Article
The Do’s and Dont’s of Video Conferencing
Fast forward to this March, the outbreak of coronavirus not only in Malaysia but also affecting worldwide – “The Pandemic” has suddenly transformed and considered video conferencing as an ultimate solution and tools enabling global...
Stamp Duty on Instrument of Transfer and Loan Agreement
Q: What is Stamp Duty? A: Stamp duty is a tax being imposed on varied of written agreement (including Instrument of Transfer of Property) by the Inland Revenue Board. Q: Who will need to pay...
Real Property Gain Tax (RPGT)
What is Real Property Gain Tax (RPGT)? RPGT is a form of Capital Gains Tax or in other words a tax chargeable on gains arising from the disposal of real properties situated in Malaysia levied...
Change Surname
How to legally name change in Malaysia? Application for change of name of a child that is already registered must be made within one (1) year of the date of birth of the child under...
Can a foreigner purchase land or property in Sarawak
Can Or Cannot? : Purchase of Immovable Property in Sarawak by a FOREIGNER The law governing the immovable property in Sarawak is different from West Malaysia. Immovable property in Sarawak is governed by the Sarawak...
FAQ for Divorced Spouses and Victims of Domestic Violence
As a preventive measure towards the Covid-19 pandemic, our country has since 18 March 2020 implemented the Movement Control Order (“the MCO”). During this period, a lot of divorced or estranged parents have complained that...
Tips for Purchaser when inspecting property and before signing Booking Form
Inspecting Property Check the condition of the property thoroughly (for example : whether there is any water leakage, any cracks on the wall, any defects). If possible, bring along your own contractor/professional personnel to assist...
Defamation
What is Defamation? Defamation refers to the circumstances where there is any unjustified criticism that has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to one’s reputation. If a defamatory statement affects a person’s reputation,...
OPTION TO PURCHASE (“OTP”)
Also known as Agreement to Purchase/Option Form/Booking Form, which entered between the Owner of the property and the Intended Purchaser when the Intended Purchaser decided to purchase the Property. The Owner, ie the Vendor grants...
Importance of Land Search Report
Planning to purchase your dream home? Scrutinise the land search report before paying your hard-earned money First, what is a land search report? A land search report is a report issued by the relevant land...
MACC Act
WHAT BUSINESS ENTITIES AND BUSINESS OWNERS MUST KNOW ABOUT THE NEW SECTION 17A Introduction of Section 17A Section 17A of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission Act 2009 (“MACC Act”) came into force on 1st June 2020...
Serious Note for all Directors & Business Owners about New MACC Law
While many of businesses are recovering from the economic impact ravaged by Covid-19, a new law concerning directors, business owners and senior management have come into force on 1 June 2020. What is the Law...
Hak Jagaan Anak
HADHANAH: Bagaimana Status Hak Jagaan Anak Selepas Perceraian? Isu Hadhanah atau hak jagaan anak sering timbul apabila berlakunya permasalahan rumah tangga atau perceraian di antara pasangan suami dan isteri. Perebutan hak jagaan anak sama ada...
What should you do if you lost your original title in Sarawak
Sarawak: What should you do when your original individual/strata title lost? TAKE NOTE that ownership of an immovable property is evidenced by having one’s name registered on the individual/strata title (provided that the same has...
Home Buying Nightmare: Malaysia Law Protection
Projects Are Delayed or Abandoned Buying houses can be a nightmare especially when the developer delays in delivering vacant possession to the purchasers. This happens more often than not when unwary purchasers fell into the...
Nature of Admiralty Jurisdiction
What is the nature of Admiralty Jurisdiction in Malaysia? Malaysian Admiralty Jurisdiction is derived from the class of actions available within Sections 20 to 24 of the UK Senior Courts Act 1981 via section 24(b)...
Introduction to Maritime International Trade, Letter of Credit and Bill of Lading
What is a Letter of Credit and its function? A letter of credit is a form of a documentary credit used in international trade. A letter of Credit comes into the picture when the buyer...
Introduction to Marine Insurance in Malaysia
What is the source of Marine Insurance law in Malaysia? Malaysian marine insurance legal jurisprudence is covered by the Marine Insurance Act of 1906 which was recently amended by the Insurance Act 2015 (both being...
Introduction to Carriage of Goods by Sea In Malaysia
What is the source of law for carriage of goods by sea in Malaysia? In Malaysia, carriage of goods by sea is governed by the Carriage if Goods By Sea Act 1950. This Act adopted...
Cargo Claims for Goods Carried by Sea In Malaysia
What is the source of law for cargo claims for goods carried by sea in Malaysia? In Malaysia, cargo claims by sea are governed by the contract provided by a Bill of Lading subject to...
家庭暴力的受害者
疫情当前，除了前线人员与提供基础服务的业者，其他人民一律被呼吁呆在家中，非必要不得出门以防感染或扩散病毒。在这时刻我们常常会听到人民担心的课题无非都是，“那我的头发长长了没法剪不是成了F4？” 、“关在家里做什么好啊“、”那我吃什么啊？“、“将有一群新生儿爆发”，而真正该被担心的问题如家庭暴力，家人或伴侣所带来的精神虐待和压力等却被忽视。 常常人家都觉得呆在家里是最安全的因为常常我们都被灌输家是你永远的避风港。可是根据我们妇女援助组织的报告显示，家庭暴力的案件却在这个时候倍增，而这一群受害者由于被迫留在家中，目前也处于在水深火热之中，没法出逃。除此之外，夫妻间的矛盾与日俱增，而在这短短的几个星期内，我们更接到无数客户的查询以寻求法律援助及了解离婚程序，而我们所了解到的夫妻矛盾更是层出不穷。在这里我们举出几个例子。 “我发现我的妻子出轨，虽然双方已经决定冰释前嫌，而妻子也已经同意与第三者断绝关系，但是妻子终日在家为了与第三者分手的事郁郁寡欢，甚至晚上睡觉躺在同一张床上，我都可以感受到她因与第三者分手而掉眼泪，把一切看在眼里的我，更是饱受煎熬，我不想和妻子离婚，但是现在我想出去喘口气，装作没看到妻子的难过都不行。” “呆在家里终日和妻子吵架，我想和妻子分开冷静，但是现在想要搬出去住都不行。“ “由于无法出门工作，丈夫变得空闲，要求进行房事的次数越来越频密，拒绝几次以后双方都不再搭理彼此。” “前妻要求复合，常常以自杀来要挟我半夜去见她，要是现在她有工作，她那里有闲工夫要半夜见我。” “我怀疑丈夫与公司女同事偷情，但是现在丈夫都没有工作，我想去抓奸都没机会，还得在家对着他装着没事的强颜欢笑。想着就觉得矛盾。“ “我和妻子都没得出门工作，妻子呆在家久了就闲得一直检查我的电话电脑，邮件信息，脸书朋友等，我都快疯了。我现在才知道妻子是个控制狂。“ 等等等等 … … 常常人说，远距离的爱情无法维持，但是现在似乎太过于亲近、见得太频繁也未必是件好事。人家说，两个人会因距离而分开，这句话说得不错。两个人的距离拿捏得不当，也是会出问题的，进而演变成家庭暴力。而说到家庭暴力，不一定是肢体上的冲突，在精神上施加压力也可以是暴力的一种，而长期的精神虐待与压力，包括夫妻间的冷暴力，所造成精神上和心理上的侵犯和伤害更不容轻视。 在对抗疫情且努力维持夫妻感情和家庭和睦的当儿，大家也应该好好保护自己，不让自己成为家庭暴力的受害者。 而我们，也尽所能努力帮助受害者脱离苦海，给予法律上的援助。 本文是由我们律师楼的律师团队撰写， Gwen Yeap Siew Fen Partner, Low & Partners Jareen Lee Hoay Yin Senior Associate, Low & Partners
按照您的意愿规划财产
意外还是明天哪一个会先到? 这点没有人知道。忙忙碌碌地干了一辈子的活，相信大家都想把挣到钱留给下一代，以便子子孙孙能有些钱过好日子。而大家又选择如何为自己财富后事做安排呢？一部分人选择立遗嘱 ， 而有的则是选择将财富纳入信托，当然也有老一辈的人们交代子孙在他往生后到床底下取出那个装满现金或是金银首饰的铁罐进行分配。 无论人们选择以哪一种形式去安排自己往生后的财富规划，大家无非是想要心中所属的受益人能够顺利的接获先人留下来的财产。试想想，如果人们选择用“铁罐财产分配法”，那我们应该如何保证再分配过程中不会有纷争，我们该如何确定受益人能够得到他应有的部分财产？这时候，人们应该选择最保障的财产规划 – 立遗嘱。 当然，许多人都会担心在立遗嘱的过程中有许多恼人繁琐的过程。这造成他们在健在时并没有认真面对自己的财产规划而导致子嗣闹上法庭，一拍两散。 其实，所谓恼人繁琐的过程或许只是一种误导性的想法。接下来，让我们用最简单的方式让您了解怎样保障自己的财产规划。 首先您需要委任至少一位执行者（Executor）人选。这位被委任执行者将扮演一个重要的角色包括向法庭申请遗嘱认证（Probate）、 收取您的所有财产并且根据您的遗嘱进行分配以及适当的调节受益人的疑虑。 而被推荐成为执行者的人选须拥有执行力和公信力（通常都会委任其中一个受益人）。 年迈者则不建议被委任为执行者， 毕竟执行者须奔波与律师楼、法庭、银行与公家机关处理财产分配。 接着，您可以向专业人士询问并让他们替您拟定了一份按照您的意愿规划财产的遗嘱。这时，您必需向您委任的执行者交代清楚您的原版遗嘱（original will）与财产资料， 例如房产地契、银行户口、 投资户口等的收藏位置。这里简单说明原版遗嘱的重要性 – 执行者需要向法庭申请遗嘱认证，而最简单的认证方式莫过于提交原版遗嘱给于法庭。 若原版遗嘱不幸遗失或意外中销毁，这将导致执行者必须按照所需程序出事证据以便说服法庭认证遗嘱副本的确是死者的意愿。为免给执行者或后代添乱，原版遗嘱必须小心收藏并交代清楚。 既然说明了立遗嘱是为自己的财产进行规划，那么财产资料务必收藏在容易寻获的地方。如果财产都无法寻获，那该如何进行分配呢？当然这里并不意味您需要昭告天下您的个人财产资料。这一切为的是要方便执行者日后向法庭申请遗嘱认证时能更快的向法庭呈报准确的资产负债表（list of assets and liability）。举个例子当您把一大笔资金放入某家较小银行作为定存户口而您也没向任何人提起这个户口的存在。这将导致执行者无法得知此户口的存在进而衍生种种问题，譬如：庆幸的, 在若干年后执行者突然发现这个户口的存在，那么执行者必需向法庭申请更改死者财产申报单；反之，倘若这个户口并未被任何人发现，户口里的所有钱财将会被纳入无人继承的遗产（截止2018年数据显示马来西亚有高达600亿 未领取的遗产）。相信，这并不是大家想要看到的结果。 根据1959年遗嘱法令第5条文，一份具有法律效应的遗嘱必须在两位证人的见证下完成。这两位证人必须能够让执行者轻易的地联络到，所以按照惯例在遗嘱末页都会让证人各自填上联络方式。在申请遗嘱认证过程中，两位证人都需向法庭提交宣誓书（Affidavit of Witness）。如果无法提交两位证人的宣誓书，执行者得向法庭解释证人无法被寻获或无法提交宣誓书的原因。 这无疑又耗时且增加执行者的负担。 如果以上指示都能一一完成， 并且避开一些地雷，这绝对能使执行者从向法庭申请遗嘱认证至到派发遗产给受益者的整个过程中事半功倍。最重要的是，我们能在同一时间保护到受益人的权益也避免一些不必要的风险和麻烦。 人的一生，生老病死乃定局。这是一个大自然的规律。死亡降临的那一天，也就是遗嘱开始生效的一天，执行者必须根据死者在遗嘱里的指示处理死者的身后事。由于执行者通常都会是至亲，那么丧礼将会由执行者与亲属办理。...
COVID-19 Impact on Employers
COVID-19 has become a global pandemic. The outbreak of COVID-19 deadly virus is an unfortunate crisis and the situation we are now facing is unprecedented in history. On 16 March 2020, Prime Minister had announced...
7 Key Differences between Franchising and Licensing in Malaysia
7 Keys Franchising Licensing Formal Requirements The main requirement of a franchise is that you need to register your franchise before you can sell and operate a franchise business. There are also other strict requirements...
Contract Performance in COVID-19: Force Majeure and Frustration
The 28 days lockdown period is only temporary. Serious commercial consequences will follow after this period. Businesses will be facing uphill challenges in fulfilling their contractual duties in a normal way due to the increasing...
行动管制令期间无法营业，公司可否借此为由终止或延长合约
在covid-19心冠肺炎疫情的肆虐下，为了抗疫，我国在三月十八日进入了为期二十八天的行动管制期。在这期间除了特定“重要”领域或行业可以继续运营（受限于对该领域或行业的限制）, 所有政府与私人机构必须关闭休业。 抗疫当前，管制令无疑是目前防疫的最佳措施，但这也让很多中小企业正面临严峻的财务危机。在行动管制期间许多中小企业因无法营业而导致无法履行合约的条款或义务，可能因此而面临因违约而被起诉的危机。 那公司可不可以以行动管制令强制停止营业为由，单方面终止或延长合约时间？这就视乎双方可有书面合约（written contract）且合约内容。 1. 书面合约是否有不可抗力 (force majeure) 条款 不可抗力是指一些不能预见，不能避免，不可控制的意外事故。不可抗力条款是一种免责（disclaimer）条款。这条款是规定合约后若须履行职责的一方（当事人），因为不可抗力而不能履行或不能如期履行合约的全部或部分义务，可免除其全部或部分义务或允许延长履行合约时间。 2. 不可抗力条款是否足以概括因covid-19而发生的行动管制令 不可抗力的事故主要包括两种情况，一种是由于自然力量引起的，如水灾、风灾、旱灾、地震等；另一种是社会原因引起的，如战争、封锁、政府禁令等。当事人可不可以利用不可抗力条款，就必须视乎合约内的不可抗力条款是否有概括因疾病而不可控制的情况如行动管制令或封城。 3. 若其条款不足以涵盖covid-19的管制令 若不可抗力条款没有概括因疾病而导致不可控制的事故，如管制令先别慌张，因为合约必须是整体性的。所以法庭在判断此不可抗力条款是否足够概括因covid-19而发生的行动管制令时，也会衡量其他合约的条款和合约的业务性质与业务风险等。 4. 若无不可抗力条款或没有书面合约 那如果合约内没有不可抗力条款或双方并没有书面合约，是否就意味着当事人就完蛋了，必须赔钱了。这也并不一定。法律还是有人性的。 当事人可以提出合约因为管制令的关系无法履行而被迫终止。如同第3段所述，法庭会判断业务性质，因管制令而被迫强制停工或管制令后复工所导致的问题等，合约是否真的已无法进行而被迫终止。 由于因疫情的肆虐而导致行动管制令在我国并没有先例，所以目前并没有案例及确切的情况。以上所述可供指引，若需要深入的法律咨询请填写一下表格，电邮：Covid19@LowPartners.com或拨电至017-490 5293与我们联系。 Covid-19 Legal Help 本文是由我们律师楼的合伙人撰写，卓莉琴律师 Toh Lee Khim Partner, Low & Partners
What’s Probate and Letter of Administration/ Estate? What’s the Process Flow of Estate Administration?
Introduction- Dies with a Will/ Or Without a Will This article provides a brief outline on the process of probate and the steps that a person with interest should take if he or she is looking...
Land Acquisition in Malaysia: An Overview
Introduction Persons interested in a land are often being caught unaware of their rights when their lands are being earmarked for acquisition. In this piece, we will try to simplify the relevant issues and the...
Conclusive Evidence Clause and Certificate of Indebtedness
It is not uncommon to find a term in an agreement granting certain banking facility that goes along the line that any statement or certificate signed by an officer of the bank shall be the...
Without Prejudice Communication
It is not uncommon for a document to be labeled as “without prejudice”, with the intention of preventing the recipient from using the document as evidence in court. The label is typically slapped on without...
Traveling Overseas: Right or Privilege?
We have often taken for granted that we can easily apply for a passport. However, can the Government refuse to grant you a passport?
Guarantee and Indemnity
It is quite common for a person to guarantee a loan taken by another person. For example:
Little Known Sexual Crimes in the Malaysian Penal Code
In a modern and free society, it is almost inconceivable that the government would take an interest on what consenting adults do in their bedroom.
Malaysian Legal System in 60 Seconds
Malaysia practices dual legal system, generally categorized as civil law (a misnomer, I personally think it should called secular law as “civil law” refers to another type of legal system in the world) and Islamic...
I Received a Writ and a Statement of Claim, What Should I Do? – The typical court process in civil cases
When you received a Writ and Statement of Claim, it basically means someone has sued you (let’s call him the “Plaintiff”). You have 14 days to enter your appearance i.e. to tell the court and...
All you need to know about Real Property Gains Tax (RPGT)
The 2019 Real Property Gains Tax rates are a significant factor for consideration to anyone who owns a property and intends to profit from its sale The Real Property Gains Tax (“RPGT”) in Malaysia is...
How long does it take for a sale and purchase of a property to be completed?
Have you ever wondered how long it takes for sale and purchase agreements to be completed? Does it frustrate you in situations where delays cost you late payment interests as a Purchaser? Before purchasing a property, you need to consider the time...
Nightmare on Tenant Street: How to Protect Your Rights as a Landlord?
Tenancy can no doubt generate a passive income for you. However, a bad tenant may turn your property investment into a nightmare. If a tenant refuses to pay rent but continues to stay on the...
Things to Look Out for In A Loan Agreement
For first time home buyers, there is nothing more confusing than to sign up for your first housing loan. After your housing loan application has been approved by the bank of your choice and before...
Land Title Search: What, Why and How?
Malaysia follows the system of registration of title and hence the title is everything. This means that legality of the property and the legality of the vendor is spelt out in the title itself. The first thing...
How To Launch ICO (Initial Coin Offerings) in Malaysia Legally?
As Bank Negara Malaysian (BNM) and Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) have issued a cease-and-desist letter to CopyCashCoin in its attempt to launch an ICO (Initial Coin Offerings) in Malaysia in January 2018, the question remaining...
Right to Vote in Malaysia: Can My Employer Refuse to Approve My Leave?
The 14th General Election (“GE14”) is before us. However, the Election Commission has fixed the polling to be held on 9th May 2018, a Wednesday. At the time of writing, there is no indication from the caretaker...
Key Changes About The New Companies Act In Malaysia
Q: What are the key highlights of the changes for the newly implemented Companies Act 2016 compared to the old Act? Under the Companies Act 1965 (“Old Act”), a memorandum and articles of association (“M&A”)...
Shareholders Agreement
Q: What are the differences between shareholders and directors? A shareholder or member owns a company by holding its shares. A director manages the company. A director does not have to be a shareholder and...
Important notes you should know about companies in Malaysia
Q: I would like to issue shares to other potential investors to invest in my company, how could I do it? Private companies In general, for allotment of new shares of a private company to...
Tenancy Agreement in Malaysia
Q: How do I calculate the legal fee for tenancy agreement? The standard legal fees chargeable for tenancy agreement are as follows:- First RM 10,000 rental – 25% of the monthly rent Next RM 90000...
Probate and Letter of Administration
Q: What is probate? Probate is the legal process of proving the last will of a deceased person to the court is valid and enforceable. The executor would need to obtain the grant of probate...
Will in Malaysia
Q: What is a will? A will is a legal document which a person, namely the testator, indicates his arrangement regarding to distribution of his property upon death and the care of any minor children....
Divorce Proceedings in Malaysia
How to I get Divorce? If both parties agree to the divorce and terms, they may get a lawyer to file a Joint Petition. The Joint petition must state: Details of marriage and children, if...
Business Type in Malaysia
Q: What are the main vehicles used in Malaysia to establish a business? There are 3 types of business entities one can choose from to start up a business in Malaysia, namely: Sole proprietorship Partnership...