Can a struck-off company be restored in Malaysia?
Yes. Anyone aggrieved by the strike-off can apply to the High Court within seven years of the name being struck off to have the company reinstated. If the court agrees, the company is treated as if it had never been struck off. Directors' and members' liabilities continue after strike-off.
Right to restore (Companies Act 2016, s.555). Any person aggrieved by SSM's decision may apply to the Court within seven years after the company's name was struck off.
What the Court considers. It can order reinstatement if the company was carrying on business or in operation at the time of striking off, or if it is otherwise just to reinstate. It may give directions to place the company and others in the position they would have been in if the name had not been struck off.
Effect. Once an office copy of the order is lodged with SSM, the company is deemed to have continued in existence as if never struck off (s.555(3)).
Why this matters
- A creditor, shareholder or director may apply, for example to pursue a claim or deal with property still in the company's name.
- Strike-off does not wipe out liability: provisions in the Act preserve existing liabilities of directors and members (s.554).
- Property of a struck-off company may be treated differently by law until restored; take legal advice before dealing with it.
Reinstatement is a court process with legal costs, so confirm all requirements before you strike off, not afterwards.
Legal basis
- Companies Act 2016, s.554
- Companies Act 2016, s.555
Sources
Applies to 2026 · 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
- What is a dormant company in Malaysia and what are its obligations?A dormant company is one that is registered but not trading. The Companies Act 2016 has no separate dormant status, so it must still lodge annual returns and financial statements, keep records and registers, and notify changes. If it will not trade again, closing it formally avoids running costs and penalties.
- What is the difference between striking off and winding up a Malaysian company?Striking off removes a dormant company from SSM's register through an administrative process under sections 549 and 550, and suits companies with no assets, liabilities or ongoing business. Winding up is a formal liquidation led by a liquidator, needed where there are assets to distribute or debts to settle.
- What are the conditions to strike off a company under section 550?SSM's guideline requires a members' resolution, no assets or liabilities, no outstanding charges, penalties or tax, up-to-date SSM records, no legal proceedings, no return of capital or dividends, and the company must not be a holding company or guarantor. Application is filed online with a RM100 fee.
- How much does strike-off cost and how long does it take?SSM's application fee is RM100. After you apply, SSM may give a 30-day notice to show cause, then publish a public notification and wait a further 30 days before striking off. The company is dissolved on Gazette publication. SSM does not state a fixed total time, so expect several months.
- How does a members' voluntary winding up work in Malaysia?Directors first make a solvency declaration that the company can pay its debts in full within 12 months. Members then pass a special resolution to wind up, a copy is lodged with SSM within seven days, and a liquidator is appointed to realise assets and distribute. A struck-off route is not always available.