Insights
Written by the firm
The questions clients are asking us, the changes worth knowing about, and a few honest opinions along the way.
Case Study on ICT Zone Ventures Berhad: From Interest Scheme to IPO
How ICT Zone used two interest schemes to fund its ICT rental business, then turned scheme investors into shareholders on the way to a LEAP Market listing and a 2025 ACE Market IPO.
Listing on the LEAP Market
How an emerging company can list on Bursa Malaysia’s LEAP Market without a prospectus: the Approved Adviser’s role, the listing factors and the admission requirements, explained through one agritech business’s plans.
Listing on the ACE Market
How a growing company can list on Bursa Malaysia’s ACE Market without a profit track record: the Sponsor’s role, the listing factors and the admission requirements, explained through one tech start-up’s plans.
Listing on the Main Market
What a company needs to list on Bursa Malaysia’s Main Market: the SC’s listing factors, the three entry tests and the admission requirements, explained through one manufacturer’s IPO plans.
Going Public in Malaysia: Main, ACE or LEAP?
Bursa Malaysia has three markets for an IPO: Main, ACE and LEAP. We compare their entry tests, approvals, investors and ongoing obligations to help companies choose where to list.
“Ali Baba” Contracts in Malaysia
A High Court decision shows that a subcontract used to get around Bumiputera procurement requirements can be void, leaving the subcontractor unable to recover payment even after finishing the work.
Buying Property in Malaysia as a Foreigner: Stamp Duty and Costs
From 1 January 2026, foreign buyers of residential property in Malaysia pay a flat 8% stamp duty on the transfer. This guide covers that change, stamp duty on loans, and other costs to budget for.
Selling Property in Malaysia as a Foreigner: RPGT and the 7% Retention Sum
Foreigners selling Malaysian property pay RPGT on the gain, and the buyer must hold back 7% of the price for the tax authorities. How the rates and retention sum work.
Quit Rent, Assessment and a Tax Checklist for Foreign Property Owners in Malaysia
Quit rent and assessment explained for foreign property owners, with a side-by-side checklist of the taxes foreign buyers and sellers pay in Malaysia.
Why China Nationals Owning Assets in Malaysia Should Have a Malaysian Will
A China will alone is rarely enough for assets in Malaysia. Why PRC nationals with Malaysian property, bank accounts or MM2H deposits should have a separate Malaysian will, and what happens without one.
Applying for an SSM Interest Scheme: The Process at a Glance
Registering an interest scheme with SSM involves eight main steps, from structuring the scheme and preliminary consultation to approval and launch. This overview walks through each step and the scheme documents required.
SSM Interest Scheme Registration Requirements
Before SSM registers an interest scheme, it looks closely at the management company behind it. This article sets out the corporate structure, paid-up capital, profit and track record requirements for Small and Premium Schemes, and the alternatives where a company falls short.
Nature of Interest Schemes: The Four Categories
The Interest Schemes Act 2016 recognises four categories of scheme: investment, recreational membership, time-sharing and hybrid. This overview explains each one and the kinds of business models that may fall within them.
Interest Schemes in Malaysia: An Introduction
Interest schemes let businesses raise funds from the public without giving up ownership or providing collateral. This overview covers how the Interest Schemes Act 2016 defines them, the types of scheme, and why registration matters.
Can a Malaysian Court Order Someone to Apologise?
Winning a defamation claim does not mean the court can make the other side say sorry. Tan Sing How & Ors v Ng Ze Xuan sets out why, and which remedies remain available.
MM2H Property Rules in Malaysia: Minimum Purchase Price by State
An MM2H visa does not lower the State’s minimum price for foreign buyers. The effective minimum is the higher of the Federal MM2H requirement and the State threshold, with Penang and Forest City the main exceptions.
MM2H Property Rules in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor
In Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the State threshold for foreign buyers usually exceeds the Federal MM2H minimum, so the visa gives little or no price advantage.
MM2H Property Rules in Penang: The State Concession Explained
Penang may reduce its State threshold for eligible MM2H participants, but the Federal MM2H minimum still applies. Worked examples show the effective price on the Island and in Seberang Perai.
MM2H Property Rules in Johor and Forest City (SEZ/SFZ MM2H)
Standard MM2H gives Silver and Gold holders little advantage in Johor, where the State minimum is RM1,000,000. Forest City’s separate SEZ/SFZ MM2H category has an RM500,000 minimum.
When Does Time Start Running in a Property SPA?
When does the vacant possession clock start in a property SPA? The Federal Court in Icon City v Lee Kean Hwa held that it runs from the date the approvals are actually obtained, and later amendments to building plans don't restart it.