OCTIS vs registering a Sdn Bhd yourself or through an agent in Malaysia

SSM's new Corporate Registry System lets you file alone. Here is what the agent fee buys.

Last checked 9 November 2026 · 10 sources

Otty's short answer

You can register a Sdn Bhd yourself on SSM's Corporate Registry System for about RM1,050 in government fees and appoint a company secretary afterwards. Agents charge RM389 to RM589 on top, by their own price split, for the forms, name checks and bank support. DIY suits one Malaysian founder with a simple company. Pay an agent when there are foreign directors, many owners or a deadline.

Side by side

Swipe to see every column

What matters	OCTISSdn Bhd + OCTIS	Do it yourself on SSM	Altomate	Mishu	FoundingBird
Total to incorporate	At least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) with OCTIS	RM1,000 plus name fee	RM1,399 app, RM1,999 assisted	RM1,499 on its table	RM1,599, excl. SST
Agent fee, as provider splits it	Incorporation through OCTIS at least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee)	RM0	RM389 (app)	RM489 processing	RM589
Who files the forms	OCTIS handles SSM registration	You, on SSM4U	You in app, or Altomate	Mishu secretaries	FoundingBird secretaries
Secretary needed to apply	Licensed company secretary provided	No, within 30 days after	Plan bundled in package	Subscription required	Secretary files for you
Verified SSM4U account	Not needed by you	You need one	Not needed by you	Not needed by you	Not needed by you
Corporate bank help	Business account via licensed partners	None	Bank referral included	Separate service	Account set-up included
Money-back window	30-day money-back guarantee, terms apply	Not applicable	Not published	30 days, SSM fee excluded	Not published
Foreign director or owner	Supported	Possible, verify online	Essential plan or higher	Premium plan, US$125 per month	Not published

Data sources & disclaimer: Comparison data was compiled from publicly available sources — including the competitors' own published pricing and feature pages — captured on 9 November 2026. Figures reflect the typical or advertised pricing at that time and may have changed since; plans, inclusions and prices vary by provider, region and promotion. OCTIS is independent and not affiliated with the named companies; all trademarks belong to their respective owners. This comparison is provided in good faith for general information only and is not professional, legal or financial advice — please verify current details with each provider before deciding.

Which one fits you

OCTIS · Sdn Bhd + OCTIS
Choose OCTIS if you want the Sdn Bhd registered at least 10% below any qualifying quote (Lowest Price Guarantee) and then run, with accounts, filings, banking and CRM in one place.
Do it yourself on SSM
Do it yourself if you are one Malaysian founder with a clear name, one or two directors and time to learn the SSM forms. You save the agent fee.
Altomate
Choose Altomate if you want a low agent fee and are happy to run the application in an app, with an assisted option for RM600 more.
Mishu
Choose Mishu if you want a human to manage the filing and a 30-day money-back window on the service fee.
FoundingBird
Choose FoundingBird if you want a fixed all-in price, a stated 3 to 5 day turnaround and help with the bank account.

What the table does not show

What changed at SSM in 2026

SSM's Corporate Registry System (CRS) went live on 14 July 2026. SSM's FAQ says it replaces MyCoID, e-Secretary and several counter services, and that old MyCoID drafts were not carried over. You reach it through your SSM4U account, and only a verified account can file. Reports in October 2026 said the system had faced outages after launch before stabilising, which is one reason founders pay an agent to chase a stuck application.

What you still have to do yourself

Agent or not, the company needs at least one director aged 18 or over who lives in Malaysia, at least one shareholder, a registered office in Malaysia and a licensed company secretary within 30 days. Directors must consent and confirm they are not disqualified under the Companies Act 2016. You also decide company name options, business codes and share split. An agent files the forms but cannot make these choices for you.

When paying an agent is worth it

The agent fee is RM389 to RM589 on top of SSM's fee, based on each firm's published price. For that you skip the SSM4U identity check, get the name and codes checked and usually leave with a secretary already appointed. It pays off when owners are abroad, when shareholders are companies, when you need a bank account fast, or when one filing mistake would delay a contract. A simple solo company with time to spare can go alone.

Where OCTIS fits

Registering is one afternoon. Running the company is the next ten years. Whether you file with SSM yourself or use an agent, OCTIS can take over as company secretary, bookkeeping and tax after incorporation, and coordinates the statutory audit with an independent licensed auditor. If you already pay for these, ask for a quote: OCTIS aims for 10% to 30% off your current bill.

See OCTIS pricing

Frequently asked questions

Can I register a Sdn Bhd without a company secretary?

You can submit the incorporation application without one. SSM requires a company secretary to be appointed within 30 days after the company is incorporated. After that, the secretary files your annual returns and handles changes to directors and shares.

How much does SSM charge to register a Sdn Bhd?

SSM's fee table lists RM1,000 for incorporating a private company limited by shares and RM50 per 30 days of name reservation. SSM publishes no combined total. Agents quote RM1,010, but the guideline figures add up to RM1,050, so budget about RM1,050 and confirm on the portal.

What replaced MyCoID for company registration?

SSM's Corporate Registry System, or CRS, replaced MyCoID and e-Secretary from 14 July 2026. You log in through SSM4U with a verified account. Drafts started in MyCoID were not migrated, so applicants had to start again in the new system.

How long does it take to register a Sdn Bhd?

SSM does not publish a guaranteed time. FoundingBird states 3 to 5 working days for its service, and other agents do not publish a time. Name approval, queries from SSM and the post-launch load on the new CRS can all stretch the timeline.

Do I need an agent to open a corporate bank account?

No, but banks ask for the certificate of incorporation, company profile and a board resolution, and an agent or secretary can prepare these. Altomate includes a bank referral and up to two account-opening resolutions in its package. Mishu and FoundingBird also list bank account help.

Sources

Checked on the date above. Links open the provider's or regulator's own page.