14/08/2026
SSM Issues Revised Guidelines on Striking Off of Companies — What You Need to Know
On 14 July 2026, the Companies Commission of Malaysia ("SSM") issued two revised sets of guidelines under Section 550 of the Companies Act 2016 ("CA 2016"), which came into effect on the same date:
1. The revised Guidelines on Application by Directors or Members to Strike Off the Name of a Company (for companies not carrying on business or not in operation, under Section 549(a) of the CA 2016); and
2. The revised Guidelines on Application by Liquidator or Members to Strike Off the Name of a Company Which Is Being Wound Up (under Section 549(d) of the CA 2016).
Both revised guidelines supersede the previous versions issued on 19 April 2019. Below is a summary of the main amendments that are relevant to you.
1. All applications must now be submitted online via the Corporate Registry System (CRS)
Under both revised guidelines, all applications, notifications and supporting documents must be submitted through SSM's Corporate Registry System ("CRS"). Paper submissions are no longer accepted.
2. New prohibition: companies that declared or paid dividends cannot apply for striking off
A new paragraph 6(k) under the Revised Directors/Members Striking Off Guidelines prohibits a company from applying for striking off if its last audited financial statements lodged with the Registrar reflect that the company had declared or paid dividends.
Companies intending to strike off should therefore ensure no dividends have been declared or paid prior to application.
3. Withdrawal window extended from 30 to 60 days
The time frame within which a striking off application may be withdrawn has been extended from 30 days to 60 days (paragraph 11 of the Revised Directors/Members Striking Off Guidelines).
4. New objection framework
The revised guidelines set out six specific grounds on which any person may object to a striking off, including that the company is still carrying on business or has a valid reason to continue in existence, is a party to legal proceedings, is in receivership or liquidation, or that the objector has an undischarged claim against the company.
An objector must now lodge a notice of intention to object through the CRS, together with the prescribed fee of RM300, within 60 days from the date specified in the notice issued under Section 551(1) of the CA 2016, supported by the relevant documents for each ground of objection.
5. Suspension and discontinuation of the striking off process
The Registrar is now empowered to suspend the striking off process for one year if the grounds of objection warrant a temporary suspension.
If the grounds are resolved during the suspension period, the striking off process may resume.
If the objection remains unresolved after the suspension period lapses, the Registrar may discontinue the striking off process, and the company's status in the register will revert from "Existing – Striking Off in Process" to "Existing".
The Registrar may subsequently re-initiate the striking off on his own motion or upon a fresh application.
6. Reinstatement remains available for up to 7 years
Any person aggrieved by the decision to strike the company off the register may, within seven years from the date of dissolution pursuant to Section 551(3) of the CA 2016, apply to the Court to reinstate the name of the company into the register in accordance with Section 555(1) of the CA 2016.
This provision applies to both sets of revised guidelines.
What this means for you
If you are...
A director or member planning to strike off a dormant company
Key action point: Submit your application via the CRS; ensure no dividends were declared or paid in the last audited financial statements lodged
If you are...
A creditor or party with a claim against a company being struck off
Key action point: Lodge your notice of intention to object via the CRS with the RM300 fee within 60 days of the Section 551(1) notice
If you are...
A company in winding up
Key action point: Note the same objection and suspension framework applies to winding-up striking off; the striking off is now effected via notice plus publication in the Gazette
These amendments streamline the striking off process into a fully online procedure and provide clearer guidance for both applicants and objectors.
If your company is currently undergoing, or planning, a striking off exercise, we recommend reviewing your position against the revised guidelines.
This is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
