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Insight | Alert
Telemedicine Act 1997 proposed to be abolished
Amending the TA is inefficient as compared to enacting new legislation that is more comprehensive and inclusive for the practice of telemedicine.
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The Arbitration Act 2024 and the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2024 passed as law!
Both Acts were gazetted on 1 November 2024 and thus passed as law, but not yet in force. This alert outlines the summary of the amendments.
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Budget 2025 - Tax Highlights | 30 October 2024
This alert will examine some of the key tax highlights arising from the 2025 Budget proposals.
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Loan novation agreement subject to nominal stamp duty
This alert shares insights on how Wong & Partners successfully represented a taxpayer in a stamp duty appeal before the Malaysian High Court.
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Public Consultation - Draft Code of Conduct for Internet Messaging and Social Media Service Providers
The public consultation aims to collect public opinion on the best practices for applications service provider class license holders who offer Internet messaging and social media services in Malaysia.
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Cyber security law updates
In this update, we summarize the following key developments on Malaysia's Cyber Security Act 2024 since it has taken effect in August of 2024.
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Public consultation on the proposed Climate Change Bill (RUUPIN)
The introduction of a Climate Change Act is the result of Malaysia's determination to honour its commitment under the Paris Agreement and also to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Malaysia.
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Budget 2025 - Tax Highlights
This infographic sets out the key tax highlights from the Budget 2025 announcement, with the theme, “Reinvigorating the Economy, Driving Reforms, and Prospering the People”.
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Public Consultations on Cross-border Transfer and Personal Data Protection Standards
In this second batch of public consultations, the PDPD is focusing on aligning existing concepts with international standards and practices.
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Guidelines for Corporate Renewable Energy Supply Scheme (CRESS)
The CRESS is the Malaysian Government's latest initiative to achieve a 70% renewable energy in the capacity mix by 2050.
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Forest City Special Financial Zone: New Family Office Incentive Scheme
The FO Scheme allows a fund vehicle managed by a single family office to enjoy a 0% concessionary tax rate on income generated from eligible investments.
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Malaysia Cyber Security Act 2024 and Subsidiary Regulations - in Force on 26 August 2024
The regulations shed more light on the various compliance requirements imposed on a NCII Entity and provides a list of compoundable offences under the CSA.
Insight | Alert
Public Consultations on Data Breach Notification, Data Protection Officer and Data Portability
Following the passing of the Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024, three public consultation papers have been issued in relation to the impending implementation of several new legal obligations.
Insight | Alert
Obata-Ambak Holdings v Prema Bonanza
This alert follows our previous alert on this case and looks to summarise the facts and the Federal Court's findings on the questions of law before it.
Insight | Alert
Licensing of Social Media and Internet Messaging Service Providers - From 1 January 2025 Onwards
Effective 1 January 2025, internet messaging services and social media services providers with 8 million or more users in Malaysia must hold an applications service provider class licence pursuant to the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 in order to make available their services locally.
Insight | Alert
Federal Court Rules that Ang Ming Lee Housing Development Decision is to be Applied Prospectively, Not Retrospectively

It is unanimously decided that Ang Ming Lee & Ors v Menteri Kesejahteraan Bandar, Perumahan dan Kerajaan Tempatan & Anor and other appeals is to be applied prospectively, not retrospectively.
Insight | Alert
Malaysia Introduces Licensing for Social Media and Internet Messaging Services
The new licensing framework is in line with Malaysian laws to combat the rise in cybercrimes such as online scams and fraud, cyberbullying and sexual crimes against children.
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Economic Development and Growth in Johor — Insights into the Forest City SFZ and Johor-Singapore SEZ
The passage of five amendment Bills signifies the government's commitment to developing the SFZ.
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Ten Proposed Key Changes to the Arbitration Act 2005
The House of Representatives recently held its first reading of the Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2024 to reflect some proposed changes to the Arbitration Act 2005.
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Significant changes to the Asian International Arbitration Centre, and related changes to the Construction Industry Payment and Adjudication Act 2012 and the Arbitration Act 2005
The AIAC is undergoing a series of restructuring and institutional reforms to enhance its transparency, efficiency and good governance.
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Navigating the New e-Invoicing Regime
An overview of the new e-Invoicing regime and key observations as businesses prepare for its implementation.
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Personal Data Protection (Amendment) Bill 2024
With COVID-19 pandemic and several changes to the Malaysian Cabinet, the Bill has finally seen the light of day and is undergoing parliamentary debate.
Insight | Alert
Extension of Time for Lodgement of Beneficial Ownership Information
The CCM has recently announced the extension of the transition period by a further three months to provide companies additional time to comply with the beneficial ownership reporting obligation.
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Taxpayer Succeeds in Landmark Tax Ruling on Disposal of IP Rights
Wong & Partners successfully represented a taxpayer before the Malaysian Court of Appeal in an important ruling against the Malaysian Inland Revenue Board (IRB).
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Updated Advance Pricing Arrangement Guidelines
Key updates arising from the Advance Pricing Arrangement Guidelines 2024 following the introduction of the Income Tax Rules 2023
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Key Changes to Occupational Safety and Health Law
The amendments introduce significant and wide-ranging changes to the OSHA including new duties and obligations on employers and increased penalties for non-compliance.
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Energy Exchange Update
The Government of Malaysia will establish an Energy Exchange Malaysia (ENEGEM) to facilitate cross-border sales of green electricity to neighbouring countries.
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Update – Competitive Bidding for the Development of Large Scale Solar Photovoltaic Plants in Malaysia
The government's latest solar initiative under the LSS PETRA could signify a more sophisticated approach compared to the previous large scale solar program.
Insight | Alert
Coming Into Force of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2024
The Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living had appointed 1 April 2024 as the date of coming into force of the Companies (Amendment) Act 2024.
Insight | Alert
The Cyber Security Bill 2024 - A new era for cyber security
The Bill aims to provide a regulatory framework for the safeguarding of Malaysia's cyber security landscape by requiring national critical information infrastructure entities to comply with certain measures, standards and processes.
Insight | Alert
Online content and related developments
Proposed licensing of social media and internet messaging services providers and a new draft bill on digital safety – these are some of the recent updates in the online content space for Malaysia.
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Revised beneficial ownership reporting requirements under the Companies (Amendment) 2023 Bill
The Bill aims to enhance corporate transparency and accountability by supplementing the existing provisions on beneficial ownership reporting.
Insight | Alert
Budget 2024 - Tax Highlights | 23 October 2023
This alert examines some of the key tax highlights arising from the Budget and our analysis of these proposals.
Insight | Alert
Budget 2024 - Tax Highlights
This alert sets out key tax developments and implications arising from the Budget 2024 announcement that may influence the way businesses are carried out.
Insight | Alert
Public consultations on allied health professions and stem cell guidelines
The deadlines to respond to the public consultations are 30 September 2023 and 4 October 2023 respectively.  
Insight | Alert
Additional rights and obligations for labour contractors under the Employment Act
By September 2023, any person who enters into a contract for service to supply employees to a principal are covered by the Employment Act 1955.
Insight | Alert
MCMC addresses online harm, imbalanced media and AI
The MCMC has made some announcements signaling a move toward regulating digital platforms, specifically fair compensation for news content creators and rules for AI implementation.
Article
Labuan IBFC on an Upward Trajectory After Slow Start
Labuan IBFC plans to develope a niche while strengthening its regulations and compliance with international standards to move away from the stigma associated with offshore centers.
Insight | Alert
Malaysia Madani - Zero Tolerance for Corruption = Increased Drive for Corporate Governance
MACC's recent actions provide a timely reminder of the importance for businesses to review existing procedures and ensure adequate procedures are in place to prevent bribery.
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Compliance Checks by the Labour Department
Labour authorities in Peninsular Malaysia have increased efforts to monitor employers’ compliance with the local laws and practice.
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MyCC and MCMC to Foster Stronger Collaboration with MOU
Regulators sign a Memorandum of Understanding in light of rising complexity of competition issues.
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National Energy Transition Roadmap Part 1 – Flagship Catalyst Projects and Initiatives
The NETR Part 1 sets the direction of the Malaysian government in developing future capabilities and shaping demand in the green energy market.
Insight | Alert
Significant Updates to the Transfer Pricing Rules
In this alert, we examine the key changes introduced under the 2023 TP Rules and its implications for taxpayers.
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Introduction of New Advance Pricing Arrangement Rules
In this alert, we examine the key changes introduced under the 2023 APA Rules.
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Risk-Based Assessment of Cloud Adoption: Updated Risk Management in Technology Policy Document
The document provides further guidance on the use of cloud services to be adopted by selected financial institutions.
Insight | Alert
Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2023
The Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2023 seeks to provide for a more effective bankruptcy administration system which is in line with the Government's intention to preserve the welfare of bankrupt individuals.
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Energy Commission's Public Consultation Paper on Regulations Relating to the Import and Export of Electricity
The EC aims to collect feedback from the public to be used as basis by the Ministry of Natural Resources to propose regulations for off-border electricity exportation and importation activities.
Insight | Alert
Tax Incentives in Malaysia's Budget Aim to Boost Investment
The Malaysian government intends to adopt a more progressive tax structure to ensure fair revenue distribution and prioritize low and middle-income groups.
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Key Corporate Tax Measures to Focus on in Malaysia's Budget 2023
In an article published in Bloomberg Tax, the authors look at key corporate tax measures in the budget and discuss their implications on businesses and investors.
Insight | Alert
Update - Corporate Green Power Programme
The Energy Commission, as the regulator of the CGPP, had issued a revised information guide on 17 April 2023 which can be downloaded from their website.
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Public Consultation Paper (Part 2) on the Proposed Enactment of the Consumer Credit Act
The public consultation period on the Second Paper will close on 15 May 2023.
Insight | Alert
Update to the Anti-Sexual Harassment Act 2022
Several provisions of the Act have come into effect, and it is anticipated that the rest of the Act will come into effect in stages.
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90 Days Under Malaysia Madani - Personal Data Protection Redux
We look back at the proposed changes to the PDPA, the latest developments under the new administration so far and what to expect in the days ahead.
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Malaysian Budget 2023 - Tax Highlights
MADANI Budget is focused on addressing the current economic challenges, inspiring confidence with institutional and governance reforms and facilitating social justice by reducing inequality.
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Budget 2023 - Updated Tax Highlights
Malaysia's Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled the Malaysian Budget 2023, themed "Building Malaysia Madani".
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Malaysian Premium Visa Programme (PVIP)
With various nations opening borders post pandemic, Malaysia expects to see an increased interest in the PVIP.
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New Legal Requirements under the General Code of Practice of Personal Data Protection
The General CoP seeks to provide best practice recommendations with respect to the implementation of principles under the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 and its subsidiary legislation.
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New Requirements Relating to the Employment of Foreign Nationals
Recent amendments to the Malaysian Employment Act introduced a new requirement for employers to seek prior approval of the Malaysian Director General of Labour before employing foreign employees.
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Deferred Minimum Wages Order for Micro Businesses
The Government of Malaysia has effectively postponed the implementation date of the Minimum Wages Order (No. 2), from 1 January 2023 to 1 July 2023.
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Survey on Role of Data Protection Officer (DPO)
The Malaysian Personal Data Protection Department (PDPD) has just published a questionnaire on Data Protection Officer (DPO) to gather market feedback on the role and qualification of a DPO in Malaysia (Survey).
Insight | Alert
A Guide to Corporate Green Power Programme for Corporate Consumers
This alert explains the mechanism of CGPP and sets out the potential investment opportunities and benefits to corporate consumers.
Insight | Alert
Review of Online Content Regulation and Framework
The review of the online content regulation and framework would cover (1) aspects pertaining to licensing, (2) the relevance of existing penalties, and (3) the need of introducing new laws.
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Information guide on the Corporate Green Power Programme (CGPP)
The CGPP aims to promote the adoption of green energy amongst corporate companies in Malaysia.
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Virtual Power Purchase Agreements under the Corporate Green Power Programme
This programme aims to encourage the adoption of green electricity amongst corporate companies in Malaysia.
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Implications of Budget 2023 on Malaysian Projects and Infrastructure Scene
This alert focuses on the Budget 2023 highlights that would have an impact on the projects and infrastructure industries in Malaysia.
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Budget 2023 - Tax Highlights
These key tax highlights are extracted from the Supply Bill 2023 tabled in Parliament on 7 October 2022, which have yet to be passed into law at the time of publication.
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Malaysian National Energy Policy 2022-2040
This alert provides an overview of the Low Carbon Aspiration 2040 initiative and highlights key action plans of interest to those intending to comply with ESG requirements.
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Competition Appeal Tribunal Overturns MyCC's Decision Against the General Insurance Association of Malaysia and Its Members
In September 2022, the CAT found that there was no liability on the part of the general insurers and PIAM under the Malaysian Competition Act and unanimously overturned MyCC's decision.
Insight | Alert
Deferred Implementation Date for Amendments to the Employment Act 1955
On 26 August 2022, the Minister of Human Resources announced a delay to the implementation date of the amendments to the Malaysian Employment Act (EA).
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Further Updates Regarding Taxation of Foreign-sourced Income
In this alert, we summarise details of the income tax exemption orders and the relevant implications for taxpayers.
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Amendment to the Scope of Employees Protected by the Employment Act 1955
The amendments means that a much larger section of the Malaysian work force will now be entitled to protection under the Act.
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Proposed Amendments to the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 Expected to be Tabled at Parliament
Learn more about what new obligations on both data users and data processors will be introduced in the proposals.
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Enhanced Transparency in Labuan
In this client alert, we focus on some of the key Amendments introduced, such as the introduction of the beneficial ownership reporting regime and the prohibition on issuance of bearer shares.
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Public Consultation Paper (Part 1) on the Proposed Enactment of the Consumer Credit Act
The Consumer Credit Oversight Board Task Force has issued the first of a two-part consultation paper to the Consumer Credit Act to obtain feedback from interested parties and members of the public.
Insight | Guide
Global Practice Guides for Fintech 2022 (Malaysia) 
In this chapter for the Chambers and Partners Global Practice Guides for Fintech 2022, Sue Wan Wong, Joel Tan and Pei Ru Tan dissect the fintech market in Malaysia covering topics like roboadvisory, insurtech, regtech, blockchain and open banking.