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About imports
Discover secure ways of receiving your goods and use our trusted payment methods to help you trade with confidence
About insurance
Find the cover you need quickly and easily with a tailored insurance policy from our preferred partners
About receivables finance
Free up your working capital and keep your business running smoothly with our invoice finance solutions
About import and export
Find the guidance you need to help you trade securely and cost-effectively overseas
About exports
Take advantage of our international expertise to help you remove some of the risks associated with global payments
About guarantees
Benefit from our extensive experience of providing guarantees so you can trade with increased security and reduced risk
About imports
Discover secure ways of receiving your goods and use our trusted payment methods to help you trade with confidence
About ways to bank
Access and manage your trade requirements – whenever and wherever you need to
This is one of a series of Global Business Guides designed for businesses wishing to expand into another country/territory. This Global Business Guide was produced in January 2016. The materials contained in this document provide a snapshot at that time and were based on the law enforceable and information available at that time.
Malaysia is the fifth largest recipient of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in the world, in accordance with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) 2015 World Investment Report. In 2015, FDI inflows into Malaysia reached RM39.5 billion, 11.8 per cent higher than that recorded for 2014.
Malaysia ranked 18th in the World Bank's 2016 Doing Business rankings, falling one place from 17th in the year prior. This puts Malaysia as the second easiest country to do business among the ASEAN nations, behind only Singapore. The rankings recognised a number of reforms enacted in 2015 which made doing business easier. This included making paying taxes easier and less costly for companies by making electronic filing mandatory and reducing the property tax rate. Nevertheless, at the same time, Malaysia also increased the capital gains tax.
Key facts about starting a business in Malaysia:
Malaysia's attractiveness as an investment location can be attributed to a number of factors, including its liberal investment policy and abundant natural resources. Nevertheless, in order to make an informed decision, it is critical to understand the nuances of any local regime. The manner in which people conduct business in Malaysia may differ from the home countries of investors. Furthermore, variations on these distinctions may exist depending on the industry in which a company operates.
Malaysia's official language is Malay, officially known as Bahasa Malaysia. Hierarchy is central to Malaysian business culture. Business attire is conservative. A handshake is the typical business greeting and will be used at the beginning and end of a meeting. Punctuality is expected. Business cards will usually be presented after initial introductions. Gift giving is not expected as part of business interactions.
Those looking to establish a business in Malaysia may look across Southeast Asia for alternative options. However, Malaysia can be differentiated on the following factors:
While there are significant opportunities for investment in Malaysia, a number of challenges remain. One of the key issues facing companies is a shortage of skilled workers. This has become evident across industries such as logistics, manufacturing and agriculture.
This guide has been developed to provide businesses with an overview of Malaysia, its Legal regime, start-up and market entry considerations, tax and customs requirements and a general summary of the factors that may affect the decision to do business in Malaysia. However, the information contained in this document is generic in nature and you should not act or rely on it without obtaining specific professional advice.
Please note that the Global Business Guides may only be available in English.
1 | FDI Statistics |
2 | Doing Business Rankings |
3 | Employment Pass Application |
4 | Malaysia Economy |
5 | Transport infrastructure |
Download Global Business Guide - Malaysia (2.62MB, PDF)
Disclaimer
This document is issued by HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad (Company No 127776-V) (the Bank). This guide is a joint project with Grant Thornton. It is not intended as an offer or solicitation for business to anyone in any jurisdiction. It is not intended for distribution to anyone located in or resident in jurisdictions which restrict the distribution of this document. It shall not be copied, reproduced, transmitted or further distributed by any recipient. The information contained in this document is of a general nature only. It is not meant to be comprehensive and does not constitute financial, legal, tax or other professional advice. You should not act upon the information contained in this document without obtaining specific professional advice. Whilst every care has been taken in preparing this document, the Bank and Grant Thornton makes no guarantee, representation or warranty (express or implied) as to its accuracy or completeness, and under no circumstances will the Bank or Grant Thornton be liable for any loss caused by reliance on any opinion or statement made in this document. Except as specifically indicated, the expressions of opinion are those of the Bank and are subject to change without notice. The materials contained in this document were assembled in January 2016 and were based on the law enforceable and information available at that time.
Grant Thornton refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. This publication has been prepared only as a guide. No responsibility can be accepted by GTIL for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from acting as a result of any material in this publication.
HSBC retains all responsibility for the translation of the content of this guide. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the English and translated versions of this Guide, the English version shall apply and prevail.
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