What Is the Cost of Bookkeeping Services in Malaysia?
- Chow Ping
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
Every ringgit spent on bookkeeping should multiply your returns, not drain your profits.
You don’t want to find the cheapest option.
You want the right service that delivers maximum value without draining your resources.
So what is a normal amount to pay for quality bookkeeping services in Malaysia?
Let’s talk numbers.
The Cost of Bookkeeping Services in Malaysia
Basic bookkeeping ranges from RM300-RM1,200 per month, depending on transaction volume.
Tax filing and compliance will set you back RM800-RM3,000 per year, varying by company size.
Financial statement preparation costs between RM500-RM2,500, whether quarterly or annually.
And if you're looking at full accounting outsourcing, expect to pay RM1,000-RM5,000 per month.
Why the huge range? Because your 5-person startup isn't the same as a 100-employee manufacturing company.
Different businesses need different levels of service. So who provides these services, and what should you expect to pay each of them?
Four Types of Accounting Service Providers (And What They Really Cost)
1. Freelancers (RM500-RM1,500/month)
Cheap? Sometimes. Reliable? Well...
Freelancers offer the lowest rates, but consider what you're really getting. Limited availability means when they're sick, your accounting stops.
They typically have no backup systems, so hope they never lose your data! And their expertise in specialized areas like SST or tax planning can be questionable at best.
The lowest price tag often comes with the highest risk.
2. Small Accounting Firms (RM800-RM2,500/month)
The middle ground that sometimes works.
Small firms offer more stability than freelancers and can handle basic compliance needs.
But they often have limited breadth of expertise in specialized industries or complex tax situations.
Their service is generally reactive rather than proactive – they'll file your tax returns, but don't expect advanced tax planning strategies.
You get what you pay for – basic service at a reasonable price.
3. Large Accounting Firms (RM3,000-RM10,000/month)
The premium option with premium prices.
Large firms provide comprehensive expertise with multiple specialists under one roof. Their system-driven processes ensure consistency and reliability. But all that comes with bills to match.
For most small-to-medium businesses, this level of service is overkill — like using a parang to cut kuih.
4. Specialized Boutique Firms (RM1,000-RM5,000/month)
The sweet spot for many businesses.
Boutique firms like Douglas Loh & Associates deliver industry-specific expertise. Generic providers simply cannot match this level of knowledge.
Our clients enjoy personalized attention. Our seasoned professionals truly understand your business challenges.
Our strategic tax planning saves you money. These savings often exceed what you pay for our services.
We combine the best of both worlds. You get the cost-efficiency of a small firm. But you also receive the comprehensive expertise of a larger establishment.
The Hidden Costs of Cheap Accounting Services
Choosing the cheapest option is more than risky: it can be financially devastating.
Tax penalties from missed deadlines can reach up to 45% of unpaid tax.
Audit headaches from poorly maintained records can result in RM5,000-RM20,000 in extra accounting fees to clean up the mess.
Then there are lost tax savings from missed deductions – potentially tens of thousands in overpaid tax that you'll never see again. And the opportunity costs from poor financial insights are immeasurable.
Why Douglas Loh & Associates Offers the Best Value
With 22 years of experience, we've seen it all — businesses overpaying for fancy firms that deliver nothing special, and businesses underpaying for services that cost them dearly in tax penalties.
Our pricing structure is transparent, with no hidden fees or surprise charges. We tell you exactly how many transactions each package covers, so there's never any confusion about what you're paying for.
For micro businesses with less than RM500k revenue, our Basic package at RM800/year covers essential compliance needs. This works well if you have fewer than 50 transactions per month and just need the basics: financial statements, tax filing assistance, and basic tax consultation.
Small businesses with RM500k-RM3M revenue benefit most from our Essential package at RM500/month. This gives you regular monitoring with 0-50 monthly transactions. Beyond the basic services, you'll get cloud accounting setup and periodic financial reviews to keep your business on track.
Growing businesses with RM3M+ revenue should consider our Growth package at RM1,000+/month. With support for more than 50 monthly transactions, this comprehensive solution includes all essential services plus strategic planning, cash flow management, and tax optimization strategies.
Most importantly, we help you pay less tax legally through proactive planning. Many of our clients save more in tax than they pay us in fees, making our services effectively free.
Your business deserves more than the bare minimum. It deserves financial intelligence that drives growth.
Want to focus on your business while we manage the boring paperwork for you?
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