The corporate landscape in Malaysia has been shaken up by the passing of the new Companies Act 2016. The Act came into force on 31 January, 2017, effectively repealing the Companies Act 1965. The series of slides provides you with the essential changes brought about by the new Act.
1. A presentation for Rajhi Bank by Shook Lin & Bok
Presenters
Jal Othman, Senior Partner
Sudhar Thillainathan, Senior Partner
Edward Kuruvilla, Associate
Winnie Chan, Associate
Tania Edward, Associate
Imran Adnan, Associate
2. 2
BACKGROUND OF
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016
• Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) established the Corporate Law
Reform Committee (CLRC) in 2004 to spearhead the review of the
Companies Act 1965 with the following objectives:
a) to create a legal and regulatory structure that will facilitate business;
b) to promote accountability and protection of corporate directors and
members taking into account the interest of other stakeholders, in line
with the international standards;
c) modernizing the law by taking into account the advances made in
Information and Communication Technology (ICT);
d) reducing the costs of compliance;
e) reducing duplications and conflicts that exist between the various
corporate regulatory bodies;
f) simplifying the existing operational processes of a company; and
g) simplifying the current legislative language as used in the Act .
3. 3
BACKGROUND OF
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016
• CLRC undertook various cross jurisdictional benchmarking studies of jurisdictions that have similar
corporate framework as Malaysia such as Australia, New Zealand, UK, Hong Kong and Singapore.
• CLRC had issued a total of 12 consultative documents for public consultation:
a. Strategic framework for the Corporate Law Reform Programme of the Companies
Commission of Malaysia;
b. Capital Maintenance Rules and Share Capital: Simplifying and Streamlining Provisions
Applicable to Shares;
c. Engagement with Shareholders;
d. Company liquidation: Restatement of the Law;
e. Clarifying and Reformulating the Director’s Roles and Duties;
f. Minority Shareholder’s Rights and Remedies;
g. Creating a Conducive Legal and Regulatory Framework for Businesses;
h. Capital Maintenance Rules and Share Capital: Simplifying and Streamlining Provisions
Applicable to the Reduction of Capital, Share Buy Back and Financial Assistance Provisions;
i. Review of Provisions Regulating Substantial Property Transactions;
j. Reviewing the Corporate Insolvency Regime: The Proposal for the Corporate Rehabilitation
Framework ;
k. Review of Criminal, Civil and Administrative Sanctions in the Companies Act 1965; and
l. Auditors’ Roles and Responsibilities.
4. 4
BACKGROUND OF
THE COMPANIES ACT 2016
On 30 June 2008,
CLRC submitted
its Final Report
consisting of 188
recommendations
to the Minister of
Domestic Trade
and Consumer
Affairs
Out of these 188
recommendations
, 183
recommendations
were accepted and
translated into 19
policy statements
which were
submitted and
approved by the
Cabinet in 2010.
In February
2010, the
Accounting
Issues
Consultative
Committee
(AICC) was
established by
SSM to align
the provisions
of the CA
with the
accounting
standards.
On 2nd July
2013, the
Companies
Commission
of Malaysia
(CCM)
published an
exposure draft
of a proposed
Companies
Bill 2013.
After numerous
of amendments
and
adjournments,
Companies Bill
2015 was passed
by the
Parliament on
28th April 2016.
5. 5
OVERVIEW OF THE KEY CHANGES
1. Number of directors and shareholders in private and public companies.
2. No requirement for companies to have memorandum and articles of
association. Companies may adopt a constitution if it wishes to tailor
provisions for itself and its members. Rights, powers, duties and
obligations of directors and members are as set out in the Companies Act
2016 unless modified by a Constitution.
3. Abolition of mandatory Annual General Meetings for private companies.
4. Abolition of the unanimity rule for written shareholder resolutions for
private companies.
5. Abolition of the par value regime.
6. 6
OVERVIEW OF THE KEY CHANGES
6. New alternative procedures for capital reduction without court order.
7. New share buyback regime, including requirement that the company
satisfies solvency test.
8. New financial assistance whitewash procedures that liberalize existing
prohibitions : a company may give financial assistance for the purpose of
the acquisition of its shares.
9. Relaxation of restrictions against indemnification of directors, but
increased sanctions on directors breaches under the Act .
10.Introduction of 2 new corporate rescue mechanisms: corporate voluntary
arrangement and judicial management schemes.
7.
8. EASE OF INCORPORATION
ss. 14 & 122
of the Companies Act
1965
Public Companies:-
a) Minimum of two (2) members
b) Minimum of two (2) directors
Private Companies:-
a) Minimum of two (2) members
b) Minimum of two (2) directors
ss. 9 &196
of the Companies Act
2016
Public Companies:-
a) Minimum of one (1) member
b) Minimum of two (2) directors
Private Companies:-
a) Minimum of one (1) member
b) Minimum of one (1) director
9. MEMORANDUM AND ARTICLES OF
ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION
(SS.31-39)Replaced by
CONSTITUTION
Other than
companies
limited by
guarantee,
having a
constitution
is optional
With a
constitution,
rights, powers,
duties &
obligations of
directors and
members are as
set out in new Act
unless modified
by constitution
(s. 31(2))
Constitution is
of no effect to
the extent it
contravenes or
is inconsistent
with new Act
(s. 32(2))
Abolition of
doctrine of
Constructive
Notice
10. CONSTITUTION
The constitution of a company may contain provision relating
to-
a) the object of the company;
b)the capacity, rights, powers or privileges of the company if the
provision restricts such capacity, rights, powers or privileges;
c) matters contemplated by the Act to be included in the
Constitutions; and
d)any other matters as the company wishes to include in its
constitution.
11. UNLIMITED CAPACITY
s. 21 of the Companies Act 2016- Full capacity to carry on or undertake any
business or activity, to do any act which is lawful, or enter into transactions.
Abolition of concept of ultra vires for companies without a constitution or
with a constitution without restrictions of object clauses.
12. CAPACITY
s. 35(2) of the
Companies Act 2016
“…if the constitution
sets out the objects
of a company—
(a) the company shall be
restricted from carrying on
any business or activity
that is not within those
objects; and
(b) the company shall
have full capacity and
powers to achieve such
objects, unless the
constitution expressly
provides otherwise.”
13. CAPACITY
Position of existing companies incorporated under
present Companies Act 1965
s.34 of the
Companies Act 2016
“The constitution of
a company—
(c) in the case of a company registered under
the corresponding previous written law, is the
memorandum and articles of association as
originally registered or as altered in accordance
with the corresponding previous written law…
14. Company Common Seal
Companies Act 1965
• A company is required to have a
common seal under the current
regime.
• Documents can be signed on behalf
of the Company as follows:
• 1)Under seal; and
• 2)by any authorized person.
Companies Act 2016
• Common seals are optional
• Documents can be signed on behalf
of the Company as follows:
• 1)Under seal; or
• 2)by 2 authorized officers, 1 of
whom shall be a director or if
there is only 1 director, execution
by that director in the presence of
a witness is sufficient.
• For that purpose, “authorised
officers” means a director, company
secretary or any other person
approved by the Board.
14
15. Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Passing of
Members’ Resolution
COMPANIES
ACT 2016
AGMs for
Private
Company
Private Companies are no
longer required to hold AGMs
Passing of
Members’
Resolutions
For Private
Company
Shall be passed by a written
resolution; OR at the
meeting of the members
A written resolution is
passed when the required
majority of eligible members
signified their agreement
The requirements
for Public
Companies
remain the same
as the Companies
Act 1965.
16. Simplification of Shareholder Meetings
COMPANIES
ACT 2016
(engagement
with
shareholders)
Shareholder
meetings
may be held
at more than
1 venue
using any technology that
allows its shareholders a
reasonable opportunity to
participate , but the
chairman of the meeting
must be at the main venue
which must be in Malaysia
Simplification
of general
meeting
procedures
Notice can be given in
hardcopy or in electronic
form or a combination of
both.
Any person may be
appointed as a
shareholder’s proxy.
Proxies may vote on a
show of hands or poll.
17.
18. •Types of Shares
•Rights of Shares Clarified
•No Par Value Shares
•Pre-emptive Rights
•Issuance of Share Certificate
•Enhancement of the Directors’ Power to Issue Shares
•Dividends
•Reform of Share Buy-back Regime
•Redeemable Preference Shares
•Reduction of Share Capital
•Solvency Statement and Solvency Test (for Redeemable Preferences Shares and Reduction of
Share Capital)
19. TYPES OF SHARES
S.69 of Companies Act 2016: “Subject to the
constitution of the company, shares in a company
may-
a) be issued in different classes;
b) Redeemable Preference shares;
c) confer preferential rights to distributions of capital or
income;
d)confer special, limited or conditional voting rights; or
e) not confer voting rights.”
20. RIGHTS OF SHARES CLARIFIED
Unlike Companies Act 1965, rights and powers attaching to shares are clarified
and stipulated in s. 71 (1) of the Companies Act 2016 : A share in a company,
other than preference shares, confers on the holder –
a) the right to attend, participate & speak at a meeting;
b) the right to vote on a show of hands on any resolution of the company;
c) right to one vote for each share on a poll;
d) the right to an equal share in the distribution of surplus assets of the company;
or
e) the right to an equal share in dividends
However, right to dividends may be negated, altered or added to by the
constitutions of the company or in accordance with the terms on which the
share is issued.
20
21. 21
Companies
Act 1965
• Currently, shares of Malaysian
Companies are issued with a
par/nominal value.
Companies
Act 2016
• Under s. 74 of the CA 2016, all
shares issued before or upon the
commencement of this Act shall
have no par or nominal value.
• All subscription money received
by a company for each share will
be credited to Share Capital
Account.
NO PAR VALUE (NPV) SHARES
22. Upon the
commencement of
s.74, any amount
standing to the
credit of a
company’s share
premium account
and capital
redemption reserve
shall become part
of the company’s
share capital.
NO PAR VALUE (NPV) SHARES
It eliminates the
need for a
company to
maintain a share
premium account
and reserves.
Where a share is issued before the
commencement of s.74—
(a) the amount paid on the share
shall be the sum of all amounts
paid to the company at any time
for the share, but not including
any premium; and
(b) the amount unpaid on the
share shall be the difference
between the price of issue of the
share, but not including any
premium, and the amount paid
on the share.
A transitional period
of twenty-four (24)
months will be given
to utilize the amount
standing in credit in
the company’s share
premium account.
NPV Regime (ss.
74 & 618 of the
Companies Act
2016)
23. PRE-EMPTIVE RIGHTS
Companies Act 1965
• Any pre-emptive right to any new
issuance of shares needs to be
provided specifically in a company’s
M&A.
Companies Act 2016
• S.85 (1) - Subject to the
constitution, where a company
issues shares which rank equally to
existing shares as to voting or
distribution rights, those shares
shall first be offered to the holders
of existing shares in a manner
which would, if the offer were
accepted, maintain the relative
voting and distribution rights of
those shareholders.
• S. 85 (2) – An offer shall be made in
a notice specifying the number of
shares offered & the timeframe
within which the offer, if not
accepted, is deemed to be declined.
24. ISSUANCE OF SHARE CERTIFICATE
Companies
Act 1965
• Shares certificate must be issued:
• 1. within 2 months from allotment;
or
• 2. within 1 month from a transfer of
shares.
Companies
Act 2016
• S. 97 (1) : A company shall not be
required to issue a share certificate
unless an application by a
shareholder for a certificate relating
to the shareholder’s shares has been
received or otherwise provided by
its constitution
• S. 98 (3) : share certificate must be
issued within 60 days of receiving
application of a shareholders.
25. DUTY TO ENTER ISSUANCE AND
TRANSFER OF SHARES IN THE
REGISTER
S.102 (1) – The secretary shall cause the register of
members to be properly kept and maintained regularly
and all the particulars on issuance and transfer of
shares are entered into the register.
(2) A secretary who contravenes this section commits
an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine
not exceeding RM10,000 and, in the case of a
continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding
RM500 for each day during which the offence continues
after conviction.
25
26. 26
(a) This Act or
the
constitution
expressly
permits the
directors to
refuse or delay
registration
(b) The directors
pass a resolution
to refuse or delay
the registration
and the
resolution sets
out the full
reasons for
refusing or
delaying the
transfer
(c) The notice of the
resolution , and in
the case of a public
company including
the reasons referred
to in paragraph (b) is
sent to the transferor
and transferee
within 7 days of the
resolution being
passed
S. 106 (1) – A company shall enter the transferee’s
name within 30 days after receiving the instrument of
transfer unless -
27. Companies Act
1965
• Director must not issue shares
without the approval of the
company in general meeting.
Companies Act
2016
• Similarly, s.75(1) stipulates “
Unless the prior approval by
way of resolution of the
company has been obtained,
the directors shall not exercise
any power -
• a) to allot shares
• b) to grant rights to subscribe for
shares
• c) to convert any security into
shares or
• d) to allot shares under an
agreement or option or offer.”
ENHANCEMENT OF THE
DIRECTORS’ POWER TO ISSUE
SHARES
28. ENHANCEMENT OF THE DIRECTORS’
POWER TO ISSUE SHARES
The requirement for prior approval by member is no longer required
for directors to issue shares in the following circumstances:
a)an allotment of shares under an offer made to the members of the
company in proportion to the members’ shareholdings;
b)a bonus issue of shares to the members of the company in
proportion to the members’ shareholdings;
c)an allotment of shares to a promoter of a company that the
promoter has agreed to take; or
d)shares which are to be issued as consideration or part consideration
for the acquisition of shares or assets by the company and members
of the company have been notified of the intention to issue the shares
at least fourteen days before the date of issue of the shares*
28
29. Companies Act 1965
• Dividends are only payable out of
profits (or from a company’s share
premium account for dividends in
the form of shares)
Companies Act 2016-ss.130-133
• Dividends are only payable out of
profits if the company is solvent.
• The Board must ensure that the
company is able to satisfy the
solvency test (i.e. able to pay its
debt as and when due within 12
months immediately after
distribution)
• Maximum penalty for
contravention amended-
• from imprisonment of 10 years
or a fine of RM250,000 or both;
• to 5 years or fine of nor
exceeding RM 3 million or both.
DIVIDENDES
30. Companies
Act 1965
• A listed company may buy-back
its own shares if a majority of its
directors declare that the
company is solvent at the date of
purchase and will not become
insolvent as a result of the share
buy-back.
Companies
Act 2016
• A listed company may buy back
its own shares provided that a
majority of its directors make a
solvency statement.
• When a company proposes to
purchase its own shares under a
share buyback, the director shall
make a declaration.
REFORM OF SHARE BUY-BACK
REGIME
31. 31
a) they have
made an
inquiry into the
company’s
affairs
b)take into
account all the
liabilities
including
contingent
liabilities
c)it is
necessary to
buy back; and
d) it is in good
faith and in
the interests
of the
company
Solvency Statement for Share Buy-Back
Imprisonment 5 years
and/or fine < RM500,000
Signed & declared by each director (majority of its directors) that:-
32. 32
Solvency Test for Share Buyback – S. 112
The test is
satisfied if
The buyback will
not result in the
company being
insolvent and its
capital being
impaired at the
date of the
solvency
statement
In addition to being able to pay
its debts, there must not be any
substantial disposal of its assets,
restructuring of its debts &
externally forced revision of its
operation. The capital is
deemed impaired when the
value of its net assets is less than
the aggregate amount of all the
shares after the buyback.
The company
will remain
solvent after
each buyback
during the
period of 6
months after
the date of the
declaration of
the solvency
statement
33. REDEEMABLE PREFERENCE SHARES
Introduction of the no par value shares regime will not affect the existing
rights of a company to issue redeemable preference shares (RPS): s.72
(4) of Companies Act 2016
In order to do so, a company must be expressly authorized by its
constitution. This requirement in effect means that a company that
proposes to issue RPS is required to adopt a constitution.
Preference shares shall be redeemable only if the shares are fully paid up
and the redemption shall be out of –
a) profits;
b) a fresh issue of shares; or
c) capital of the company (NEW under Companies Act 2016)
S.74(6) – The redemption out of the capital shall be subject to:
a) all the directors having made a solvency statement under s. 113; and
b) company must lodge a copy of the statement with the Registrar
33
34. REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL
COMPANIES
ACT 1965
(Section 64)
Only by way
of a special
resolution
subject to
court’s
confirmation.
COMPANIES ACT 2016
(ss. 115-120)
A company may also reduce the share capital by way
of a special resolution supported by a solvency
statement made by all the directors of a company (to
pass the “solvency test”), provided that the court has
not received any application for the cancellation of
such resolution by the creditors of the company within
six (6) weeks from the date of the resolution. After the
six (6) weeks period, the company is to lodge the
relevant documents with the Registrar before the end
of eight (8) weeks from the date of the resolution. The
resolution and the reduction will take effect after the
Registrar has recorded the information lodged with
him in the appropriate register. The court’s
confirmation for such resolution is not required. The
requisite notice of the resolution must also have been
be filed with the DG of Inland Revenue and the
Registrar within 7 days of the resolution being passed.
35. 35
Pass a Special
Resolution
Send notice to
LHDN & CCM
within 7 days of the
resolution being
passed
All directors to
make a solvency
statement
For private company, to
make within 14 days of
the resolution date
For public company,
to make within 21
days of the resolution
date
Lodge copy of
Solvency
Statement with
CCM
Advertise
in
newspaper
in BM &
English not
later than 7
days of
resolution
date
REDUCTION OF SHARE CAPITAL-NEW PROCEDURE
36. 36
a) they have
made an
inquiry into the
company’s
affairs
b)take into
account all the
liabilities
including
contingent
liabilities
Solvency Statement for Redemption of Preference
Shares & Reduction of Share Capital
Imprisonment 5 years
and/or fine < RM500,000
Signed & declared by each director (all of the directors) that:-
37. 37
Solvency Test for Redemption of Preference
Shares & Reduction of Share Capital– s. 112
The test is
satisfied if
Immediately
after the
transaction
there is no
ground on
which the
company could
be found to be
unable to pay its
debts
The company will be able
to pay its debts as they
become due during the
next 12 months
immediately following the
date of the transaction
The asset of the
company is more
than the liability
of the company
at the date of the
transaction
38.
39. NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A COMPANY IN DEALINGS
IN ITS OWN SHARES
Section 67 of COMPANIES ACT 1965: Dealing by a company in its own shares, etc.
“ (1) Except as is otherwise expressly provided by this Act no company shall give, whether directly or
indirectly and whether by means of a loan, guarantee or the provision of security or otherwise, any
financial assistance for the purpose of or in connection with a purchase or subscription made or to be made
by any person of or for any shares in the company or, where the company is a subsidiary, in its holding company
or in any way purchase, deal in or lend money on its own shares.”
(2) Nothing in subsection (1) shall prohibit—
(a) where the lending of money is part of the ordinary business of a company, the lending of money by
the company in the ordinary course of its business;
(b) the provision by a company, in accordance with any scheme for the time being in force, of money for
the purchase of or subscription for fully-paid shares in the company or its holding company, being a
purchase or subscription by trustees of or for shares to be held by or for the benefit of employees of the
company or a subsidiary of the company, including any director holding a salaried employment or
office in the company or a subsidiary of the company; or
(c) the giving of financial assistance by a company to persons, other than directors,bona fide in the
employment of the company or of a subsidiary of the company with a view to enabling those persons
to purchase fully-paid shares in the company or its holding company to be held by themselves by way
of beneficial ownership.
(3) If there is any contravention of this section, the company is, notwithstanding section 369, not guilty of an
offence but each officer who is in default shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.
Penalty: Imprisonment for five years or one hundred thousand ringgit or both.
40. NO FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A COMPANY IN
DEALINGS IN ITS OWN SHARES
Section 67 of COMPANIES ACT 1965: Dealing by a company in its own shares, etc.
(4) Where a person is convicted of an offence under subsection (3) and the Court by which he
is convicted is satisfied that the company or another person has suffered loss or damage as a
result of the contravention that constituted the offence, the Court may, in addition to
imposing a penalty under that subsection, order the convicted person to pay compensation to
the company or the person, as the case may be, of such amount as the Court specifies, and any
such order may be enforced as if it were a judgment of the Court.
(5) The power of a Court under section 354 to relieve a person to whom that section applies,
wholly or partly and on such terms as the Court thinks fit, from a liability referred to in that
section, extends to relieving a person against whom an order may be made under subsection
(4) from the liability to have such an order made against him.
(6) Nothing in this section shall operate to prevent the company or any person from
recovering the amount of any loan made in contravention of this section or any amount for
which it becomes liable, either on account of any financial assistance given, or under any
guarantee entered into or in respect of any security provided, in contravention of this section.
42. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE BY A COMPANY NOT EXCEEDING TEN(10) PER CENTUM OF ITS
SHAREHOLDERS FUNDS
(s.126 of the Companies Act 2016)
A company may, by special resolution, give financial assistance for the purpose of the
acquisition of a share in the company or its holding company or for the purpose of reducing or
discharging a liability incurred for such an acquisition if—
(a) the directors
resolve before
the assistance is
given, that—
(i) the company
may give the
assistance;
(ii) giving the
assistance is in
the best interests
of the company;
and
(iii) the terms and
conditions under
which the
assistance is to
be given are just
and reasonable
to the company
(b) on the same
day that the
directors pass
the resolution,
the directors who
vote in favour of
it must make a
solvency
statement that
complies with
provisions in
relation to the
giving of the
assistance
(c) the aggregate
amount of the
assistance and
any other financial
assistance given
that has not been
repaid does not
exceed ten (10)
per centum of the
aggregate amount
received by the
company from
the issue of
shares and the
reserves of the
company, as such
aggregate amount
is disclosed in the
most recent
audited financial
statements of the
company
(d) the
company
receives
fair value in
connection
with the
giving of
the
assistance
(e) The
assistance
is given not
more than
twelve (12)
months
after the
day on
which the
solvency
statement
is made
under
paragraph
(b)
43. THE SOLVENCY TEST
[For the purposes of financial assistance]
(s. 112 of the Companies Act 2016)
The assets of the
company are more
than the liabilities
of the company at
the date of the
transaction.
Immediately after
the transaction,
there will be no
ground on which
the company could
be found to be
unable to pay its
debts.
(i) If the winding up of the
company is proposed to
commence within twelve (12)
months after the date of the
transaction, the company will be
able to pay its debts in full within
twelve (12) months after the
commencement of the winding
up; OR
(ii) In any other case, the
company will be able to pay its
debts as they become due
during the period of twelve (12)
months immediately following
the date of the transaction.
44. SOLVENCY STATEMENT
(s. 113 of CA 2016)
A statement that each of the directors making it
has formed the opinion that the company satisfies the
solvency test in relation to the transaction.
In forming such opinion, a director must :-
(a)inquire into the company‘s state of affairs and prospects;
and
(b) take into account all the liabilities of the company,
including contingent liabilities.
45. LIABILITY OF DIRECTORS FOR SOLVENCY
STATEMENTS
(s. 114 of CA 2016)
A director who makes a solvency statement
without having reasonable grounds for the
opinion expressed in it commits an offence
and is liable on conviction to:-
(a) imprisonment not exceeding five years; or
(b) a fine not exceeding five hundred
thousand; or
(c) both.
46. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
s.133A
of the Companies Act
1965
A company (other than an exempt
private company) shall not—
(a) make a loan to any person
connected with a director of the
company or of its holding company; or
(b) enter into any guarantee or provide
any security in connection with a loan
made to such person by any other
person.
s.225
of the Companies Act
2016
A company (other than an exempt private
company) shall not—
(a) make a loan to any person connected
with a director of the company or of its
holding company; or
(b) enter into any guarantee or provide any
security in connection with a loan made to
such person by any other person.
47. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
s.4 of the Companies Act 1965 :"exempt private
company" means a private company in the shares of
which no beneficial interest is held directly or
indirectly by any corporation and which has not more
than twenty members none of whom is a
corporation” and the same definition is stipulated in
s.2 of the Companies Act 2016.
i.e. Exempt companies may make loans to person
connected to a director.
48. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
Exceptions under s.133A of the Companies Act 1965
•2) This section shall not apply—
•(a) to anything done by a company where the loan is made, or
the guarantee or security is provided in relation to a loan made
to a subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of its
holding company;
•(b) to a company whose ordinary business includes the lending
of money or the giving of guarantees in connection with loans
made by other persons, or to anything done by the company in
the ordinary course of that business, if the activities of that
company are regulated by any written law relating to
banking, finance companies or insurance or are subject to
supervision by Bank Negara Malaysia; or
•(c) to any loan made to a person connected with a director who
is engaged in the full-time employment of a company or its
related corporation, as the case may be—
•(i) for the purpose of meeting expenditure incurred or to be
incurred by him in purchasing or otherwise acquiring a home;
or
•(ii) in accordance with a scheme for the making of loans to
employees approved by the company in general meeting.
Exceptions under s.225 of the Companies Act 2016
•2) This section shall not apply—
•(a) where the loan is made, or the guarantee or security is
provided in relation to a loan made to a subsidiary or holding
company or a subsidiary of its holding company;
•(b) to a company whose ordinary business includes the lending
of money or the giving of guarantees in connection with loans
made by other persons, or to anything done by the company in
the ordinary course of that business, if the activities of that
company are regulated by any written law relating to
banking, insurance or takaful or are subject to supervision
by Bank Negara Malaysia; or
•(c) to any loan made to a person connected with a director who
is engaged in the full-time employment of a company or its
related corporation, as the case may be—
•(i) for the purpose of meeting expenditure incurred or to be
incurred by him in purchasing or otherwise acquiring a home;
or
•(ii) in accordance with a scheme for the making of loans to
employees approved by the company.
49. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
s.133A
of the Companies Act
1965
(3) Nothing in this section shall operate to prevent the
company from recovering the amount of any loan
or the amount for which it becomes liable under
any guarantee entered into or in respect of any
security provided in contravention of this section.
(4) Where a company contravenes this section, any director
who authorizes the making of any loan or the entering into
of any guarantee contrary to this section shall be guilty of an
offence against this Act.
Penalty: Ten Thousand ringgit
S.225
of the Companies Act
2016
(3) Nothing in this section shall operate to prevent the
company from recovering the amount of any loan
or the amount for which it becomes liable under
any guarantee entered into or in respect of any
security provided in contravention of this section.
(4) If a company contravenes this section, any director
who authorizes the making of any loan or the entering into
of any guarantee contrary to this section commits an offence
and shall, on conviction, be liable to imprisonment for a
term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine not exceeding 3
million ringgit or to both.
50. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
s.133A
of the Companies Act
1965
A company (other than an exempt
private company) shall not—
(a) make a loan to any person
connected with a director of the
company or of its holding company; or
(b) enter into any guarantee or provide
any security in connection with a loan
made to such person by any other
person.
s.225
of the Companies Act
2016
A company (other than an exempt private
company) shall not—
(a) make a loan to any person connected
with a director of the company or of its
holding company; or
(b) enter into any guarantee or provide any
security in connection with a loan made to
such person by any other person.
51. PROHIBITION OF LOANS TO PERSON
CONNECTED WITH DIRECTOR
Infringement of s.133A of the Companies Act 1965
•2) This section shall not apply—
•(a) to anything done by a company where the loan is made, or
the guarantee or security is provided in relation to a loan made
to a subsidiary or holding company or a subsidiary of its
holding company;
•(b) to a company whose ordinary business includes the lending
of money or the giving of guarantees in connection with loans
made by other persons, or to anything done by the company in
the ordinary course of that business, if the activities of that
company are regulated by any written law relating to
banking, finance companies or insurance or are subject to
supervision by Bank Negara Malaysia; or
•(c) to any loan made to a person connected with a director who
is engaged in the full-time employment of a company or its
related corporation, as the case may be—
•(i) for the purpose of meeting expenditure incurred or to be
incurred by him in purchasing or otherwise acquiring a home;
or
•(ii) in accordance with a scheme for the making of loans to
employees approved by the company in general meeting.
Infringement of s.225 of the Companies Act 2016
•2) This section shall not apply—
•(a) where the loan is made, or the guarantee or security is
provided in relation to a loan made to a subsidiary or holding
company or a subsidiary of its holding company;
•(b) to a company whose ordinary business includes the lending
of money or the giving of guarantees in connection with loans
made by other persons, or to anything done by the company in
the ordinary course of that business, if the activities of that
company are regulated by any written law relating to
banking, insurance or takaful or are subject to supervision
by Bank Negara Malaysia; or
•(c) to any loan made to a person connected with a director who
is engaged in the full-time employment of a company or its
related corporation, as the case may be—
•(i) for the purpose of meeting expenditure incurred or to be
incurred by him in purchasing or otherwise acquiring a home;
or
•(ii) in accordance with a scheme for the making of loans to
employees approved by the company.
53. DIRECTOR
s.4
of the Companies Act
1965
(“director” includes any person
occupying the position of director
of a corporation by whatever name
called and includes a person in
accordance with whose directions
or instructions the directors of a
corporation are accustomed to act
and an alternate or substitute
director ”.
S.2
of the Companies Act
2016
“director” includes any person
occupying the position of director
of a corporation by whatever name
called and includes a person in
accordance with whose directions
or instructions the majority of
directors of a corporation are
accustomed to act and an alternate
or substitute director ”.
54. SANCTIONS AGAINST DIRECTORS
Sanctions on conviction have been enhanced for
more serious offences:
(1) Maximum imprisonment of 5 years (and in
exceptionally serious offences, 10 years);
(2) Maximum fine of RM3 Million; or
(3) Both
55. INDEMNITY & INSURANCE FOR
OFFICERS (INCLUDING DIRECTORS)
Companies Act
1965
s.140 voids any contract by which a company
exempts or indemnifies any of its directors,
officers, or auditors in respect of any
negligence, default, breach of duty or breach of
trust.
A company is however currently permitted to
indemnify a director for costs of defending legal
proceedings but only if the director is
successful in his defense or is acquitted.
Companies Act
2016
Permitted to indemnify director, officers or
auditor for:
- s. 289(3): Cost of defending criminal
proceedings or proceedings brought by the
company, where judgment is in its favour; and
-s. 289(4):civil liabilities in relation to claims
brought by third parties (other than
company) and cost of defending or settling
such proceedings even where judgment is
against the director but NOT fine, penalty,
liability on conviction or liability to the
Company
56. INSURANCE FOR OFFICERS
(INCLUDING DIRECTORS)
Express provision allowing companies to take out
insurance for its directors: s. 289(5) of the Companies
Act 2016
“A Company may, with Board's prior approval, purchase insurance
for a director against any civil liability & costs incurred by him in
capacity as director.”
57. 57
Indemnity & Insurance for Officer & Auditors
Sec. 289 (5) – A
company may
with prior
approval of the
Board effect
insurance for an
officer or auditor
in respect of -
a) Civil liability for
any act or
omission in his
official capacity
b) Costs incurred
in defending or
settling any claim
or proceeding on
such liability
c) Costs incurred
by that person in
defending the
action where he
is acquitted,
granted relief
under the Act or
the proceedings
are discontinued
or not pursued
59. Prospectus - New Rules and Requirements
Under the Companies Act 2016, more flexibility regarding the registration of prospectus is given to
a Registrar.
In the above respect, s. 42(4)(ii) of the Companies Act 1965 reads:-
“…all material contracts referred to in the prospectus and, in the case of such a contract not
reduced to writing, a memorandum giving full particulars thereof, verified as prescribed,
to be deposited within three days after the registration of the prospectus at the
registered office of the corporation and if it has no registered office in Malaysia, at the
address in Malaysia specified in the prospectus…”
The corresponding provision under the Companies Act 2016, s. 155(b)(iii), reads as follows:-
“…copies of all material contracts referred to in the prospects or, in the case of a contract not
reduced in writing, a memorandum giving full particulars of the contract, verified in
accordance with any requirements specified by the Registrar…”
Under the new regime, the Registrar is vested with the discretion to specify the requirements of
how a memorandum of particulars - in respect of a contract not reduced in writing - is to be given.
60. Prospectus - New Rules and Requirements
Also and in respect to the registration of prospectus, it is a requirement for a prospectus to
be submitted to the Registrar together with a written application for the registration of the
prospectus, by way of s.155(b)(i) of Companies Act 2016. The respective section reads:-
“A prospectus shall be registered if-
…
(b) the prospectus is submitted to the Registrar together with-
…
(i) a written application for the registration of the prospectus;…”
The previous position, under s.42 of the Companies Act 1965, did not make a
requirement for a written application to be submitted to the Registrar before a prospectus
could be registered.
61. New Provisions Under the Act
The Companies Act 2016 contains of various new provisions in respect of the registration of a
prospectus, which stakeholders should take note of.
Pursuant to s. 154(2), “A prospectus registered with the Securities Commission under the Capital
Markets and Service Act 2007 shall be lodged with the Registrar before the date of issuance of the
prospectus.”
It should also be noted that, as with s. 45 of the Act, there is a prohibition on the issuance of a
prospectus unless consent from an expert whose statement is included in the prospectus has,
been first obtained - by way of s. 160 of the Companies Act 2016.
Unlike s. 45 of the Act however, s. 160, in particular sub-section (2) accords some discretion
to the Registrar to determine when the prohibition is to apply, and when it is not to apply. s.
160(2) reads:-
“Subsection (1) shall not apply to a statement which is an extract of an official statement or
any other statement as may be specified by the Registrar”.
A common thread between the provisions of the Companies Act 2016 is that the Registrar is
vested with a a lot more discretion than was prescribed under the Act.
62. New Provisions Under the Act
True to the spirit of vesting the Registrar with a lot more
discretion than was provided for under the Act, s. 156(2) of the
Companies Act 2016 provides that a Registrar may now refuse to
register a prospectus if it is of the opinion that the corporation,
or the directors of the corporation making such an offer or
invitation, is not a fit and proper person to make such an issue
or invitation to the public. The complete section of which
reads:-
“If the Registrar is of the opinion that the corporation or the
directors of the corporation making such offer or invitation is
not a fit and proper person to make such an issue or
invitation to the public, the Registrar may refuse to register
the prospectus.”
63. Overall Implications
Suffice to say, under the rules governing the
requirements and registration of a prospectus under
the Companies Act 2016 is expected to see some
flexibility compared to the previous regime under the
old Act.
A lot of this flexibility would arise as a result of the
Registrar being accorded more discretion than was
the case under the Act.
65. CORPORATE RESCUE
MECHANISMS
1. Corporate Voluntary Arrangements (“CVA”)
•A binding compromise or arrangement with the creditors of
the company without the need for such compromise or
arrangement to be approved by the Court.
ss 395 – 402, Sch. 7-8
•Similar to a scheme of a arrangement under the previous s.
176 CA 1965, the CVA allows the directors of the company
to propose a scheme to creditors.
•The scheme will originate from management – CVA is
suitable in situations where the shareholders and creditors
still have confidence in existing management.
66. CORPORATE RESCUE
MECHANISMS
2. Judicial Management
•A temporary court-supervised rescue plan where the
appointed judicial manager will prepare and implement the
rehabilitation plan without any potential threat of winding up.
ss 403 – 430, Sch. 9
•Under the JM process, if there is a reasonable probability of
rehabilitating an insolvent company as a going concern, the
shareholders, directors or creditors of the company may
apply to Court to place the management of the company in
the hands of an independent and qualified JM.
67.
68. Who?
•VAs apply only to private companies
•VAs do not apply to (s . 395):-
public companies;
licensed institutions/operator of designated
payment systems under laws enforced by Central
Bank
companies subject to CMSA 2007
companies which create a charge over its property
or any of its undertaking
70. 1. The Proposal
• may be made by:-
director (where company is not under judicial management and
not being wound up);
judicial manager (where company is under a Judicial
Management Order (“JMO”)); or
liquidator (where company is being wound up).
• includes appointment of a nominee either as trustee or supervisor for
implementation of VA
71. 2. The Appointed Nominee
• Where proposal for VA is made (s. 397(1)),
(1) nominee to be appointed; and
(2) following documents submitted to nominee:-
terms of proposed VA
statement of company’s affairs e.g. particulars of
company’s creditors, debts, other liabilities, assets etc.
72. 2. The Appointed Nominee
• Nominee to submit statement to directors indicating in
his opinion whether (s. 397(2)):
proposed VA has reasonable prospect of being approved
and implemented; and
company likely to have sufficient funds available during
the proposed moratorium to carry on business.
73. 3. Filing Documents in Court
• The following documents to be filed in Court (s. 398):-
Terms of proposed VA
Statement of company’s affairs
Statement of eligibility for moratorium
Statement from Nominee and his consent to act
Statement disclosing full particulars of any previous proposed VA
or application for moratorium and the results, if any.
74. 3. Filing Documents in Court
• Moratorium commences automatically upon filing documents in
Court
• Moratorium –
lasts 28 days, extendable to maximum of 60 days if
(1) approved by meeting of creditors (75% majority present
and voting); and
(2) consented to by Nominee and members of company
ends if Nominee withdraws consent to act under Sch. 7
75. 3. Filing Documents in Court
During the period for which a moratorium is in force (Sch. 8):
no petition may be presented or resolution passed to wind up
company;
no application for JMO and no JM;
requisition of meeting of company - consent of Nominee/leave of
court;
no right of forfeiture by re-entry into let premises;
76. 3. Filing Documents in Court
During the period for which a moratorium is in force (Sch. 8):
no steps to impose security over company property/repossess goods
under hire-purchase agreement;
no proceedings / execution / legal process / distress levied;
no transfer of shares / alter status of any member; and
secured creditor may appoint receiver over charged property (unlike
JM)
77. 4. Summon Meetings
•Summon Meetings - when moratorium in force, Nominee to summon meetings
of members and creditors to approve/reject VA
•Approval of VA by:
Members – simple majority
Creditors – 75% majority present and voting
•Cannot approve proposal that affects rights of secured creditor to enforce their
security except with their concurrence
•Once VA approved, binding on all creditors
•Nominee to report result of meeting to Court and give notice to Registrar
78. 5. Implementation
• Nominee to implement approved VA
• Nominee may be replaced on application to Court on
grounds of death, breach of duty etc.
• Right of appeal by any creditor or other person against
act/omission/decision of supervisor
Court may confirm, reverse/vary decision, give directions to
supervisor or make such order it deems fit
• VA comes to an end if it is not implemented fully
79.
80. Judicial Management
Does not apply to:-
licensed institutions/operator of designated payment systems
under laws enforced by Central Bank
companies subject to CMSA 2007
Stages
Application to Court
Judicial Management Order (JMO)
Judicial Manager (JM)
Implementation
81. Judicial Management
1. Application to Court
made by company or its creditors for:-
(1) company to be placed under judicial management; and
(2) appointment of a JM
application must be advertised and notice given to
creditors and any person who has appointed or is
entitled to appoint a receiver or R&M
majority in value of creditors may nominate JM for
court’s consideration
82. Judicial Management
1. Application to Court
• Grounds (s. 404):
company is or will be unable to pay its debts; and
reasonable probability of rehabilitating the company or
preserving all/part of its business as a going concern or
that otherwise the interests of creditors would be better
served than by resorting to a winding up
• JMO will not be made if
the company has gone into liquidation or a receiver /
R&M has been or will be appointed; and
a secured creditor opposes the application
83. Judicial Management
1. Application to Court
• Once application filed for JMO and until application
disposed:
no resolution may be passed to wind up company
except with leave of the court:
o no steps taken to enforce any charge or security over
company property or repossess any goods under a hire
purchase agreement / leasing / retention of title agreement
o no proceedings / process / execution / distress to be
commenced / levied
84. Judicial Management
2. JMO and JM
JMO remains in force for 6 months; extendable by another
6 months unless discharged earlier
Once JMO is made:-
Any receiver/R&M shall vacate office; and
Any application to wind up company shall be dismissed
• JM must be approved liquidator & not auditor of company
85. Judicial Management
2. JMO
• Effect of JMO:-
No resolution or order to wind up company
No receiver / R&M to be appointed
Except with leave of court or consent of JM:
o No other proceedings / execution / process / distress to be levied
o No steps to be taken to enforce any security / repossess any goods
under HP / leasing / retention of title agreement
o No steps to transfer any share or alter the status of any member
86. Judicial Management2. JM
General powers and duties of JM while JMO is in force:-
① Take into his custody or under his control all property to
which company is/appears entitled to.
① Exercise all powers and duties of the directors to their
exclusion – but not required to call any meetings of the
company.
② Do all such things as may be necessary for management of
affairs, business and property of the company.
87. Judicial Management
2. JM
General Powers and Duties of the JM while JMO is in force:-
④ Cannot make payment towards discharging any debt unless:
Sanctioned by court; or
Payment is towards discharging sums secured by a security or payable
under HP / leasing / retention of title agreement
⑤ May dispose property under floating charge
⑥ May dispose charged property other than under floating charge
/ goods under HP / leasing / retention of title agreement by
order of court.
88. Judicial Management
2. JM
General Powers and Duties of the JM while JMO is in force:-
⑦ Advance notice not <7 days before application to dispose property
subject to a security is made, must be given to security holder /
owner
condition of order that net proceeds of the disposal shall be applied
towards discharge of sums secured by the security.
in event of shortfall, security holder may prove on winding up for balance
⑦ Deemed agent of the company. Personally liable on contracts
entered / adopted unless expressly disclaimed. To be
indemnified out of property of company
89. Judicial Management
3. Implementation
Once JMO made, JM to advertise & serve notice on all
creditors and on the company
Company shall, within 14 days (extendable up to 60 days
by JM), submit statement of affairs to JM
JM shall, within 60 days or longer period as court may
allow:
Send proposal for achieving purpose under s. 405(1)(b) to
Registrar and all creditors
Lay before meeting of creditors the proposal
Send copy of proposal to all members of the company and
publish notice in newspaper stating where members may
request for a copy
90. Judicial Management
3. Implementation
Creditors’ meeting to approve/reject proposal - approval of
75% majority of creditors whose claims have been accepted
by the JM and who are present and voting required
JM to report outcome of meeting to Court
If meeting declines proposal, Court may
discharge JMO;
make consequential provision to the JMO;
adjourn hearing; and/or
make any other order deemed fit.
91. Judicial Management
3. Implementation
If meeting approves proposal:
committee of creditors may be established to oversee the
Judicial Management
JM shall carry out the proposal
JM shall apply to discharge JMO if it appears that the
purpose for the JMO has been achieved or cannot be
achieved
92. Judicial Management
Protection of creditors and members
• Any time a JMO is in force, a creditor / member may apply to
court for an order under s. 425 on the ground that:
The company’s affairs, business and property are being or have
been managed by the JM in a manner unfairly prejudicial to the
interests of the creditors or members generally or of some part of its
creditors / members including at least the creditor/member himself
or of a single creditor that represents 25% in value of the claims
against the company; or
Any actual or proposed act / omission of the JM is or would be so
prejudicial.
93. Judicial Management
Protection of creditors and members
• On such an application, the court may give relief in respect of
the matters complained or make any order deemed fit, i.e.
regulate management of company by JM, restrain / compel JM
to act, require summoning of meetings, discharge JMO.
• Undue preference provisions incorporated under s. 426; i.e. 6
month clawback
• JM may also be removed from office by an order of court
95. Overview
The winding up provisions under the Companies Act
2016 introduce a few new provisions in respect of
circumstances in which a Company may be wound up
voluntarily or by Court.
96. Voluntary Winding Up
s. 439 of the 2016 Act which provides for the
circumstances in which a Company may be wound
up voluntarily, remains unchanged for the most
part (from the previous s. 254).
However, it should be noted that the penalty for a
failure to lodge a printed copy of the resolution
with the Registrar and five notice via a newspaper
in Malaysia, in essence non-compliance s. 439(2)
of the Act (s. 254(2) of the Act) has increased.
97. Voluntary Winding-Up
s.254(3) reads:-
“(3) If the company fails to comply with subsection (2) the company and
every officer of the company who is in default shall be guilty of an offence
against this Act.
Penalty: One thousand ringgit. Default penalty.”
On the other hand, s. 439(3) reads:-
“(3) The company and every officer who contravene subsection (2) commit
an offence and shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding ten
thousand ringgit and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further
fine not exceeding five hundred ringgit for each day during which the
offence continues after conviction.”
98. Winding Up by Court
The circumstances in which a Company may be wound up by Court is also for the most part,
unchanged.
However, where s. 218 of the Act, insofar as it is relevant, previously read:-
“(1) The Court may order the winding up if—
…
(d) the number of members is reduced in the case of a company (other than a company the
whole of the issued shares in which are held by a holding company) below two;…”
s.465 of the Act, insofar as it is relevant, now reads:-
“(1) The Court may order the winding up if—
…
(d) the company has no member;…”
99. Winding Up by Court
What is the effect of s. 465(1)(d) of the 2016 Act?
Reference is made to s. 2(1) of the 2016 Act, which defines
“member” as:-
“(a) in the case of a company limited by shares, a person whose
name is entered in the register of members as the holder for the
time being of one or more shares in the company; or
(b) in the case of a company limited by guarantee, a person
whose name is entered in the register of members;…”
It would appear that the Bill does away with the requirement of the
Act to have two (2) or more members.
100. Winding Up by Court
Also under the circumstances of which a Company may be wound up by
Court, s. 465(1)(k) of the 2016 Act, which is virtually identical to s.
218(1)(m) of the Act, reads:-
“(1) The Court may order the winding up if—
…
(d) the company is being used for unlawful purposes or any
purpose prejudicial to or incompatible with peace welfare, security,
public interest, public order, good order or morality in Malaysia;…”
What does “unlawful purposes or any purpose prejudicial to or incompatible
with peace welfare, security, public interest, public order, good order or
morality in Malaysia” mean?
101. Winding Up by Court
Under the previous Act, the burden of proving that a Company was being used for
“unlawful purposes or any purpose prejudicial to or incompatible with peace welfare,
security, public interest, public order, good order or morality in Malaysia” was with
the Registrar.
However and under the 2016 Act, a reverse burden seems to be imposed.
s. 465(2) of the 2016 Act, which is a new inclusion, reads:-
“(2) For the purpose of winding up actions commenced by the Registrar under
paragraph 1(k), the finding of the Registrar that a company is being used for
unlawful purposes or any purpose prejudicial to or incompatible with peace welfare,
security, public interest, public order, good order or morality in Malaysia shall in all
Courts, and by all persons having power to take evidence for the purposes of this
Act, be received as prima facie evidence until proven otherwise.”
What are the implications of the above?
103. Striking Off of a Company from the Register
For the most part, s. 549(1) of the Companies Act
2016 retains most of the concepts stipulated in s. 308
of the Companies Act 1965 in relation to the
striking off of a Company from the Register.
However, s. 549(1) of the Companies Act 2016
contains more detailed provisions and express
grounds for a company to be struck off.
104. Striking Off of a Company from the Register
In both regimes, a Company may be struck off the Register if a “company is not
carrying on business or is not in operation”.
Under s.549 of the Companies Act 2016 however, the scope is widened in that a
Company may be struck off the Register if:-
• the Company has contravened the Companies Act 2016 (after it has come into
force);
• the Company is being used for unlawful purposes or any purpose prejudicial to or
incompatible with peace, welfare, security, public interest, public order, good
order or morality in Malaysia;
• the Registrar has reasonable cause to believe - where the Company is being wound
up - that: (i) no liquidator is acting, (ii) the affairs of the Company are fully wound
up and for a period of six (6) months the liquidator has been in default in lodging
any return required to be made by him or (iii) the affairs of the Company has been
fully wound up under a Court winding up and there are no assets or the assets
available are not sufficient to pay the costs of obtaining an order of the Court
dissolving the Company.
105. Striking Off of a Company from the Register
Another key difference between the new Act and the old Act is in respect of the
limitation period for a Company to be reinstated unto the register after being
struck off.
s. 308(5) of the Companies Act 1965 reads:-
“If any person feels aggrieved by the name of the company having been struck off
the register, the Court on an application made by the person at any time within
fifteen years after the name of the company has been so struck off may, if
satisfied that the company was, at the time of the striking off, carrying on business or
in operation or otherwise that it is just that the name of the company to be restored to
the register, order the name of the company to be restored to the register, and
upon an office copy of the order being lodged with the Registrar the company
shall be deemed to have continued in existence as if its name had not been struck off,
and the Court may by the order give such directions and make such provisions as seem
just for placing the company and all other persons in the same position as nearly as
may be as if the name of the company had not been struck off.”
106. Striking Off of a Company from the Register
Under the Companies Act 2016, the corresponding section, s.
555(1), reads as follows:-
“Any person who is aggrieved by the decision of the
Registrar to strike off the Company may, within seven years
after the name of the company has been struck off, apply to the
Court to reinstate the name of the Company into the register.”
To put it simply, an application to reinstate a Company, that was
previously struck off the register, now has to be made within seven
(7) years under the Companies Act 2016 as opposed to within
fifteen (15) years, as was the case under the Act.
108. Application for Injunction
Sec. 351 (1) - Where a person has engaged, is
engaging or intends to engage in conduct that
constituted, constitutes or would constitute—
a)a contravention of this Act;
b)an attempt to contravene this Act;
c)an attempt that aids, abets, advises or procures a
person to contravene this Act;
d)an attempt to induce, whether by threats,
promises or otherwise, a person to contravene
this Act;
108
109. Application for Injunction
e) an attempt by which any person would be in any way,
directly or indirectly, knowingly concerned in, or party to,
the contravention by a person of this Act; or
f) an attempt of conspiracy with others to contravene this
Act,
the Court may, on the application of the Registrar or of a
person whose interests have been or would affected by
the conduct grant an injunction on such terms as the
Court thinks appropriate, restraining the first mentioned
person from engaging in the conduct and if, in the
opinion of the Court it is desirable to do so, requiring
that person to do any act or thing.
109
110. Offences, Prosecution & Penalties
S. 28 (8) – failure to display former name after change
of company’s name – RM50,000
S. 29 (3) – failure to comply with Registrar’s written
notice directing a change of name (offence)
S. 30 (5) – failure to display name & number
S. 32 (5) – failure to lodge constitution within 30 days
after adoption – RM50,000 & RM500 for each day the
offence continues
110
111. Offences, Prosecution & Penalties
S. 36 (4) – failure to notify Registrar of alteration or
amendment to constitution within 30 days of special
resolution – RM10,000 & RM500 per day
S. 37 (3) – lodgement of court order to amend or alter
the constitution within 30 days of order date –
RM10,000 & RM500 per day
S. 42 (7) – provisions applicable to a private company –
RM50,000 & RM500 per day
111
112. Offences, Prosecution & Penalties
S. 43 – prohibition on private company from
offering shares or debentures or inviting the public
to deposit money – RM3 million and/or 5 years jail
S. 46 (4) – requirement for registered office –
RM50,000
S. 47 (4) – keeping of documents at registered
office – RM10,000 & RM500 per day
S. 49 (4) – form of documents & reasonable
precaution against falsification – RM500,000
and/or 5 years jail
112
113. Offences, Prosecution & Penalties
S. 50 (4) – requirements of register of members –
RM10,000 & RM500 per day
S. 51 (4) – duty to notify changes in particulars of
register of members – RM20,000 & RM500 per day
S. 52 (5) – index of members requirement – RM10,000
& RM500 per day
S. 53 (8) – keeping of branch register of members –
RM10,000 & RM500 per day
113