The Malaysian government is reviewing the criteria for audit exemptions, a move deemed to significantly impact local businesses. This proposed review aims to streamline compliance processes and reduce costs for smaller entities. Under the current framework, companies can qualify for audit exemption based on three main criteria: dormancy, zero revenue, and meeting specific thresholds for assets, revenue, and employees. Dormant companies, which have no significant transactions, and zero-revenue companies, which have not generated income during the financial year, are prime candidates. Additionally, small companies that meet the thresholds set by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) are also eligible. Despite the exemption, these companies must still submit their financial accounts to the SSM, ensuring transparency and regulatory oversight remain intact. In this article, we will unfold the key elements behind the Malaysian audit exemption.
Overview of Criteria
Audit exemption in Malaysia allows eligible private companies to forgo annual financial statement audits, aiming to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens for smaller entities. Companies can qualify for this exemption if they meet specific criteria, such as being dormant, having zero revenue, or falling within certain thresholds for annual revenue, total assets, and number of employees. However, these companies must still prepare and submit their financial statements annually. This exemption does not apply to publicly listed companies or their subsidiaries.
The Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) is reviewing the current audit exemption framework and has published a consultative document proposing revised criteria and higher thresholds to include more SMEs. The new criteria will focus on annual turnover, assets, and the number of employees. The objective is to maintain financial accountability while easing the regulatory burden on smaller companies. Public feedback on these proposed changes is being sought until March 8, 2024.
Qualifying Criteria
Dormant Companies
On February 2, 2023, the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) published a consultative document proposing revisions to the audit exemption criteria for private companies, retaining the existing criteria for dormant companies introduced via Practice Directive 3/2017 on August 4, 2017. For dormant companies, the criteria remain unchanged, requiring companies to have either been dormant since incorporation or to have been dormant during both the immediate past and current financial years, thereby maintaining the original guidelines without any modifications.
Zero-Revenue Companies
The proposed criteria for zero-revenue companies in Malaysia maintain the turnover requirement at RM 0, indicating no revenue during the current and immediate past two financial years. However, a significant change is suggested for the total asset threshold, increasing it from RM 300,000 to RM 500,000 for the current financial year and the immediate past two financial years. This adjustment aims to broaden the scope of companies eligible for audit exemption under the zero-revenue category, providing relief to more businesses with minimal financial activity while ensuring they remain compliant with regulatory standards.
Threshold-Qualified Companies
The consultative document proposed revising the audit exemption criteria for threshold-qualified companies as follows: increasing the annual revenue threshold from RM100,000 to RM1,000,000 for the current and past two financial years; raising the total assets limit in the current Statement of Financial Position from RM300,000 to RM1,000,000 for the immediate past two financial years; and expanding the employee count from no more than five to no more than thirty employees at the end of the current and past two financial years, allowing more companies to benefit from the audit exemption.
SSM Submission Requirements
Companies electing to be exempt from audit are still obligated to prepare unaudited financial statements in accordance with approved accounting standards as stipulated by the Companies Act 2016. These financial statements, along with the directors’ report, statement by directors, and statutory declaration, must be submitted within thirty (30) days from the circulation date. Additionally, companies must obtain and present an Audit Exemption Certificate to accompany these submissions.
This regulatory framework ensures that even companies exempt from audits maintain transparency and uphold financial accountability through compliant reporting practices. By adhering to these guidelines, businesses not subject to audit scrutiny contribute to the overall integrity and reliability of financial information within the established legal framework, fostering trust and confidence among stakeholders.
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What is audit exemption in Malaysia?
Audit exemption in Malaysia allows eligible private companies to skip annual financial statement audits if they meet specific criteria. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs and administrative burdens, particularly for smaller entities.
Who qualifies for audit exemption in Malaysia?
Private companies in Malaysia can qualify for audit exemption if they are dormant (no significant transactions), have zero revenue over the past financial years, or meet certain thresholds for annual revenue, total assets, and number of employees as specified by the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Are there any changes proposed to the audit exemption criteria?
Yes, the SSM is proposing changes to the audit exemption criteria to potentially include more SMEs. This includes revising thresholds such as increasing annual turnover and total asset limits to accommodate a broader range of qualifying companies.
What are the submission requirements for companies opting for audit exemption?
In Malaysia, audit-exempt companies must still prepare unaudited financial statements in accordance with approved accounting standards. These statements, along with other required documents like directors' reports and statutory declarations, must be submitted to the SSM within thirty days from the circulation date.
How does audit exemption benefit Malaysian businesses?
Audit exemption benefits Malaysian businesses by lowering compliance costs associated with mandatory audits. This allows smaller companies to allocate resources more efficiently towards operational needs and growth strategies, while still maintaining financial transparency through compliant reporting practices.
