What is the deadline to lodge beneficial ownership information with SSM?
Changes to the beneficial owner register must be lodged with SSM through e-BOS within 14 days of being recorded (s.60B(3) and (4)). SSM gave companies until 30 September 2024 to lodge their first information without the 14-day limit or late charges. That window has closed, and lodging carries no SSM fee.
Ongoing deadline. Under s.60B(3) and (4) of the Companies Act 2016, a company must lodge a notice of any change to the particulars in its beneficial owner register within 14 days from the date the change is recorded in the register.
First-time lodgement and PD 9/2024. SSM Practice Directive No. 9/2024 (issued 13 May 2024, revised 26 June 2024) gave companies six months, from 1 April 2024 to 30 September 2024, to update and lodge beneficial ownership information. In that period they could lodge at any time without keeping to the 14-day limit, and no late lodgement charge applied. The directive also says no extension of time for lodgement will be allowed and that late lodgement attracts a penalty. Treat the transition as over and the 14-day rule as live.
Lodgement method. Unless the Registrar allows otherwise, lodgement is through SSM's Electronic Beneficial Ownership System (e-BOS). No fee is charged for lodging or updating the information. Correcting information already lodged is a rectification under s.602, handled under SSM's practice note on rectification.
Scope. The directive says the framework gives no exemption to any class of companies, and it also applies to foreign companies registered in Malaysia.
Practical steps
- Identify beneficial owners using SSM's guideline criteria.
- Record them in the register, with dates.
- Lodge within 14 days of each change (a new shareholder, share transfer, change of control).
- Keep proof of lodgement and records of former owners for seven years (s.60B(5)).
Legal basis
- Companies Act 2016, s.60B(3), (4), (5) and (7)
- SSM Practice Directive No. 9/2024
Sources
Applies to From 1 April 2024 · Last reviewed 29 October 2026
General information for business owners, not legal, tax or professional advice. Rules change, so check the sources or ask a licensed professional before you act.
Related questions
- When is the annual return due for a Sdn Bhd in Malaysia?A company must lodge its annual return with SSM within 30 days from the anniversary of its incorporation date, every calendar year. It does not apply in the calendar year the company is incorporated. The return is signed by a director or secretary.
- When must a private company lodge its financial statements with SSM?A private company must circulate its financial statements to members within six months of its financial year end, then lodge them with SSM within 30 days of circulation. Late lodgement is an offence with a fine of up to RM50,000 plus daily fines. Whether an audit is needed is a separate question.
- How do I change directors of a Sdn Bhd and what is the deadline?Pass a board or members' resolution, get the new director's written consent, update your register, and notify SSM within 14 days of the appointment or resignation. Late notice is an offence. A director cannot resign if that would leave the company below its minimum or without a resident director.
- How do I change my company's registered office address and what is the deadline?Notify SSM of the new registered office address within 14 days of the change. The new address must be in Malaysia and open to the public during ordinary business hours. Failing to notify is an offence with a fine of up to RM50,000. Also update your registers and tax and licence records.
- How do I notify SSM when shareholders change in a Sdn Bhd?Update the register of members and notify SSM within 14 days of any change of shareholder, including when someone becomes or stops being a shareholder. Share transfers also need stamping, and beneficial ownership information may need updating. Late notice is an offence.