
Delivering
More Than Just Compliance
At Douglas Loh & Co., our audit and assurance services are designed to do more than satisfy statutory requirements. With over 30 years of experience in Malaysia, we help businesses—startups, SMEs, and established companies—make informed decisions, reduce financial risk, and build stakeholder trust.
We understand your operations, your industry, and Malaysia’s evolving regulatory landscape.
Our Professional Audit & Assurance Services
in Malaysia

Statutory
Financial Audits
Annual audits in accordance with the Companies Act, Income Tax Act, and Malaysian Financial Reporting Standards (MFRS).

Internal Audits
Independent assessments of internal controls, risk management frameworks, and operational efficiency.

Corporate
Governance
Assess governance structure, ensuring board and management operate in line with best practices and current legal standards.

Regulatory
Compliance Checks
Verify that business complies with all core regulatory requirements,
such as:
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SSM filings
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LHDN tax obligations
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EPF, SOCSO, and EIS submissions
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Industry-specific regulations, if applicable

Documentation & Recordkeeping
Review essential registers such as:
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Register of Directors
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Register of Members
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Other statutory documents required by SSM
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To ensure accurate, complete, and timely corporate recordkeeping.
For other types of audit services other than annual compliance,
please reach out to us and we will get back to you in no time!
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How long does it take to incorporate a company?Most companies can be incorporated within 3-5 working days, depending on the speed of name approval and document submission.
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What documents do I need to prepare?We’ll need copies of your NRIC (for locals) or passport (for foreigners), proposed company name, business activity details, and your registered business address.
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Can you help open a corporate bank account?Yes, we assist with preparing the required documents for corporate banking with no additional charges. Some banks may require in-person visits; we’ll guide you through the process.
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Do I need to be physically present in Malaysia to set up the company?Not necessarily. For foreign founders, we offer remote incorporation support — including document preparation, e-signatures (where applicable), and virtual consultations.
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How do I start a company in Malaysia?To start a company (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia, you’ll need at least one director with a local residential address, a registered business address, and a minimum paid-up capital of RM1. Our team will guide you through every step — from name reservation to SSM registration.
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What are the minimum requirements to register a Sdn Bhd?You’ll need: At least one director and one shareholder (can be the same person) A local registered office address Minimum RM1 paid-up capital A qualified company secretary (appointed within 30 days)
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Will I get a business license after incorporation?SSM incorporation gives you your company registration, but additional business licenses may be needed depending on your industry (e.g. F&B, education, import/export). We can help assess your licensing needs.
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Can foreigners register a company in Malaysia?Yes, foreign individuals and entities can register a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia. While 100% foreign ownership is allowed for many business activities, some sectors may require local equity. We provide guidance tailored to your situation.
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Do I still need an in-house accountant if I use your services?Not necessarily. Many of our clients rely entirely on our outsourced team. However, larger businesses may still keep an internal finance person and use us for compliance and advisory support.
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What types of businesses do you provide accounting services for?We support local enterprises, startups, SMEs, and foreign-owned companies across various industries. Whether you're just setting up or already operating, our services adapt to your needs.
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As a foreign-owned company, do I need a local director or representative to use your services?No, but your company must comply with SSM and Inland Revenue Board requirements. We work closely with your local representatives or can assist with connecting you to licensed company secretarial partners if needed.
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How much do accounting services cost in Malaysia?Pricing depends on the volume of transactions, business complexity, and frequency of reporting. At Douglas Loh & Co., we offer transparent, fixed-fee packages starting from affordable monthly rates.
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What is included in your accounting packages?Our packages typically include: Monthly or quarterly bookkeeping Financial statement preparation Tax computation and Form C assistance Management reports (on request) Custom packages are available based on your business needs.
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How often will you review my company’s finances?We offer periodic financial reviews (monthly, quarterly, or yearly) depending on your package — giving you valuable insights for planning, cash flow, and tax-saving decisions.
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Can you help me understand tax incentives or exemptions for foreign-owned companies in Malaysia?Yes. We provide consultations to explore any tax incentives or exemptions you may be eligible for, depending on your industry and investment status.
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Can a foreign-owned company get accounting services in Malaysia?Absolutely. We assist many foreign-owned businesses with local accounting compliance, tax filings, and financial reporting. Our team ensures your business meets all statutory obligations under Malaysian law.
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What documents are needed for an audit in Malaysia?Key documents include: Annual financial statements Bank statements and reconciliations General ledger and trial balance Sales and purchase records Board resolutions and minutes (if applicable) We’ll provide a full checklist at the start of the engagement.
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What’s the difference between audit and assurance services?An audit focuses on financial statement accuracy, while assurance services can include reviews, internal controls, and other independent validations that don’t require full audits.
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Do you provide audit services for foreign-owned companies in Malaysia?Yes. We have extensive experience auditing foreign-owned and cross-border entities in compliance with Malaysian standards and group consolidation needs.
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How long does an audit typically take?A typical audit takes between 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the size and readiness of your financial records. Timely submission of documents helps speed up the process.
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Are your audit reports accepted by international stakeholders?Yes. Our audit reports are prepared in accordance with approved accounting and auditing standards in Malaysia, recognised by investors, banks, and overseas shareholders.
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Is a statutory audit mandatory for my company in Malaysia?Yes. All private limited companies (Sdn Bhd) in Malaysia are required to have their financial statements audited annually by a licensed auditor, unless exempted under specific SME criteria.
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Are your auditors licensed in Malaysia?es. Douglas Loh & Co. is a licensed audit firm, registered with the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
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What is the purpose of a financial audit?A financial audit provides independent verification of a company’s financial statements. It helps ensure accuracy, detect irregularities, and improve investor or stakeholder confidence.
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What are the statutory records a company must maintain?Companies are required to maintain documents such as the register of directors, shareholders, share allotments, meeting minutes, and resolutions. We handle these on your behalf.
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Can Douglas Loh & Co. act as our company secretary?Yes. We are a licensed company secretary registered with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and provide full secretarial services to both local and foreign-owned companies.
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What happens if my company fails to appoint or maintain a company secretary?Failure to comply with statutory obligations can result in penalties, fines, or delays in company operations. Our role is to ensure you meet all deadlines and regulatory expectations.
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Do you handle annual return submissions and updates to SSM?Yes. We prepare and file your annual return, update SSM on any changes to directorship, shareholding, or company details, and ensure your records stay accurate and current.
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What does a company secretary do?A company secretary ensures your business complies with Malaysian laws and SSM regulations. This includes maintaining statutory records, preparing resolutions, filing annual returns, and advising on corporate governance.
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Can foreign-owned companies appoint a local company secretary?Absolutely. All companies registered in Malaysia, including foreign-owned Sdn Bhd entities, must appoint a licensed local company secretary. We frequently assist foreign investors in fulfilling this requirement.
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What’s included in your company secretarial service packages?Our packages typically include the appointment of a named company secretary, maintenance of statutory registers, preparation of standard resolutions, annual return filings, and advisory on compliance matters. Chat with us to find out more or if you are still unsure. We are happy to assist!
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Is it mandatory to appoint a company secretary in Malaysia?Yes. Under the Companies Act 2016, all Sdn Bhd (private limited) companies in Malaysia must appoint a qualified company secretary within 30 days of incorporation.
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What is tax compliance and why is it important for companies in Malaysia?Tax compliance means adhering to all filing, payment, and documentation requirements set by the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN). Non-compliance can lead to penalties, audits, and reputational risks. Clear record-keeping and proactive planning help avoid these issues.
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What documents are needed for annual tax filing in Malaysia?You’ll typically need audited financial statements, tax computation, Form CP204 (if applicable), and supporting schedules. We’ll guide you through a customised checklist to simplify the process.
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When is the deadline for corporate tax filing in Malaysia?Corporate income tax returns must be filed within 7 months after the financial year-end. We help clients track key deadlines and avoid late submission penalties.
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What types of tax returns do you handle?We manage a wide range of tax obligations, including: Corporate Income Tax (Form C) Employer Taxes (Form E & EA) Withholding Tax for payments to non-residents Sales & Service Tax (SST) submissions Personal tax, expatriate filings, and stamp duty where applicable
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How do you support foreign-owned companies?We specialise in guiding foreign-owned companies through Malaysia’s tax system — from registration with LHDN to fulfilling annual tax filing obligations, including withholding tax and cross-border reporting where required.
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Do you provide tax compliance services for SMEs and startups?Absolutely. We work with businesses of all sizes, including startups and growing SMEs, offering scalable tax solutions that grow with your business.
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What are the common tax risks companies face in Malaysia?Common risks include incorrect filings, underreported income, improper withholding tax deductions, and delayed submissions. We proactively identify and mitigate these risks for our clients.
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Do you represent clients in LHDN audits or queries?Yes. Douglas Loh & Co. acts as your authorised tax agent to manage LHDN correspondences, respond to audit requests, and handle investigations with minimal disruption to your business.