How to Search a Company Registration Number in Malaysia

Verifying a company’s details is an important step in any business relationship. The company registration number helps confirm legitimacy, even if you are hiring vendors, working with contractors, or onboarding new suppliers. In Malaysia, this number is issued by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) and is required on official documents like invoices and contracts.

We will share with you what a company registration number is, why you may need to search for it, and how to find it through official channels.

What Is a Company Registration Number in Malaysia?

A company registration number, also called no. pendaftaran syarikat, is a unique identifier assigned by SSM when a business is registered. It is printed on the company’s Certificate of Incorporation and used across government filings, tax documents, and commercial transactions.

Before 2019, different formats were used depending on the business entity. To simplify things, SSM introduced a new 12-digit format on 11 October 2019. This format consists of:

First 4 digits: Year of registration
Next 2 digits: Type of entity (e.g., domestic company, LLP, business)
Last 6 digits: Sequential registration number

Companies registered after October 2019 receive both their new and old numbers for record purposes.

Old vs New Company Registration Number Formats

Before 2019, Malaysian companies used different registration number formats depending on their business type. For example, an Enterprise might have an alphanumeric code like SA0001234-D, while a Private Limited Company (Sdn Bhd) used formats such as 123456-A.

To simplify and standardise these formats, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) introduced a new 12-digit company registration number on 11 October 2019. This change ensures that all entities, including Sdn Bhd, Enterprise, LLP, and foreign companies, follow a consistent numbering system.

So, what does the new format look like?

Example: 202401000001

First 4 digits: Year of registration (e.g., 2024)
Next 2 digits: Entity type code
- 01: Local company
- 02: Foreign company
- 03: Business (Enterprise or Partnership)
- 04: Local LLP
- 05: Foreign LLP
- 06: LLP for professional practice
Last 6 digits: Sequential registration number

Companies registered before October 2019 were issued both an old and new number, which appear side by side on official documents. For example:

Old No.: 1234567-A
New No.: 201901000123

Understanding the new format is important for employers and HR, because:

When verifying suppliers, contractors, or potential partners, always use the new 12-digit number on official systems like SSM e-Search or MyData.
Some older invoices or contracts may still display the old format, both remain valid but refer to the same entity.
For digital filing and e-Invoicing (under LHDN), the new format is now required to avoid data mismatch or rejection.

Why You May Need to Search for a Company Registration Number

Employers and business owners often search for this number to verify a company’s legitimacy. Common reasons include:

Confirm a potential partner’s status before signing agreements.
Conduct due diligence during supplier onboarding or hiring contractors.
Checking whether a business is active, dormant, or deregistered.
Verifying information for tax purposes or invoice issuance.

Where and How to Search for a Company Registration Number

The most reliable way to search for a company’s registration number is to use official platforms or recognised guides. These resources provide accurate and updated data, which is critical for due diligence, supplier verification, and tax compliance.

SSM e-Search / MyData-SSM

The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is the authority responsible for issuing company registration numbers. Its official portal, SSM e-Search, is the starting point for most verification processes. Through this website (https://www.ssm.com.my), you can search using either the company name or its registration number.

MyData Portal

If you need more than basic verification, the MyData-SSM portal (https://www.mydata-ssm.com.my) provides comprehensive company reports for a small fee. Operated under SSM, this platform lets you access official documents such as registration details, director and shareholder information, financial statements, and incorporation certificates.

SQL Account Guide

Accounting software providers like SQL Account also publish guides that explain how company registration numbers relate to tax compliance and billing. Their resources highlight why the registration number must appear on invoices and receipts, especially now that Malaysia is moving toward e-Invoice validation under LHDN. Employers who manage invoicing in-house can refer to these guides to structure documents correctly and avoid rejection during audits.

CMLabs Guide

CMLabs, a digital marketing and SEO resource provider, offers guidance on the SEO and trust-building aspects of displaying your company registration number online. According to their insights, including this number on your website’s contact page and footer improves credibility for both search engines and customers.

What Information You Can Get from the Search

A basic search will provide the company’s name, registration number, entity type (e.g., Sdn Bhd, Enterprise), and current status. Paid reports offer more details such as:

Date of incorporation
Registered address
Directors’ or owners’ details
Filing history and compliance status

This information is useful for compliance checks and background verification.

How to Check Company Status (Active/Dormant/Wound Up) via CRN

After obtaining a company’s registration number, you can also use it to verify its current business status through SSM or MyData. This helps you ensure the company is legitimate and still operating.

1. Using SSM e-Search

Go to https://www.ssm.com.my → e-Search. Enter either the company name or 12-digit registration number. The search results will display:

Company name and registration number
Incorporation date
Entity type (Sdn Bhd, Enterprise, LLP, etc.)
Status: Active, Dormant, or Wound Up

2. Using MyData-SSM

Visit https://www.mydata-ssm.com.my. Purchase a Company Profile Report, which includes:

Directors’ and shareholders’ details
Latest annual return filing date
Financial statements
Status notes (e.g., “Active,” “In liquidation,” or “Struck off”)

Why is this check important for employers?

Ensures the company you’re partnering with or hiring from is legally active.
Prevents risk when paying deposits or signing service contracts with dormant or wound-up entities.
HR teams and recruiters can use it to verify agency or vendor legitimacy before engagement.

Tips for Accurate Search

When using SSM’s platforms, ensure that you:

Enter the correct and full company name to avoid incomplete results.
Avoid using Google or non-official directories, which may not be updated.
If in doubt, confirm details directly with the company (e.g., via their invoices or website).
Always cross-check spelling and legal entity suffixes like “Sdn Bhd” or “Berhad”.

SEO/Online Business Tip

Tips for you: display your registration number on your website and contact page. This practice boosts trustworthiness and SEO value, showing potential customers and partners that your business is legitimate and registered with SSM.

FAQ Section

How do I check if a company is registered in Malaysia?

You can search using the SSM e-Search portal or MyData-SSM platform by entering the company’s name or registration number.

Is SSM registration number the same as company registration number?

Yes, they refer to the same identifier issued by SSM upon registration.

Can I find a company’s tax number using the registration number?

No, the tax identification number (TIN) is separate and managed by LHDN, not SSM.

Is it free to search for a company registration number?

Basic searches are free on SSM’s portal, but detailed profiles (including directors or financial data) require a paid report.

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