scheduled institutions comprising building credit companies, credit token companies, factoring companies and leasing companies that provide credit and financing facilities to the public. Malaysia has several development finance institutions (DFIs) that were specifically set up to promote certain strategic sectors of the economy. These DFIs specialise in providing medium to long-term loans, equity capital and guarantees for loans. DFIs also provide consulting and advisory services in the identification and development of new projects, besides financial, technical and managerial advice and assistance. DFIs complement banking institutions in providing financing to the strategic sectors such as the agriculture, infrastructure, shipping, manufacturing and export sectors, and SMEs. The Export-Import Bank of Malaysia Berhad (Exim Bank) finances and facilitates Malaysia's foreign trade and investments, concentrating on medium to long-term credit for Malaysian exporters and investors as well as buyers of Malaysian goods. Another institution, the Malaysian Export Credit Insurance Berhad (MECIB), offers export insurance cover and guarantees. 2. Export Credit Refinancing (ECR) Export Credit Refinancing (ECR) is a scheme under which the Exim Bank provides shortterm financing at competitive interest rates to direct/indirect exporters through the commercial banks. The facility is offered by commercial banks which are then refinanced by Exim Bank. An exporter who wishes to use the ECR facility should arrange for an ECR credit line with his ECR bank and then obtain access to the ECR facilities from Exim Bank. 2.1 Eligibility Criteria The ECR facility is available to direct exporters (manufacturing companies/agricultural product producers/trading companies) and indirect exporters (suppliers of domestic inputs), while the products to be exported must not be listed under the First Schedule of Custom Duties Order (list of goods which is prohibited to be exported). 230 2.2 Type of Facilities (i) The pre-shipment ECR facility is a loan advanced to manufacturing companies to facilitate the production of eligible goods or to trading companies for the purchase of intermediate/finished goods, for export prior to shipment. (ii) The post-shipment ECR facility enables Malaysian exporters to obtain immediate funds after shipment of eligible goods that are sold on sight/usance credit terms. Appendix E 2.3 Method of Financing Two (2) methods of financing are available for exporters under the pre-shipment ECR i.e. the order-based method and certificate of performance (CP) method. Under the orderbased method, the pre-shipment ECR financing is advanced to direct exporters against the purchase orders received from their buyers. The CP method is an alternative available only to direct exporters who are consistently exporting at least RM1 million of eligible goods annually. The method of financing under the post-shipment ECR facility is through bills discounting. Exporters should submit a full set of export documents to the ECR bank to create a postshipment bill to enable it to be discounted at the Exim Bank. 2.4 Period and Amount of Financing The maximum period of financing is four (4) months and six (6) months for the preshipment ECR and post-shipment ECR respectively. Under the order-based method, exporters can obtain financing for 95% of the value of their export order, while under the CP method, the amount of financing for manufacturing companies and trading companies is 80% and 90% respectively of the export value of eligible products in the preceeding 12 months. The minimum amount of financing is RM10,000 and the maximum, RM50 million, with a minimum drawdown of RM2,000. The exporter may request for an additional amount of financing from the Exim Bank with the recommendation of the commercial bank. 3. The Securities Market in Malaysia 3.1 Securities Commission The Securities Commission (SC), established in 1993, regulates the capital markets in Malaysia pursuant to the Securities Commission Act 1993, Securities Industry Act 1983, Futures Industry Act 1993 and Securities Industry (Central Depositories) Act 1991. Another prong of the SC's role is to facilitate the orderly development of an innovative and competitive capital market in Malaysia. The SC is a self-funding statutory body with investigative and enforcement powers, and reports to the Minister of Finance. The SC regulates all matters on securities and futures contracts, take-overs and mergers of companies, and unit trust schemes. It is the authority for registering prospectuses of corporations (other than unlisted recreational clubs) and approving corporate bond issues. The SC supervises exchanges, clearing houses and central depositories, and is also responsible for licensing and supervising all licensed persons. Appendix E 231 The SC introduced the Capital Market Masterplan (CMP) in 2001. This is a comprehensive plan that charts the strategic positioning and future direction of the Malaysian capital market for the next 10 years. The Masterplan prioritises the immediate needs of the capital market and charts its direction and long-term growth in anticipation of global developments to its environment. Visit the SC website (www.sc.com.my) for more information on the SC and the CMP. 3.2 Bursa Malaysia Berhad The first formal stock exchange, the Malayan Stock Exchange, was set-up in 1960 with two (2) trading rooms, in Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. With the separation of Singapore from Malaysia in 1965, the Stock Exchange of Malaysia and Singapore (SEMS) was established. With the termination of currency interchangeability between Malaysia and Singapore in 1973, SEMS was separated into two i.e. the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange Berhad (KLSEB) and the Stock Exchange of Singapore. A new company limited by guarantee, the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) took over operations of KLSEB in 1976. Following a demutualisation exercise, KLSE became a public company limited by shares on 5 January 2004. KLSE vested and transferred its exchange business to a wholly-owned subsidiary, Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad whilst the demutualised KLSE became the exchange holding company known as Bursa Malaysia Berhad (Bursa Malaysia) with effect from 20 April 2004. Bursa Malaysia is a front-line regulator and market operator for exchange-traded securities and derivatives. It has its Memorandum and Articles of Association (M&A) and rules which govern the conduct of its Participating Organisations and Trading Participants in securities and derivatives dealings respectively. It is also responsible for the surveillance of the marketplace, and for the enforcement of its listing requirements, which spell out the criteria for listing, disclosure requirements and standards to be maintained by listed companies. Bursa Malaysia Group of Companies Bursa Malaysia Group provides a comprehensive range of services to support the securities industry in Malaysia. (i) Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad (Bursa Securities) It provides a marketplace for equities trading and is made up of: 232 Appendix E • The Main Board for larger capitalised companies • The Second Board for the medium-sized companies • MESDAQ Market for technology and growth companies (ii) Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad (Bursa Derivatives) It is formerly known as Malaysia Derivatives Exchange Berhad, operates the derivatives market. Bursa Derivatives was a result of the consolidation between the financial futures and commodities futures exchanges. Bursa Derivatives provides investors with hedging instruments and currently offers commodities, financial and equity-related futures. Current products available are KLCI Futures and Options, Kuala Lumpur Interbank Offered Rate (KLIBOR) Interest Rate Futures, 3-Year, 5-Year and 10-Year Malaysian Government Securities Futures, Crude Palm Oil Futures and Crude Palm Kernel Oil Futures. (iii) Labuan International Financial Exchange (LFX) It is an offshore financial exchange based in Labuan, was established in November 2000. It is the only international exchange with full-fledges listing and trading facilities in an international Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC) in Asia. It offers trading facilities that cater for a wide range of multi-currency financial instruments in an offshore environment. These instruments can be based on conventional or Islamic based principles. LFX offers web-based trading and on-line submission of documents, including equity and debt instruments, bonds, asset backed securities and mutual funds. Instruments that are currently listed include 13 conventional bond issues, five investment fund and five Islamic Notes. In terms of regulatory structure, LFX is governed by its Rules and Regulations as approved under the Labuan Offshore Securities Industry Act, 1998 (LOSIA). The custodian of LOSIA is the Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority. (iv) Bursa Malaysia Securities Clearing Sdn Bhd It (formerly known as Securities Clearing Automated Network Services Sdn. Bhd) is the equity clearing house while the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Clearing Berhad (formerly known as Malaysia Derivatives Clearing House Bhd) is the derivatives clearing house. They provide clearing and settlement facilities for their respective markets. (v) Bursa Malaysia Depository Sdn Bhd It (formerly known as Malaysian Central Depository Sdn Bhd) provides efficient central clearing and settlement of securities, and operates the central depository system (CDS). Bursa Malaysia Corporate Governance In a demutualised structure, a single Board oversees Bursa Malaysia Group. The Board has a balanced representation structure consisting: Public Interest directors, Independent directors, Shareholder directors and the Chief Executive Officer to safeguard the interest of all stakeholders. The Board is also augmented by Board Committees that are based on corporate governance best practices. Consultative Panels made up of the different market and settlement segments are set up to maximise inputs from industry representatives. Appendix E 233 Product and Services Bursa Malaysia is today one of the largest bourses in ASEAN, with 953 companies (as 19 November 2004) listed either on the Main Board, Second Board or MESDAQ Market. These companies, which mirror the diversity and scope of the Malaysian economy, are categorised into 14 different sectors for Plantation, Mining, Trading/Services, to Technology, Infrastructure and Finance, to name a few. Stockbroking Companies Currently, there are 34 stockbroking companies known as Participating Organisations offering services in the dealing of securities listed on Bursa Malaysia Securities. Out of these, six (6) stockbroking companies have been granted universal broker status. Universal brokers are able to offer a full scope of integrated capital market services, i.e. corporate finance, debt securities trading and share dealing. Stockbroking Companies A Trading Participant is a company who owns at least one (1) Preference Share conducting business as futures broker licensed under the Futures Industry Act and carrying on trading in contracts traded on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad. A Trading Participant has to be registered with the Securities Commission. Currently, there are 15 Trading Participants. Trading Participants A Trading Participant is a company who owns at least one (1) Preference Share conducting business as futures broker licensed under the Futures Industry Act and carrying on trading in contracts traded on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Berhad. A Trading Participant has to be registered with the Securities Commission. Currently, there are 15 Trading Participants. 4. Offshore Financial Services 4.1 Labuan Offshore Financial Service Authority (LOFSA) The Labuan Offshore Financial Services Authority (LOFSA) is a single regulatory body that spearheads and coordinates the development and promotion of Labuan as an International Offshore Financial Centre (IOFC). It streamlines government machinery for supervising the offshore financial services industry, undertakes research and development work, and improves operational efficiency, thus creating a conducive business environment for the IOFC. The incorporation and registration of companies fall under the purview of LOFSA. LOFSA also oversees the LFX and Labuan's offshore industries such as banking, insurance, securities and trust and fund management. 234 Appendix E Offshore business activities undertaken by Labuan offshore companies refer to trading and non-trading activities. Offshore trading activities include banking, insurance, trading, management, licensing or any other activity, which is not an offshore non-trading activity. Offshore non-trading activities refer to activities relating to holding of investments in securities, stocks, shares, loans, deposits and immovable properties by an offshore company on its own behalf. The Labuan IOFC is not subject to the exchange control rules and regulations of Malaysia. This is because the nature of offshore business in Labuan is basically foreign currencybased and conducted with non-residents. Over 5,000 offshore companies have set up operations in Labuan, including trust companies, banks, insurance and insurance-related companies, and fund management and leasing companies. 4.2 Incentives for Offshore Financial Service (i) Minimum Tax (ii) • An offshore company carrying on an offshore trading activity can opt to pay tax each year at the rate of 3% of its net audited profits or a fixed tax of RM20,000. • An offshore company which has no basis period for a year of assessment is taxed at a fixed rate of RM20,000. Abatement of Tax for Professional Services • (iii) (iv) Any person or his employee or a company rendering qualifying professional services to an offshore company in Labuan is exempted from income tax of up to 65% of the statutory income. This includes legal, accounting, financial and secretarial services. Abatement of Tax for Employment • Non-citizens employed in a managerial capacity in an offshore company in Labuan enjoy an income tax exemption of up to 50% of gross employment income. • Non-citizens trust officers working in a Labuan trust company enjoy income tax exemption of up to 50% of gross employment. Exemptions from Income Tax The following exemptions are available for offshore companies under the Income Tax Act 1967: • Dividends paid to a resident or a non-resident person • 100% tax exemption on Director's fees paid to a non-citizen Director • 50% tax exemption on Labuan and housing allowances paid to Malaysian citizens working in an offshore company Appendix E 235 Offshore Companies are exempted from withholding tax for the following: (v) • Interest paid to a resident person or a non-resident who is not engaged in the business of banking, finance or insurance • Interest paid to a non-resident person or another offshore company unless the interest accrues to a banking, finance company or insurance business by a non-resident • Lease rental paid to non-resident • Technical or management fee paid to a non-resident or another offshore company • Royalty to a non-resident person or another offshore company • Distributions made by an offshore trust to non-resident beneficiaries Stamp Duty Exemption • 5. Offshore business transactions by an offshore company (including M&A of an offshore company and transfer of shares in an offshore company) are exempted from payment of stamp duty. Exchange Control Practices The foreign exchange administration rules in Malaysia are aimed at providing an appropriate framework that will influence capital flows and facilitate currency risk management to promote financial and economic stability of the country. The rules complement the overall macroeconomic policies and are reviewed regularly in line with the changing environment. Reviews are aimed at reducing the cost of doing business, improving regulatory delivery system and encouraging better risk management activities by residents and non-residents as well as promoting the development of domestic foreign exchange market to promote stability in the financial system and economy of the country. All rules are applied uniformly to transactions with all countries, except the State of Israel for which special restrictions apply. Malaysia Adopts a Managed Float for the Ringgit Exchange Rate Bank Negara Malaysia announced that beginning 21st July 2005 the exchange rate of the Ringgit with immediate effect will be allowed to operate in a managed float, with its value being determined by economic fundamentals. Bank Negara Malaysia will monitor the exchange rate against a currency basket to ensure that the exchange rate remains close to its fair value. Promoting stability of the exchange rate continues to be a primary objective of policy. 236 Appendix E Changes in the international and regional financial and economic environment have made it important for Malaysia to have a stable exchange rate against its major trading partners, in particular, the regional countries. Consequently, the stability of the Ringgit exchange rate against the regional currencies will become increasingly important. Such stability can best be achieved by maintaining the value of the Ringgit against a trade-weighted index of Malaysia’s major trading partners. This announcement represents a change in the system by which the value of the Ringgit is determined. Given that the current valuation of the Ringgit is consistent with our fundamentals and after taking into consideration developments in our trading partner countries, the exchange rate after shifting to this new system is not expected to deviate significantly from the current prevailing level. For foreign exchange administration purposes, the definition of residents and non-residents are as follows: (i) (ii) 5.1 Residents • Citizens of Malaysia (excluding persons who have obtained permanent resident status of a territory outside Malaysia and are residing abroad) • Non-citizens who have obtained permanent resident status in Malaysia and are residing permanently in Malaysia • Persons, whether body corporate or unincorporated, registered or approved by any authority in Malaysia Non-residents • Persons other than residents • Overseas branches, overseas subsidiaries, overseas regional offices, sales offices, representative offices of resident companies • Embassies, Consulates, High Commissions, supranational or international organisations recognised by the Government of Malaysia • Malaysian citizens who have obtained permanent resident status of a territory outside Malaysia and are residing outside Malaysia Non- Residents Non-residents are free to invest in Malaysia in any form. To complement their investment strategy, non-residents may obtain financing from licensed onshore banks (licensed commercial and Islamic banks in Malaysia) both in Ringgit and foreign currency. They are also able to enter into foreign exchange contracts with licensed onshore banks to actively manage their exchange risk exposures arising from their Ringgit investments. Nonresidents are free to exchange their foreign currency into Ringgit and vice versa of any amount as well as repatriate their capital, profits and income earned from Malaysia in foreign currency. Details are as follows: Appendix E 237 Investment in Malaysia (i) (ii) Setting-up a Business in Malaysia (Equity Investment) • A non-resident may incorporate a company, register a branch, and/or establish sole proprietorship or partnership in Malaysia with the Companies Commission of Malaysia. Details can be found at http://www.ssm.com.my/. • A company or business registered with any authority in Malaysia is a resident in Malaysia, irrespective of whether the company/firm is resident or nonresident-owned or controlled. Such businesses will be governed by rules relevant to residents. Purchasing Portfolio or Debt Securities Issued in Malaysia • (iii) A non-resident is free to purchase any Ringgit securities, including debt securities (including Ringgit bonds issued by non-residents) in Malaysia. Purchase of Immovable Properties in Malaysia • A non-resident is free to obtain up to three loans to purchase immovable property in Malaysia from Malaysian financial institutions. The amount of borrowing is determined by the financial institutions' own policies and the Foreign Investment Committee (FIC) guidelines. The borrowing would be applicable for both residential and commercial property. Consideration would be given if the non-resident needs to obtain more than three property loans. Guidelines issued by the FIC on purchases of immovable properties by a nonresident can be found at http://www.epu.jpm.my/. (iv) Placement of Deposits in Ringgit or Foreign Currency • • 238 Appendix E Ringgit Account (External Accounts) (a) A non-resident may open and maintain any number of Ringgitdenominated accounts with any licensed onshore banks, licensed finance companies or licensed merchant banks in Malaysia. (b) A Ringgit account belonging to a non-resident or where the beneficiary of the funds is a non-resident is known as an External Account. (c) There is no restriction on the amount of Ringgit funds that can be placed in the External Account. (d) The Ringgit funds in an External Account can be used for payments to residents for purchase of Ringgit assets or services provided in Malaysia. (e) Funds in the External Account can be converted into foreign currency with a licensed onshore bank and repatriated at any time. Foreign Currency Account (a) A non-resident may open and maintain any number of foreign currency accounts or amounts with any licensed onshore banks and licensed merchant banks in Malaysia. (b) No restrictions are imposed on the use of foreign currency funds in the foreign currency account. Funds in such accounts may be converted into Ringgit with licensed onshore banks or repatriated at any time. (v) Lending to Residents • Ringgit Credit Facilities A non-resident may lend in Ringgit to a resident who has obtained prior permission of the Controller of Foreign Exchange (the Controller). • Foreign Currency Credit Facilities A non-resident may extend foreign currency credit facilities to a resident as long as the resident's total foreign currency credit facilities does not exceed the aggregate of RM50 million equivalent for a resident company on a corporate group basis and RM10 million equivalent for a resident individual. Consideration can be given for extension of foreign currency credit facilities exceeding the above limits. Payment for Investment A non-resident may pay for the investment in Malaysia in Ringgit from his External Account or in foreign currency. Borrowing from Residents (i) Ringgit Credit Facilities A non-resident is free to obtain Ringgit credit facilities as follows: (ii) • From licensed banking institutions in Malaysia up to an aggregate of RM10 million for use in Malaysia. • From resident insurers up to the value of the cash surrender value of the insurance policy purchased by the non-resident. • From licensed onshore banks up to RM200 million on intra-day and overnight basis by a non-resident stockbroking company or a custodian bank. The facilities are strictly for financing funding gaps due to settlement timing mismatches, unforeseen or inadvertent /technical administration errors or delays due to time zone difference in relation to settlement of trades on Bursa Malaysia (stock exchange in Malaysia). • From resident stock-broking companies in the form of margin financing. • From a non-bank resident up to RM10,000. • Up to three loans to finance the purchase of immovable properties in Malaysia. Issuance of Ringgit Debt Securities • Malaysia allows Multilateral Development Banks or foreign multinational corporations to raise Ringgit-denominated bonds in Malaysia. Applications for issuance of the Ringgit bonds would be considered on the merit of each case. Further details are available at http://www.bnm.gov.my/fxadmin. (iii) Foreign Currency Credit Facilities • A non-resident may obtain any amount of foreign currency credit facilities from licensed onshore banks and approved merchant banks. Appendix E 239 Hedging of Investments (i) A non-resident is free to enter into a foreign exchange contract on spot or forward basis with a licensed onshore bank to buy Ringgit to make payment to a resident. (ii) A non-resident is also free to enter into a foreign exchange contract on spot or forward basis with a licensed onshore bank to sell Ringgit funds arising from a committed transaction in Malaysia. (iii) The maturity date of the foreign exchange contracts should be the expected date of payment or receipt of the underlying committed transaction. (iv) The amount of the foreign exchange contracts should not exceed the expected sum of payment or receipt of the underlying committed transaction. Sale of Investments (i) A non-resident may sell any of his investments in Malaysia including securities not listed on Bursa Malaysia to a resident or another non-resident. (ii) A resident may pay or settle the purchase from the non-resident seller in Ringgit or in foreign currency. (iii) A non-resident purchaser may also pay or settle the purchase from the non-resident seller in foreign currency or Ringgit from his External Account. Repatriation of Funds A non-resident is free to repatriate capital, divestment proceeds, profits, dividends, rental, fees and interest arising from investments in Malaysia. 5.2 Residents As part of ongoing efforts towards reducing cost of doing business and encouraging better risk management activities, residents are allowed to manage their funds through domestic and foreign placement of foreign currency funds, undertake investment activities outside Malaysia as well as enter into risk management arrangement with licensed onshore banks in Malaysia. Details are listed below: Payments for Import of Goods and Services 240 (i) There is no restriction for a resident to make payments of any amount to a nonresident for import of goods and services. (ii) Such payments must be made in a foreign currency other than the currency of the State of Israel. Prior permission is required for payment in the currency of the State of Israel or to a person who is a resident of the State of Israel. (iii) A resident may also enter into a forward foreign exchange contract with licensed onshore banks or approved merchant banks to buy foreign currency against Ringgit or another foreign currency to make payment for import from a non-resident. Appendix E Proceeds Arising from Export of Goods (Export Proceeds) (i) All export proceeds are required to be repatriated to Malaysia in accordance with the payment schedule as specified in the sales contract, which should not exceed six months from the date of export. (ii) Export proceeds must be received in foreign currency. They may be sold for Ringgit or retained in foreign currency accounts (FCA) with licensed onshore banks or approved merchant banks. There is no limit on the amount of funds retained in the FCA. (iii) A resident may enter into a forward foreign exchange contract with a licensed onshore bank to sell export proceeds for Ringgit or another foreign currency. (iv) Only resident exporters with annual gross exports exceeding the equivalent of RM50 million are required to submit quarterly reports to the Controller. Investment Abroad by A Resident (i) A resident company or individual with no domestic Ringgit credit facility is free to invest abroad. The investment may be made through the conversion of Ringgit or from foreign currency funds retained domestically or offshore. (ii) A resident with domestic Ringgit credit facility is also free to invest abroad its foreign currency funds maintained domestically or offshore. (iii) In addition, a resident with domestic Ringgit credit facility may convert Ringgit into foreign currency up to the following limits for overseas investments, including extension of foreign currency credit facilities to non-residents: • Up to RM10 million per calendar year by the company on a per corporate group basis • Up to RM100,000 per calendar year by the individual. (iv) For a company converting Ringgit for overseas investments, it must have a minimum shareholders' funds of RM100,000 and must be in operation for at least one year. (v) Individuals may convert Ringgit into foreign currency up to the amount required for investment in foreign currency securities under the Employee Share Option/Purchase Scheme offered by the individual employer's overseas parent or related companies. (vi) A resident is allowed to finance overseas investment in aggregate up to RM10 million equivalent with foreign currency credit facilities. (vii) A resident unit trust management company may invest abroad up to: • The full amount of investments by its non-resident clients as well as resident clients without any domestic credit facilities • 30% of investments by resident clients with domestic credit facilities. (viii) These funds by different clients or companies may be pooled to benefit from economies of scale when investing abroad. Such investments should be consistent with clients' mandates and comply with the Securities Commission's guidelines. (ix) A resident insurance company may invest abroad up to 5% of its margin of solvency while a takaful operator may invest up to 5% of its total assets. Appendix E 241 (x) A resident insurance company or a takaful operator may also invest abroad up to 30% of the NAV of its investment-linked funds. These investments are subject to compliance with guidelines or regulations issued by Bank Negara Malaysia. (xi) All payments for investment abroad exceeding RM50,000 should be registered with the Controller at least seven working days prior to making the payments. Credit Facilities Obtained by Residents (i) (ii) Foreign Currency Credit Facilities • A resident may obtain trade financing facility of any amount in foreign currency from licensed onshore banks. • In addition, a resident company may obtain credit facilities in foreign currency up to an equivalent of RM50 million in aggregate on a group basis from licensed onshore banks, licensed merchant banks and non-residents. • A resident individual may also obtain credit facilities in foreign currency up to the equivalent of RM10 million in aggregate from licensed onshore banks, licensed merchant banks and non-residents. • Any amount of credit facility exceeding the above permitted limits would require the prior permission of the Controller. Where the aggregate amount exceeds the equivalent of RM1 million and up to the permitted limit, the resident (company or individual) is required to register the credit facility with the Controller, prior to loan drawdown. • A resident may only utilise up to an aggregate of RM10 million equivalent of the foreign currency credit facilities to finance its overseas investment activities. • There is no restriction for the repayment or prepayment of credit facilities as long as such credit facilities have been obtained in accordance with the relevant foreign exchange administration rules. Resident borrowers need to register with the Controller any proposal to prepay the credit facilities prior to effecting the prepayments. Ringgit Credit Facilities A resident is required to seek prior permission of the Controller to obtain any amount of credit facility in Ringgit from non-residents, including from non-resident shareholders or directors. Forward Foreign Exchange Contracts (i) 242 Appendix E A resident may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts with licensed onshore banks and approved merchant banks to purchase or sell any foreign currency against Ringgit or another foreign currency as follows: • Any payments or receipts for import or export of goods and services as well as income, based on firm commitment or anticipatory basis. • Hedging the foreign currency exposures of permitted overseas investment, including extension of credit facilities to non-residents. • Any committed capital inflows or outflows, including drawdown of permitted foreign currency credit facilities, and repayment of foreign currency credit facilities up to the amount repayable within 24 months as well as payments for permitted overseas investment. (ii) The maturity date of the forward foreign exchange contract should be the expected date of receipt or payment of the underlying transaction. In the event foreign currency receivables are received earlier, the resident can temporarily retain the receipts in its foreign currency account, pending maturity of the forward foreign exchange contract. (iii) For forward purchase of export proceeds, the maturity date of the forward foreign exchange contract should not be later than six months after the intended date of export. (iv) For forward foreign exchange contract involving two foreign currencies, the use or retention of the foreign currency being purchased by the residents must comply with the current foreign exchange administration rules. (v) A resident may also enter into interest rate swaps with licensed onshore banks, approved merchant banks and licensed offshore banks in Labuan provided the transaction is supported by firm underlying commitment. Issuance of Ringgit Private Debt Securities Resident company is allowed to raise domestic credit facility through the issuance of Ringgit Private Debt Securities regardless of amount, provided not more than RM10 million is used for investment abroad in a calendar year. Foreign Currency Accounts of Residents (FCA) (i) A resident company or individual with or without any domestic credit facilities, is free to open FCA with any licensed onshore banks, licensed offshore banks in Labuan or overseas banks to retain any amount of its foreign currency receipts, other than receipts arising from export of goods from Malaysia. (ii) A resident exporter may open FCA with licensed onshore banks to retain any amount of foreign currency export receipts. It is also free to merge its export and non-export FCA maintained with licensed onshore banks without any restriction on the amount of foreign currency receipts retained in such accounts. (iii) A resident may convert Ringgit into foreign currency and credit into FCA maintained with licensed onshore banks, licensed offshore banks in Labuan and overseas banks subject to the permitted limits for investment abroad by residents. (iv) A resident company maintaining FCA with licensed offshore banks in Labuan or overseas banks is required to submit monthly statement (Statement OA) to the Controller. 5.3 Special Status Granted to Selected Companies Offshore Entities in the Labuan International Offshore Financial Centre (i) An entity incorporated or registered under the Offshore Companies Act 1990 is declared as a non-resident for foreign exchange administration purposes. (ii) An offshore entity in Labuan may buy or sell foreign currency (other than the currency of the State of Israel) against another foreign currency spot or forward with licensed onshore banks, licensed offshore banks (excluding licensed offshore investment banks) in Labuan as well as non-residents outside Malaysia. It may also buy or sell foreign currency (other than the currency of the State of Israel) against Ringgit with licensed onshore banks for permitted purposes. Appendix E 243 (iii) All offshore entities may maintain External Accounts with licensed onshore banks to facilitate the defrayment of statutory and administrative expenses in Malaysia. (iv) An offshore insurance entity in Labuan may also use its External Accounts to facilitate the receipt of reinsurance premiums and for payment of claims arising from reinsurance of domestic insurance business. (v) A licensed offshore bank in Labuan may receive payments in Ringgit from residents arising from fees, commissions, dividends or interest from deposit of funds with onshore financial institutions. (vi) A licensed offshore bank in Labuan may invest in assets/instruments in Malaysia for its own account provided the investments are transacted directly with resident banking institutions or resident brokers. The investments must not be financed by Ringgit borrowings. Multimedia Super Corridor Companies (i) A company operating in Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) that is incorporated as a legal entity is given exemption from foreign exchange administration rules upon the company being awarded the MSC status by the Multimedia Development Corporation. The exemption granted to the MSC company is solely for transactions undertaken on its own account. (ii) However, prior permission should be obtained to deal with Israeli residents or the currency of the State of Israel. (iii) The MSC company is required to submit the necessary statistical forms/reports/statements for monitoring purposes. These reports can be obtained from Bank Negara Malaysia's website, http://www.bnm.gov.my/fxadmin. Approved Operational Headquarters An Approved Operational Headquarters (OHQs) is allowed to: (i) Open FCA with licensed onshore banks to retain any amount of export proceeds in foreign currency. (ii) Open FCA with licensed onshore banks, licensed offshore banks in Labuan or overseas banks for crediting foreign currency receivables, other than export proceeds, with no limit imposed on the overnight balances (iii) Obtain any amount of domestic credit facilities in Ringgit. (iv) Obtain any amount of foreign currency credit facilities from licensed onshore banks and licensed merchant banks in Malaysia, and from any non-resident, provided the OHQ does not on-lend to, or raise the funds on behalf of, any resident. (v) Invest abroad any amount, including extension of credit facilities to its related companies, to be funded with foreign currency funds or borrowing. It may also convert any amount of Ringgit for investment abroad if it does not have domestic credit facilities or up to RM10 million per calendar year if it has domestic credit facilities. Detailed information on the foreign exchange administration rules can be obtained at http://www.bnm.gov.my/fxadmin. 244 Appendix E Appendix F Intellectual Property Protection Intellectual property protection in Malaysia comprises that of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, copyrights, geographical indications and layout designs of integrated circuits. Malaysia is a member of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and a signatory to the Paris Convention and Berne Convention which govern these intellectual property rights. In addition, Malaysia is also a signatory to the Agreement on Trade Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) signed under the auspices of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Therefore, Malaysia's intellectual property laws are in conformance with international standards and provide adequate protection to both local and foreign investors. 1. Patents The Patents Act 1983 and the Patents Regulations 1986 govern patent protection in Malaysia. An applicant may file a patent application directly if he is domicile or resident in Malaysia. A foreign application can only be filed through a registered patent agent in Malaysia acting on behalf of the applicant. Similar to legislations in other countries, an invention is patentable if it is new, involves an inventive step and is industrially applicable. In accordance with TRIPS, the Patent Act stipulates a protection period of 20 years from the date of filing of an application. Under the Act, the utility innovation certificate provides for an initial duration of 10 years protection from the date of filing of the application and renewable for further two (2) consecutive terms of five (5) years each subject to use. The owner of a patent has the right to exploit the patented invention, to assign or transmit the patent, and to conclude a licensed contract. In accordance with TRIPS, under the scope of compulsory licence, the Act allows for importation of patented products that are already in the other countries' market (parallel import).The Government can prohibit commercial exploitation of patents for reasons of public order or morality. The provision for Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) also allows importation under the scope of compulsory license. 2. Trade Marks Trade mark protection is governed by the Trade Marks Act 1976 and the Trade Marks Regulations 1997. The Act provides protection for registered trade marks and service marks in Malaysia. Once registered, no person or enterprise other than its proprietor or authorised users may use them. Infringement action can be initiated against abusers. The period of protection is 10 years, renewable for a period of every 10 years thereafter. The proprietor of the trade mark or service mark has the right to deal or assign as well as to license its use. Appendix F 245 In accordance with TRIPS, Malaysia prohibits the registration of well-known trade marks by unauthorised persons and provides for border measures to prohibit counterfeit trade marks from being imported into Malaysia. As with patents, while local applicants may file applications on their own, foreign applicants will have to do so through authorized agents. 3. Industrial Designs Industrial design protection in Malaysia is governed by the Industrial Designs Act, 1996 and Industrial Designs Regulations 1999. The Act provides the rights of registered industrial designs as that of a personal property capable of assignment and transmission by operation of the law. To be eligible for registration, industrial designs must be new and do not include a method of construction or design that is dictated solely by function. In addition, the design of the article must not be dependent upon the appearance of another article of which it forms an integral part. Local applicants can file registrations individually or through a registered industrial designs agent. However, foreign applicants will need to seek the services of a registered industrial designs agent. Registered industrial designs are protected for an initial period of five (5) years which may be extended for another two (2) 5-year terms, providing a total protection period of 15 years. 4. Copyright The Copyright Act, 1987 provides comprehensive protection for copyrightable works. The Act outlines the nature of works eligible for copyright (which includes computer software), the scope of protection, and the manner in which the protection is accorded. There is no registration of copyright works. Copyright protection in literary, musical or artistic works is for the duration of the life of the author and 50 years after his death. In sound recordings, broadcasts and films, copyright protection is for 50 years after the works are first published or made. The Act also provides protection for the performer's rights in a live performance which shall continue to subsist for 50 years from the beginning of the calendar year following the year in which the live performance was given. A unique feature of the Act is the inclusion of provisions for its enforcement. A special team of officers of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is appointed to enforce the Act and empowered to enter premises suspected of having infringing copies and to search and seize infringing copies and contrivances. They also have the power of arrest without warrant. 246 Appendix F 5. Layout Design of Integrated Circuits The Layout Design of Integrated Circuits Act, 2000 provides for the protection of layout designs of integrated circuits based on originality, creator's own invention and the fact that the creation is freely created. There is no registration for the layout design of an integrated circuit. The duration of protection is 10 years from the date of its commercial exploitation or 15 years from the date of creation if not commercially exploited. The Act also allows for action to be taken by the owner if such a right recognised under the Act has been infringed. The right can also be transferred either partly or wholly by way of assignment, license, wills or through the enforcement of law. The Act is implemented in compliance with the TRIPS agreement to provide a guarantee to investors in Malaysia's electronics industry and to ensure the growth of technology in the country. 6. Geographical Indication The Geographical Indications Act, 2000 provides protection upon registration to goods following the name of the place where the goods are produced. This protection is applicable to goods such as wine and spirit, on natural or agricultural products or any product or handicraft or industry. Geographical indications which are contrary to public order or morality shall not be protected under the Act. Actions, penalties and remedies concerning infringement of geographical indications are similar to those applicable for trade marks. Further information on intellectual property protection can be obtained from the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. Appendix F 247 Appendix G Environmental Protection To promote environmentally sound and sustainable development, the Malaysian government has established the legal and institutional framework for environmental protection. Investors are encouraged to consider the environmental factors during the early stages of their project planning. Aspects of pollution control include possible modifications in the process line to minimise waste generation, seeing pollution prevention as part of the production process, and focusing on recycling options. 1. Environmental Policy The National Policy on the Environment aims at the continued economic, social, and cultural progress of Malaysia and enhancement of the quality of life of its people, through environmentally sound and sustainable development. The Policy aims at achieving: (i) A clean, safe, healthy and productive environment for present and future generations (ii) The conservation of the country's unique and diverse cultural and natural heritage with effective participation by all sectors of society (iii) A sustainable lifestyle and pattern of consumption and production Malaysia's national environmental policy emphasises on: (i) Exercising respect and care for the environment in accordance with the highest moral and ethical standards (ii) Conserving the natural ecosystem to ensure the integrity of biodiversity and life support systems (iii) Ensuring continuous improvement in the productivity and quality of the environment while pursuing economic growth and human development objectives (iv) Managing natural resource utilisation to sustain the resource base and prevent degradation of the environment (v) Integrating environmental dimensions in the planning and implementation of the policies, objectives and mandates of all sectors to protect the environment (vi) Strengthening the role of the private sector in environmental protection and management (vii) Ensuring the highest commitment to environmental protection and accountability by all decision-makers in the public and private sectors, resource users, nongovernmental organisations and the general public in formulating, planning and implementing their activities (viii) Participating actively and effectively in regional and global efforts towards environmental conservation and enhancement 248 Appendix G 2. Environmental Requirement The Environmental Quality Act, 1974 and its accompanying regulations call for environmental impact assessment, project siting evaluation, pollution control, monitoring and self-enforcement. Industrial activities are required to obtain the following approvals from the Director-General of Environmental Quality prior to project implementation: (i) Environmental impact assessment (EIA) for Prescribed Activities (ii) Site suitability evaluation for Non-Prescribed Activities (iii) Written Permission (iv) Written Approval (v) License to occupy premises 2.1 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for Prescribed Activities An investor should check whether an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is required for the following activities prescribed under the Environmental Quality (Prescribed Activities) (Environmental Impact Assessment) Order 1987. (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) Agriculture • Land development schemes covering an area of 500 hectares or more to convert forest land for agricultural production. • Agricultural programmes necessitating the resettlement of 100 families or more • Development of agricultural estates covering an area of 500 hectares or more involving changes in the type of agricultural use Airport • Construction of airports having an airstrip of 2,500 metres or longer • Airstrip development in state and national parks Drainage and Irrigation • Construction of dams and man-make lakes and artificial enlargement of lakes with surface areas of 200 hectares or more • Drainage of wetland, wild-life habitat or of virgin forest covering an area of 100 hectares or more • Irrigation schemes covering an area of 5,000 hectares or more Land Reclamation • (v) (vi) Coastal reclamation involving an area of 50 hectares or more Fisheries • Construction of fishing harbours • Harbour expansion involving an increase of 50% or more in fish landing capacity per annum • Land-based aquaculture projects involving the clearing of mangrove swamp forests covering an area of 50 hectares or more Forestry • Conversion of hill forest land to other land use covering an area of 50 hectares or more Appendix G 249 • Land-based aquaculture projects involving the clearing of mangrove swamp forests covering an area of 50 hectares or more • Logging or conversion of forest land to other land use within the catchment area of reservoirs used for municipal water supply, irrigation or hydropower generation or in areas adjacent to state and national parks and national marine parks • Conversion of mangrove swamps for industrial, housing or agricultural use covering an area of 50 hectares or more • Clearing of mangrove swamps in islands adjacent to national marine parks • Housing development covering an area of 50 hectares (vii) Housing • Housing development covering an area of 50 hectares (viii) Industry • Chemicals Where production capacity of each product or of combined products is greater than 100 tonnes per day • Petrochemicals All sizes • Non-ferrous Primary smelting of aluminium (all sizes), primary smelting of copper (all sizes), and primary smelting which produces 50 tonnes per day and above of other products • Non-metallic Cement: for clinker throughput of 30 tonnes per hour and above; lime: 100 tonnes per day and above for burnt lime rotary kiln or 50 tonnes per day and above for vertical kiln • Iron and Steel Requirement of iron ore as raw material for production greater than 100 tonnes per day, or using scrap iron as raw material for production greater than 200 tonnes per day • Shipyards Dead Weight Tonnage greater than 5,000 tonnes • Pulp and Paper Industry Production capacity greater than 50 tonnes per day (ix) 250 Appendix G Infrastructure • Construction of hospitals with outfall into beachfronts used for recreational purposes • Construction of expressways • Construction of national highways • Construction of new townships (x) (xi) Ports • Construction of ports • Port expansion involving an increase of 50% or more in handling capacity per annum Mining • Mining of minerals in new areas where the mining lease covers a total area in excess of 250 hectares • Ore processing, including concentrating for aluminium, copper, gold or tantalum • Sand dredging involving an area of 50 hectares or more (xii) Petroleum • Oil and gas field development • Construction of off-shore and on-shore pipelines in excess of 50 kilometres in length • Construction of oil and gas separation, processing, handling and storage facilities • Construction of oil refineries • Construction of product depots for the storage of petrol, gas or diesel (excluding service stations) that are located within three kilometres of any commercial, industrial or residential areas and that have a combined storage capacity of 60,000 barrels or more. (xiii) Power Generation and Transmission • Construction of steam generated power stations burning fossil fuels and having a capacity of more than 10 megawatts • Dams and hydroelectric power schemes with either or both of the following: (a) Dams over 15 metres high and ancillary structures covering a total area in excess of 40 hectares (b) Reservoirs with a surface area in excess of 400 hectares • Construction of combined cycle power stations • Construction of nuclear-fueled power stations (xiv) Quarries • (xv) Proposed quarrying of aggregate, limestone, silica quartzite, sandstone, marble and decorative building stone within 3 kilometres of any existing residential, commercial or industrial areas, or any area in which a license, permit or approval has been granted for residential, commercial or industrial development. Railways • Construction of new routes • Construction of branch lines Appendix G 251 (xvi) Transportation • Construction of Mass Rapid Transport projects (xvii) Resort and Recreational Development • Construction of coastal resort facilities or hotels with more than 80 rooms • Hill station resort or hotel development covering an area of 50 hectares or more • Development of tourist or recreational facilities in national parks • Development of tourist or recreational facilities or islands in surrounding waters which are gazetted as national marine parks (xviii) Waste Treatment and Disposal • • • Toxic and Hazardous Waste (a) Construction of on-site incineration plant (b) Construction of off-site recovery plant (c) Construction of off-site wastewater treatment plant (d) Construction of off-site storage facility (e) Construction of secure landfill facility Municipal Solid Waste (a) Construction of incineration plant (b) Construction of composting plant (c) Construction of recovery or recycling plant (d) Construction of municipal solid waste landfill facility Municipal Sewage (a) Construction of wastewater treatment plant (b) Construction of marine out fall Note: All off-site treatment and disposal (incineration, wastewater treatment, storage and secure landfill) of scheduled wastes is not allowed until after 17 December 2010 with the signing of the concession agreement between the government of Malaysia and Kualiti Alam Sdn. Bhd. 2.2 Site Suitability Evaluation for Non-Prescribed Activities One of the most important factors in obtaining environmental approval is the site suitability of the proposed project. Site suitability is evaluated based on the compatibility of the project with respect to the gazetted structure or local plans, surrounding land-use, provision of set-backs or buffer zones, the capacity of the area to receive additional pollution load, and waste disposal requirements. The Department of Environment (DOE) produces a set of guidelines entitled "Guidelines for the Siting and Zoning of Industries" which specifies details on the appropriate buffer zone for each specific industry category. For potentially hazardous industries, the project proponent may be required to submit a risk analysis to the DOE as part of the site consideration. 252 Appendix G 2.3 Written Permission Any person intending to carry out activities as listed below must obtain prior written permission from the Director-General of Environmental Quality: (i) Construction of any building or carrying out of any work that may result in a new source of effluent or discharge as stipulated under Regulation 4, Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979 (ii) A factory which is categorised as a prescribed premise, namely, crude palm oil mills, raw natural rubber processing mills, and treatment and disposal facilities of scheduled wastes 2.4 Written Approval (i) New installation near dwelling area as detailed out in regulation 4 and First Schedule of the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 1978 (ii) Any erection (including incinerators), installation, resiting or alteration of fuel burning equipment that is rated to consume pulverized fuel or solid fuel at 30 kg or more per hour, or liquid or gaseous fuel at 15 kg or more per hour as stipulated in Regulations 36 and 38 of the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 1978 (iii) Any erection, installation, resiting, or alteration of any chimney from or through which air impurities may be emitted or discharged, respectively. 2.5 License to Occupy Premises A license is required to occupy and operate prescribed premises. Applications for the license shall be made after obtaining written permission and/ or written approval (as mentioned in 2.3 and 2.4). Licensing fees apply for every license issued for palm oil and raw natural rubber processing mills and facilities for the treatment and disposal of scheduled wastes. 2.6 Emission and Effluent Standards Industries are required to comply with both air emission and effluent discharge standards which are regarded as acceptable conditions allowed in Malaysia, as stipulated in the Environmental Quality (Clean Air) Regulations 1978 and the Environmental Quality (Sewage and Industrial Effluents) Regulations 1979. 2.7 Control on Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) are categorised as environmentally hazardous substances under the Environmental Quality (Refrigerant Management) Regulations 1999 and the Environmental Quality (Halogen Management) Regulations 1999. New investments relating to the use of these substances are prohibited. Appendix G 253 Appendix H General Agreement on Trade in Services The General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) is among the World Trade Organisation's most important agreements. The accord, which came into force in January 1995, is the first and only set of multilateral rules covering international trade in services. It has been negotiated by the governments themselves, and it sets the framework within which firms and individuals can operate. The GATS has two parts: the framework agreement containing the general rules and disciplines; and the national “schedules” which list individual countries’ specific commitments on access to their domestic markets by foreign suppliers. Key basic principles of GATS are: • All services are covered by the GATS (except for government and air traffic) • Most favoured nation (MFN) treatment applies to all services • National treatment applies in the areas where commitments are made • Transparency in regulations, which have to be objective and reasonable • Progressive liberalisation through further negotiations The agreement applies four modes of supply through which services may be exchanged: Mode 1: Cross-border supply is defined to cover services flows from the territory of one country into the territory of another country (e.g. banking or design service transmitted via telecommunications) Mode 2: Consumption abroad refers to situations where consumers make use of a service in another country (e.g. tourism) Mode 3: Commercial presence refers to a situation where a company from one country sets up subsidiaries or branches to provide services in another country (e.g. a bank from one country setting up operations in another country) Mode 4: Presence of natural persons consists of individuals traveling from their own country to supply services in another (e.g. accountants, doctors, trainers, construction workers) ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services The ASEAN Framework Agreement on Services (AFAS) is aimed at forging closer economic integration and increasing the region’s competitive advantage as a single production unit. It is the vision of the ASEAN leaders that by year 2020, ASEAN will be a stable, prosperous and highly competitive region with free flow of goods, services, investments, capital and equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socio-economic disparities. The AFAS was signed on 15 December 1995 in Bangkok, Thailand. 254 Appendix H The key objectives of AFAS are: • To enhance cooperation in services amongst Member States to improve efficiency and competitiveness, diversify production capacity and supply and distribution of services of their service suppliers within and outside ASEAN • To eliminate substantially restrictions to trade in services amongst Member States; • To liberalise trade in services by expanding the depth and scope of liberalisation beyond those undertaken by Member States under the GATS with the aim to realising a freer trade area in services. Malaysia has offered market opening measures in the form of allowing establishment of equity ownership and presence of professionals from ASEAN countries. The concessions are better than the commitments under the WTO. These covers: • Accounting, auditing and bookkeeping services up to 40 percent equity ownership; • Taxation services up to 35 percent foreign equity; • Landscape architectural services up to 40 percent equity; • Computer and related services with no limitation on foreign equity; • Telecommunication services up to 49 percent equity • Construction services up to 49 percent equity The offers by other member countries cover: Business Services • In accountancy services, Cambodia allows the establishment of representative office, Indonesia (49 percent), the Philippines (partnership practice), Singapore (no limitation on equity), Thailand (49 percent) and Vietnam (joint venture arrangements). Construction Services • Brunei offers up to 50 percent equity for construction companies, Cambodia (100 percent), Indonesia (55 percent), Lao PDR (30 percent), the Philippines (40 percent) and Thailand (49 percent). Engineering Services • Cambodia up to 100 percent equity, Indonesia (49 percent), Lao PDR (30 percent), Thailand (40 percent) and Vietnam (30 percent). Information and Communications Technology • Cambodia offers up to 100 percent equity, Indonesia (30percent), Lao PDR (30 percent), the Philippines (40 percent), Thailand (40 percent) and Vietnam (30 percent). Appendix H 255 Under the ASEAN framework, effort has been initiated on the development of Mutual Recognition Arrangements (MRA) aimed at facilitating mobility professionals in the region. The MRA on engineering services has been finalised and is aimed at facilitating mobility of engineers in the region through the recognition of qualifications. MRA efforts have also started in architecture, accountancy, medical doctors and nursing. By 2020, the aim is to transform ASEAN as an Economic Community (AEC) characterised by: 256 • a single market and production base with free flow of goods, services, investment and skilled labour; and • freer flow of capital Appendix H Useful Addresses Ministry of International Trade & Industry (MITI) Block 10, Government Offices Complex, Jalan Duta 50622 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia Tel: (603) 6203 3022 Fax: (603) 62012337/62031303 Website: www.miti.gov.my E-mail: [email protected] MITI OVERSEAS OFFICES BELGIUM Minister Counsellor (Economy) Mission of Malaysia to the EU Embassy of Malaysia in Belgium Avenue de Tervuren 414A 1150 Brussels Belgium Tel: (322)776 0340/762 5939 Fax: (322)771 2380 Email: [email protected] JAPAN Minister Counsellor (Economy) Department of Trade Affairs Embassy of Malaysia 20-16 Nanpeidai-Cho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0036 Japan Tel: (813) 3476 3844 Fax: (813) 3476 4972 E-mail: [email protected] CHINA Minister Counsellor (Economy) Embassy of Malaysia (Economic Section) No.2 Liang Ma Qiau Bei Jie Chaoyang District, 100600 Beijing People’s Republic of China Tel: (8610)6532 2533/7990 Fax: (8610)6523 3617 Email: [email protected] PHILIPPINES Counsellor (Economy) Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Office) 107 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village Makati, Metro Manila Philippines Tel: (632) 817 4581 to 85 (632) 817 4551 to 53 Fax: (632) 816 3114 E-mail: [email protected] INDIA Minister Counsellor (Economy) 50-M, Satya Marg Chanakyapuri New Delhi 110 021 Republic of India Tel: (91-11) 2611 1291/1292/1293/1297 Fax: (91-11) 2688 1538 E-mail: [email protected] INDONESIA Counsellor (Economy) Embassy of Malaysia (Commercial Section) Jalan H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav X6 No.1-3, Kuningan Jakarta 12950 Indonesia Tel: (6221) 522 4947/522 4962 Fax: (6221) 522 4963 Email: [email protected] 258 Appendix SINGAPORE Counsellor (Economy) Malaysian Trade Commission 80 Robinson Road #01-02 Singapore 068896 Tel: (65) 6222 0126/1356/1357 Fax: (65) 6221 5121 Email: [email protected] SWITZERLAND Permanent Mission of Malaysia to the WTO International Centre Cointrin (ICC) 3rd Floor, Block C 20, Route de Pre-Bois Case Postale 1909 CH 1215, Geneva 15 Switzerland Tel: (4122) 799 4040 Fax: (4122) 799 4041 E-mail: [email protected] THAILAND Counsellor (Economy) Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Office) 35, South Sathorn Road Tungmahamek, Sathorn Bangkok 10120 Thailand Tel: (662) 679 2190-9 Ext.2303/2304/2305 Fax: (662) 679 2200 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM Minister Counsellor (Economy) Malaysian Trade Commision 17 Curzon Street London WIY 5HR United Kingdom Tel: (020) 7499 7388 Fax: (020) 7493 3199 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Minister Counsellor (Economy) Embassy of Malaysia 3516 International Court NW Washington DC 20008 United States of America Tel: (1202) 572 9700/10/34 Fax: (1202) 572 9782/882 E-mail: [email protected] Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 7th FI, Wisma Sime Darby (West Wing), Jalan Raja Laut, 50350 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (603) 2616 3333 Fax : (603) 2694 7363/2694 7362 Website: www.matrade.gov..my E-mail: [email protected] MATRADE STATE OFFICES PULAU PINANG Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 1st Floor, FMM Building 2767, Mukim 1, Lebuh Tenggiri 2 Bandar Seberang Jaya 13700 Seberang Perai Tengah Pulau Pinang Tel: (604) 398 2020 Fax: (604) 398 2288 E-mail: [email protected] SABAH Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Lot C5.2A, Tingkat 5, Blok C Bangunan KWSP, Jalan Karamunsing 88100 Kota Kinabalu Sabah Tel: (6088) 240 881/242 881 Fax: (6088) 243 881 E-mail: [email protected] MATRADE OVERSEAS OFFICES EUROPE FRANCE Malaysian Trade Commissioner Service Commercial De Malaisie Ambassade De Malaisie 90, Avenue Des Champs Elysees 75008 Paris, France Tel: (331) 4076 0000/0034 Fax: (331) 4076 0001 E-mail: [email protected] GERMANY Malaysian Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Section) Rolex Haus, 6th Etage Dompropst-Ketzer Strasse 1-9 50667 Cologne Federal Republic of Germany Tel : (49221) 124 007 Fax : (49221) 139 0416 E-mail : [email protected] THE NETHERLANDS Malaysian Trade Commissioner Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Embassy of Malaysia (Commercial Section) Rustenburgweg 2, 2517 KE, The Hague The Netherlands Tel: (31010) 462 7759/7098 Fax: (31010) 4627349 E-mail: [email protected] HUNGARY Assistant Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia Trade Section (MATRADE) Ground Floor, Museum Atrium Dozsa Gyorgy ut 84/b 1068 Budapest, Hungary Tel: 36-1-488 0810 (T) 36-1-488 0824 (T) Fax: E-mail: [email protected] RUSSIA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Section) Mosfilmovskaya Ulitsa 50 Moscow, Russia Tel: (7095) 147 1514/23 Fax: (7095) 143 6043 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM Malaysian Trade Commissioner (Commercial Section) 3rd & 4th FI, 17 Curzon Street London W1J 5HR United Kingdom Tel: (44207) 499 5255/4644 Fax: (44207) 499 4597 E-mail: [email protected] ITALY Consul and Trade Commissioner Consulate of Malaysia (Commercial Service) 5th FI, Via Vittor Pisani 31 20124 Milano, Italy Tel: (3902) 669 0501 (3902) 670 2872 Fax: E-mail: [email protected] Appendix 259 ASIA - PACIFIC AUSTRALIA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Malaysian External Trade Development Corporation Consulate of Malaysia Level 4, MAS Building 16, Spring Sreet, Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Tel: (612) 9252 2270 Fax: (612) 9252 2285 E-mail: [email protected] CHINA, PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF Malaysian Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Section) C501 & C502 Office Building Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center No.50, Liangmaqiao Road Chaoyang Dist, Beijing 100016 People’s Republic of China Tel: (8610) 8451 5109/5110 Fax: (8610) 8451 5112 E-mail: [email protected] INDONESIA Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 12th Floor, Plaza Mutiara Jl. Lingkar Kuningan Kav. E.1.2, No. 1 & 2 Kawasan Mega Kuningan Jakarta 12950 Indonesia Tel: (6221) 576 4297 (6221) 576 4322 Fax: (6221) 576 4321 E-mail: [email protected] CHINA, SHANGHAI Consulate General of Malaysia (Trade Section) Unit 807-809, 8th Floor Shanghai Kerry Centre 1515, Nanjing Road West Shanghai 200040 People’s Republic of China Tel: (8621) 6289 4467 Fax: (8621) 6289 4381 E-mail: [email protected] JAPAN, TOKYO Director Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation 6th FIr, Ginza Showadori Building 8-14-14, Ginza Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061, Japan Tel: (813) 3544 0712/713 (813) 3544 0714 Fax: Email: [email protected] CHINA, GUANGZHOU Trade Commissoner Consulate General of Malaysia Trade Section (MATRADE) Unit 5305, CITIC Plaza 233, Tianhe North Road Tianhe District, Guangzhou 510610 People's Republic of China Tel: (8620) 2885 8212 (8620) 2885 8213 (8620) 2885 8215 Fax: (8620) 3877 3985 E-mail: [email protected] 260 HONG KONG Malaysian Trade Consul The Consulate General of Malaysia (Trade Section) Ground Floor, Malaysia Building 50 Gloucester Road, Wanchai Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Tel: (852) 2527 8273 Fax: (852) 2527 8109 E-mail: [email protected] Appendix JAPAN, OSAKA Marketing Officer Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) 3rd Floor, Takahashi Building 5-9-3, Nishi-tenma Kita-ku, Osaka 530-0047 Japan (816) 6313 5015 Tel: (816) 6313 5016 Fax: Email: [email protected] KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Malaysian Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia (Trade and Investment Section) 17th Floor, SC First Bank Building 100, Gongpyung-Dong, Jongro-Gu Seoul 110-702 Republic of Korea (0082) 2739 6813/6814 Tel: Fax: (0082) 2739 6815 E-mail: [email protected] PHILIPPINES Marketing Officer Embassy of Malaysia Trade Office (MATRADE) 3/F, Malaysian Embassy Building 107 Tordesillas Street, Salcedo Village Makati City, Metro Manila Philippines Tel: (632) 817 4581 (632) 817 4551 (632) 817 4553 Fax : (632) 816 3114 E-mail: [email protected] SINGAPORE Director Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Singapore Office 100, Beach Road #33-01/03, Shaw Towers Singapore 189702 Tel: (602) 6392 2238 Fax: (602) 6392 2239 E-mail: [email protected] TAIWAN Director Malaysian Friendship & Trade Centre (Trade Section) 10F-D, Hung Kuo Building 167 Tun Hwa North Road Taipei, Taiwan (8862) 2545 2260 Tel: Fax: (8862) 2718 1877 E-mail: [email protected] THAILAND Marketing Officer Embassy of Malaysia Trade Office (MATRADE) 35, South Sathorn Road Tungmahamed, Sathorn Bangkok, 10120 Thailand Tel: (662) 679 2190-9 ext: 2209 (662) 679 2200 (662) 679 2131 Fax: (662) 679 2200 E-mail: [email protected] VIETNAM Malaysia Trade Commissioner Consulate General of Malaysia Trade Commissioner Office 1208, 12th FIr, Me Linh Point Tower 2, Ngo Duc Ke Street, District 1 Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Tel: (848) 829 9023/829 8256 Fax: (848) 823 1882 E-mail: [email protected] WEST ASIA EGYPT Trade Commissioner Embassy Of Malaysia Commercial Section (MATRADE) 17th Floor, North Tower Nile City Building Cornish El-Nil Street Cairo Egypt Tel: (202) 461 9063 (202) 461 9064 Fax: (202) 461 9065 E-mail: [email protected] SAUDI ARABIA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Consulate General of Malaysia (Commercial Section) Room 1012, 14th FIoor Saudi Business Centre Madina Road P.O.Box 20802 Jeddah 21465 Saudi Arabia Tel: (9662) 653 2143/98 Fax: (9662) 653 0274 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Consul General / Malaysian Trade Commissioner Consulate General of Malaysia Lot 1-3 & 6-10 Ground & Mezzanine Floors Al-Shafeena Building Near Lamcy Plaza Al-Zabeel Road P.O.Box 4598, Dubai United Arab Emirates Tel: (9714) 335 5528/38 Fax: (9714) 335 2220 E-mail: [email protected] SOUTH ASIA INDIA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Capitale 2A, 2nd Floor 554 & 555, Anna Salai Teynampet Chennai-600018 India Tel: (9144) 2431 3722/3723 Fax: (9144) 2431 3725 E-mail: [email protected] NORTH AMERICA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Consulate General of Malaysia (Commercial Section) 550 South Hope Street Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90071 United States of America Tel: (1213) 892 9034 Fax: (1213) 955 9142 E-mail: [email protected] Malaysian Trade Commissioner Consulate General of Malaysia (Commercial Section) 313, East 43rd Street, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10017 United States of America Tel: (1212) 682 0232/(1917) 834 0472 Fax: (1212) 983 1987 E-mail: [email protected] SOUTH AMERICA BRAZIL Malaysian Trade Commissioner Embassy of Malaysia (Trade Office) 771, Alameda Santos Suite 72, 7th Floor 01419-00141, Sao Paulo Brazil (5511) 3285 2966 Tel: (5511) 3289 1595 Fax: E-mail: [email protected] CHILE Malaysian Trade Commissioner Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation Oficina Commercial de Malasia Embajada De Malasia Avda Tajamar 183 Oficina 302, Las Condes Santiago, Chile Tel: (562) 234 2647 Fax: (562) 234 2652 E-mail: [email protected] AFRICA KENYA Trade Commissioner Malaysian Trade Commission 3rd Floor, North Wing Victoria Towers, Kilimanjaro Avenue Upper Hill, P.O.Box, 48916 001000 Nairobi GPO Kenya Tel: (2542) 0273 0070/0071 Fax: (2542) 0273 0069 E-mail: [email protected] SOUTH AFRICA Malaysian Trade Commissioner Ground Floor, Building 5 Commerce Square Office Park 39, Rivonia Road Sandhurst, Sandton South Africa Tel: (2711) 268 2380/2381 Fax: (2711) 268 2382 E-mail: [email protected] Appendix 261 Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Block 4, Plaza Sentral, Jalan Stesen Sentral 5, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (603) 2267 3633 Fax: (603) 2274 7970 Website : www.mida.gov.my E-mail : [email protected] MIDA STATE OFFICES KEDAH & PERLIS Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 8th Fl., Wisma PKNK Jalan Sultan Badlishah 05000 Alor Star, Kedah Malaysia Tel: (604) 731 3978 Fax: (612) 731 2439 E-mail: [email protected] PULAU PINANG Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 4.03 4th Floor, Menara PSCI 39 Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah 10050 Pulau Pinang Malaysia Tel: (604) 228 0575 Fax: (604) 228 0327 E-mail: [email protected] PERAK Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 2nd Floor Perak Techno Trade Centre (PTTC) Bandar Meru Raya Off Jalan Jelapang 30020 Ipoh, Perak Malaysia Tel: (605) 526 9962/9961 Fax: (605) 527 9960 E-mail: [email protected] MELAKA Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 3th Floor, Menara MITC Kompleks MITC Jalan Konvensyen 75450 Ayer Keroh, Melaka Malaysia (606) 232 2876/78 Tel: Fax: (606) 232 2875 E-mail: [email protected] 262 Appendix JOHOR Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Unit No. 15.03 Level 15, Wisma LKN 49, Jalan Wong Ah Fook 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor Malaysia Tel: (607) 224 2550/ 5500 Fax: (607) 224 2360 E-mail: [email protected] PAHANG Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Suite 3, 11th Floor Kompleks Teruntum P.O.Box 178, 25720 Kuantan, Pahang Malaysia Tel: (609) 513 7334 Fax: (609) 513 7333 E-mail: [email protected] KELANTAN Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 5th Floor, Bangunan PKINK Jalan Tengku Maharani Puteri 15000 Kota Bharu, Kelantan Malaysia Tel: (609) 748 3151 Fax: (609) 744 7294 E-mail: [email protected] TERENGGANU Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 5th Floor, Menara Yayasan Islam Terengganu Jalan Sultan Omar 20300 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu Malaysia (609) 622 7200 Tel: Fax: (609) 623 2260 E-mail: [email protected] SABAH Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 4th Fl., Bank Negara Building Jalan Lapan Belas, Off Jalan Tun Razak P.O. Box 11915 88821 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia Tel: (6088) 211 411/211 412 Fax: (6088) 211 412 E-mail: [email protected] SARAWAK Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Room 404, 4th Floor, Bangunan Bank Negara No.147, Jalan Satok, P.O.Box 716 93714 Kuching, Sarawak Malaysia Tel: (6082) 254 251/237 484 Fax: (6082) 252 375 E-mail: [email protected] MIDA OVERSEAS OFFICES ASIA-PACIFIC EUROPE NORTH AMERICA AUSTRALIA Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Level 3, MAS Building 16 Spring Street Sydney NSW 2000, Australia Tel: (612) 9251 1933 Fax: (612) 9251 4333 E-mail: [email protected] FRANCE Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 42, Avenue Kleber 75116 Paris France Tel: (331) 4727 3689/6696 Fax: (331) 4755 6375 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Consul (Investment) Consulate General of Malaysia (Investment Section) 550, South Hope Street, Suite 400 Los Angeles, California 90071 United States of America Tel: (1213) 955 9183 Fax: (1213) 955 9878 E-mail: [email protected] JAPAN Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 4th Floor, Aoyama 246 Building 5-6-26, Minami-Aoyama, Minato-Ku Tokyo 107-0062, Japan Tel: (816) 3409 3680/3681 Fax: (813) 3409 3460 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.midajapan.or.jp GERMANY, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 6th Floor, Rolex Haus Dompropst-ketzer Str.1-9 50667 Cologne Federal Republic of Germany Tel: (49221) 124 008/ 009 Fax: (49221) 136 198 E-mail: [email protected] Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 3rd Floor, Takahashi Building 5-9-3, Nishi-Tenma, Kita-ku Osaka 530-0047, Japan Tel: (816) 6313 3121/3221 Fax: (816) 6313 3321 E-mail: [email protected] ITALY Consul (Investment) Consulate of Malaysia (Investment Section) 4th Floor, Via Vittor Pisani,31 20124 Milan Italy Tel: (3902) 6698 4614/ 4647 Fax: (3902) 6698 4749 E-mail: [email protected] KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Counsellor (Investment) Embassy of Malaysia (Investment Section) 17th Floor, Korea First Bank Building 100, Gongpyung-Dong Jongro-Gu Seoul 110-702 Republic of Korea Tel: (822) 733 6130/6131 Fax: (822) 733 6132 E-mail: [email protected] PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA Consul (Investment) Consulate General of Malaysia (Investment Section) Unit 807-809, Level 8, Shanghai Kerry Centre, No.1515, Nanjing Road (West) Shanghai 200040 People’s Republic of China (8621) 6289 4547/ Tel: (8621) 5298 6335 Fax: (8621) 6279 4009 E-mail: [email protected] SWEDEN Economic Counsellor Embassy of Malaysia Karlavagen 37 P.O. Box 26503 S-10041 Stockholm Sweden Tel: (468) 791 7690/ 7942 Fax: (468) 791 8761 E-mail: [email protected] UNITED KINGDOM Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 17 Curzon Street London W1J 5HR United Kingdom Tel: 44 (20) 7493 0616 Fax: 44 (20) 7493 8804 E-mail: [email protected] Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 226, Airport Parkway Suite 480, San Jose CA 95110 United States of America Tel: (1408) 392 0617/8 Fax: (1408) 392 0619 E-mail: [email protected] Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority John Hancock Centre, Suite 1515 875, North Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611 United States of America Tel: (1312) 787 4532 Fax: (1312) 787 4769 E-mail: [email protected] Consul (Investment) Consulate General of Malaysia (Investment Section) 313 East, 43rd New York New York 10017 United States of America Tel: (1212) 687 2491 Fax: (1212) 490 8450 E-mail: [email protected] Director Malaysian Industrial Development Authority 2, Oliver Street, Suite 1107 Boston, MA 02109 United States of America (1617) 338 1128/ 338 1129 Tel: Fax: (1617) 338 6667 E-mail: [email protected] TAIWAN Director (Investment) Malaysian Friendship & Trade Centre 8th Floor, San Ho Plastics Building 102, Tun Hua North Road,Taipei Taiwan Tel: (8862) 2713 2626 (8862) 2514 7581 Fax: E-mail: [email protected] Appendix 263 Published by Malaysian Industrial Development Authority Block 4, Plaza Sentral Jalan Stesen Sentral 5 Kuala Lumpur Sentral 50470 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (603) 2267 3633 Tel: (603) 2274 7970 Fax: Website: www.mida.gov.my E-mail: [email protected]