To most people, the title “Commissioner of Oaths” may be more familiar than “Notary Public”. Wait a moment! Today’s topic we are going to discuss the 10 firms for best Notary Public in Malaysia.
What is a Notary Public?
Generally, a Notary Public refers to a lawyer (advocate or solicitor) appointed by the Attorney General’s Chambers of Malaysia. A person nominated to become a Notary Public would usually have been practising in the legal profession for a minimum of fifteen (15) years continuously.
What are the powers of a Notary Public?
Among other things, a Notary Public can witness the execution of any agreement or letter. In addition to that, they can certify a true copy of any documents such as identity cards, passports, birth, marriage and death certificates, academic transcripts, bank statements, and utility bills for use as proof of address. Although advocates and solicitors are by law allowed to witness the execution and certify a true copy of any documents, frequently government departments such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign embassies require that a Notary Public do so instead.
A Notary Public can authenticate and attest documents and issue a Notarial Certificate or Form of Authentication. A Notary Public would even be able to administer any oath or affirm any affidavit or statutory declaration for use in a Court or place outside Malaysia.
How is a Notary Public different from a Commissioner of Oaths?
The significant difference is that a Commissioner of Oaths may only affirm documents that are to be used in Malaysia alone, while a Notary Public can affirm documents for use outside Malaysia. In other words, Notaries Public are internationally recognised as the documents that they verify are valid overseas.
Another key difference is the different statutes under Malaysian law that govern the two. For Notaries Public, their appointments would be under the Notaries Public Act 1959. Their fees are regulated by the Notaries Public (Fees) (No. 1) Rules 1981 that repealed the earlier Notaries Public (Fees) Rules 1954. In contrast, Commissioners for Oaths derive their powers from the Commissioner for Oaths Rules 2018 under the Courts of Judicature Act 1964.
What are the 10 best Notary public in Malaysia?
The following is a list of 10 firms that offer best Notary Public services in Malaysia. At least one firm has been chosen for almost every region to cater for people all over the country. The firms picked have been long established and have a reputation that precedes them.
MALAYSIA NOTARY
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | 61B, 2nd Floor, Jalan SS 21/60, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. |
| Telephone: | 03-77283350/012-2240238 |
| E-mail: | bctee@bctee.com |
| Website: | http://www.malaysianotary.com |
| Operating hours: | 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) |
A prominent provider of the Notary Public service is Malaysia Notary based in Petaling Jaya, Selangor. It is a boutique law firm that has been operating since 2003. Apart from the standard services you would expect of a Notary Public, the firm also provides other legal services. These services would include drafting of Wills, Trust Deeds and Power of Attorney. In addition to that, they also draft, edit and vet legal contracts, letters and other documents. Yet another service offered is the unofficial translation of documents to English and Malay. For notarisation services, their fees commence at MYR40.00 per document. The fees for all other services are contingent upon the amount and type of work required.
NOTARY PUBLIC MALAYSIA
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Suites 2A & 2C, 2nd Floor, PO Box 9, Wisma Pahlawan, Jalan Sultan Sulaiman, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. |
| Telephone: | 03-22730688/03-22732033/03-22736033 |
| Facsimile: | 03-22738033/03-22739033 |
| E-mail: | koo.chin.nam@gmail.com |
| Website: | https://notarypublicmalaysia.com |
| Operating Hours: | 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Saturday) |
Notary Public Malaysia is managed by the law firm, Koo Chin Nam & Co. The senior partner and founder of the firm is Datuk Koo Chin Nam, who started the practice in 1989. Their specialisation is General Litigation, Family Law, Business Law and Land Law. Due to the considerable experience of Datuk Khoo, the firm is well equipped to help its clients resolve their legal disputes by either defending them or enforcing their rights through the court process. The firm also offers advice to clients on their business ventures. Although the firm does not serve on the panels of any banks or developers, their Conveyancing Department is still quite experienced in handling regular contracts such as Sale & Purchase Agreements and Tenancy Agreements.
C.K. LEONG NURBAYA
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Suite 8-9-6, Menara Mutiara Bangsar, Jalan Liku, off Jalan Riong, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. |
| Telephone: | 03-22822776/03-22833778/03-22843778/03-22845778 |
| Facsimile: | 03-22844772 |
| E-mail: | ckleongnurbaya@yahoo.com |
| Website: | http://notarypublic.my http://www.notarypublickl.org http://www.notarypublickl.com http://malaysianotarypublic.com |
| Operating Hours: | 9:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. (Monday to Friday) |
This firm provides a broad spectrum of legal solutions for individual and corporate clients. The Head Office is located in Bangsar, one of the liveliest parts of Kuala Lumpur.
Mr Leong Chiew Keong, who is one of the Senior Partners of the firm, graduated from the University of Leicester, England. Ever since being admitted to the Malaysian Bar more than 20 years ago, he has been practising as an Advocate & Solicitor in K.L. Mr Leong has vast experience in banking and insolvency, and his work covers the negotiation and documentation of all asset-based financial transactions including company and property purchases, regional joint projects, and project funding. He also has considerable experience in litigation concerning the areas of his expertise.
A Partner too, Ms Siti Nurbaya Dato’ Mohd Bisharuddin is a graduate of the International Islamic University of Malaysia. She specialises in the negotiation and drafting of security instruments for financial institutions, establishing business deals with private companies, documenting off the balance sheet funding, guarantees and comfort letters. Ms Siti Nurbaya also advises in bankruptcy and foreclosure proceedings. She is often involved in training key support staff for financial institutions. In addition to that, she much sought after in the area of private client services.
HENRY SOONG & PARTNERS
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Suite 32-02, 32nd Floor, Menara Keck Seng, 203, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. |
| Telephone: | 03-21165747 |
| E-mail: | hensoong@gmail.com |
| Website: | http://www.henrysoongandpartners.com |
| Operating hours: | 10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Lunch break) |
Henry Soong & Partners located in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, is yet another notable firm offering notarisation services. Mr Henry Soong is the senior lawyer and founder of the firm. Since he was called to the Malaysian Bar in 1992, he has built up this practice which focuses on Conveyancing, Contract Drafting, Will Writing and Consultation Services. In addition to being a Notary Public, Mr Soong is also the President of the Tribunal for Home Buyer Claims and is actively involved in community service through the Lions Club Malaysia.
GIBB & CO.
| Detail | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Address: | Head Office 55, Lebuh Pearl, Fair Park, 31400 Ipoh, Perak. | Penang Office Suite 7A & 7B, 7th Floor, Wisma MTT, 26, Weld Quay, 10300 Georgetown, Penang. | Teluk Intan Office 28A (1st Floor), Taman Ros, Jalan Sultan Abdullah, 36000 Teluk Intan, Perak. | Kuala Lumpur OfficeUnit 11-9, Level 11, Tower A, Vertical Business Suite, Avenue 3, Bangsar South, No. 8, Jalan Kerinchi, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan |
| Telephone: | 05-5471313 | 04-2611877 | 05-6231713 | 03-28569771 |
| Facsimile: | 05-5481313 | 04-2616877 | 05-6232713 | 03-28569772 |
| E-mail: | admin@gibblawyers.com | admin-pg@gibblawyers.com | admin-ti@gibblawyers.com | admin-kl@gibblawyers.com |
| Website: | https://www.gibblawyers.com | |||
| Operating Hours: | 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) | |||
This is said to be one of the oldest firms in the nation dating from 1892 when it was founded by A.M. Gibb and Ashworth Hope. These two gentlemen came to Penang from England on a British East India ship and set up the practice under the name Gibb & Hope. The firm later expanded to Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur, and eventually, the Head Office became Ipoh where the firm played a major part in the development of the State of Perak. From the 1930s onward, the firm’s office in Ipoh was located at the Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank (HSBC) Building overlooking the historical Ipoh Padang. However, in 1999, the firm relocated to its current premises. Subsequently, the firm also set up a branch in Teluk Intan and a second office in Penang.
Gibb & Co market themselves on their team of experienced lawyers who have decades of experience in all aspects of legal advice. They strive to avoid litigation by seeking alternative solutions to address the legal issues faced by their clients. The firm’s goal is to equip its clients to manage their legal issues effectively. Ultimately, they believe that both their employees and clients are also stakeholders in the firm.
CHEE SIAH LE KEE & PARTNERS
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | No. 2B, Jalan KJ4, Taman Kota Laksamana Jaya, 75200 Melaka. |
| Telephone: | 06-2833423/06-2822297 |
| Website: | http://www.csilk.com.my |
| Operating hours: | 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) |
This firm is available to people looking for a Notary Public in the historical city of Malacca. It was started by Dato’ Chee Kong Chi in 1981 with only one clerk. Since then, Chee Siah Le Kee & Partners has grown to become one of the biggest law firms in the Southern Region. They currently employ 15 lawyers who are aided by 45 staff to provide a wide range of legal services.
Originally, it was set up as a project conveyancing firm and in 1983 expanded into civil suits. In 1985, the firm started to handle banking and corporate work for clients such as Affin Bank Berhad and Melaka Tong Bee Group. Subsequently, in 1989, the firm began to advise foreign investors working closely with government agencies. Then in 1992, it branched into Corporate and Commercial practice. The firm received its first appointment as solicitors for Bonia Holdings Berhad in 1994, and in the following years were appointed as solicitors for numerous other companies.
Dato’ Chee Kong Chi, the founder of the firm, read law at the Inns of Court School of Law in London, UK. He was called to the English Bar and admitted to the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn in 1978. He was then admitted as an Advocate and Solicitor of the High Court of Malaya in 1979. Dato’ Chee has intimate knowledge of certain manufacturing, trading, service, private equity and banking industries. From 1989 to 1993, he worked closely with the State Government of Malacca, the Malaysian Industrial Development Authority and the Malacca State Economic Development Corporation to attract foreign investment to the State. He joined the Malacca delegation to Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam and Korea. The team successfully assisted the State Government of Malacca to procure investments worth over MYR15 billion. In 1993, Dato’ Chee was appointed as the legal adviser to the Taiwanese Investors Association. In 2009, Dato’ Chee was appointed as a Notary Public by the Attorney-General of Malaysia.
REGINALD VALLIPURAM & CO.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Suite 117-123, 1st Floor, Johor Tower, No. 15, Jalan Gereja, 80100 Johor Bahru, Johor. |
| Telephone: | 07-2221266 |
| E-mail: | legal@regvco.com |
| Website: | http://www.regvco.com |
| Operating Hours: | 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Lunch break) |
For those down South particularly in the state of Johor, they may look up this firm which was established in 1973. The firm boasts a fully stocked law library that is open to the public for research purposes. A primary objective of this firm is to provide quality advice and service to its clients.
WAN HARON SUKRI & NORDIN
| Detail | ||
|---|---|---|
| Address: | Kota Bharu Office PT. 1180-1183, Jalan Kebun Sultan, 15350 Kota Bharu, Kelantan. | Kuala Lumpur Office19th Floor, West Block, Wisma Selangor Dredging, 142-C, Jalan Ampang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan. |
| Telephone: | 09-7440011/09-7440030/09-7487000 | 03-21810172 |
| Facsimile: | 09-7440099 | 03-21610530 |
| E-mail: | whsnkb@streamyx.com (Litigation) whnskb1@streamyx.com (Conveyancing) | info@whsn.com.my |
| Website: | http://www.whsn.com.my | |
Not forgetting the East Coast, there is also this firm in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, which was founded in 1985. Wan Haron Sukri & Nordin has grown steadily over the years and has even opened a branch in Kuala Lumpur. It has an all-inclusive legal practice that covers criminal, civil, commercial and corporate law. At present, the firm is managed by two pioneer partners, Dato Haji Sukri Haji Mohamed and Mohd Nordin bin Nor, along with six other lawyers and more than forty support staff.
Before founding this practice, Dato’ Haji Sukri started his legal career with the Judicial and Legal Services. He served as a Magistrate in Kuala Lumpur (1979), Negeri Sembilan (1979-1982) and Kelantan (1982-1984). From 2006 to 2009, he was the Chairman of the Kelantan State Bar as well as a Committee Member of the Malaysian Bar Council. He was elected by the Chief Justice of Malaysia, YAA Tun Fairuz, to become a member of the Advocates and Solicitors’ Disciplinary Board in 2007. Having more than 30 years of experience, his speciality is Criminal Law, Corporate Law, and Civil Litigation.
Dato’ Haji Sukri was also actively involved in politics for more than 10 years when he represented the Parti Melayu Semangat 46 and won the Kok Lanas and Machang Constituencies in the elections of 1990 and 1995 respectively. As a member of the Opposition, he played a major role in facilitating the debate of Parliament Bills such as the Immunity of the Malay Rulers, Education Act, Anti-Corruption Act, and Annual Budget. He has even represented Malaysia in several international conferences.
Dato’ Haji Sukri was awarded the title, Justice of Peace (JP) in 1992 by the late Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Ismail Petra Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yahya Petra. He is a member of the Kelantan State Service Commission and the State Succession Council. In 2010, he was appointed as Secretary to the Yayasan Sultan Kelantan Darul Naim Berdaftar which is a charitable foundation created under the Trustees (Incorporation) Act 1952 for the benefit of the Kelantanese people and also Malaysians as a whole.
The Managing Partner of the firm, En. Mohd Nordin has more than 30 years of experience in criminal cases such as murder and drug trafficking as well as corporate and conveyancing matters. He obtained his LLB (Hons) from the University of Malaya. Just like Dato’ Haji Sukri, he too was with the Judicial and Legal Services before entering into private practice. Before being called to the Bar in 1985, he served as Senior Assistant Registrar in Kuala Terengganu (1980-1983), as a Magistrate in Kelantan (1982-1983), and as a Federal Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chamber. He is currently a panel lawyer to the Disciplinary Board of the Malaysian Bar.
In 1994, he was conferred the title Setia Mahkota Kelantan (SMK) by the Sultan of Kelantan. He enjoys a close relationship with the Kelantan State government, government-linked organisations and other regulatory bodies. En. Mohd Nordin became a member of the Kota Bharu Municipal Council in 2003 and provides counsel on various legal issues.
S.K. LING TAN & ADVOCATES
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | C355 to C359, 2nd Floor, Block C, Icom Square, Jalan Pending, 93450 Kuching, Sarawak. |
| Telephone: | 082-356969 |
| Facsimile: | 082-356677 |
| E-mail: | general@sklingtan.com (General) conveyancing@sklingtan.com (Conveyancing) litigation@sklingtan.com (Litigation) |
| Website: | http://www.sklingtan.com |
| Operating Hours: | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (Saturday) |
Besides the National Land Code (Section 211), there are also legal provisions in the Land Code of Sarawak (Section 215) and Land Ordinance of Sabah (Section 97) which provide for a situation where a document may be attested by a Notary Public. Therefore, if you live in East Malaysia and particularly in the State of Sarawak, this firm may be worth checking out. They have branches in Kota Samarahan, Saratok, Sarikei, Sibu, Bintulu and Miri. However, their Notary Public services are only available at their Headquarters in Kuching.
The firm was originally opened in Sibu back in 1992 before expanding to the other major cities in Sarawak. S.K. Ling Tan & Advocates provide a full complement of legal solutions including but not limited to advisory and consultancy services. After being in existence for almost 30 years, their lawyers are well-positioned to handle various conveyancing, corporate and litigation matters especially those concerning commercial transactions, business disputes and resolutions, business advice, debt recovery cases, hire purchase agreements, sale and purchase agreements, drafting of various legal documents, foreclosure proceedings, as well as various loan and security documentation.
JAYASURIYA KAH & CO.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Address: | Suite 208, 2nd Floor, Wisma Sabah, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. |
| Telephone: | 088-242311 |
| Facsimile: | 088-231250/088-248312 |
| E-mail: | legal@jaykah.com.my |
| Website: | http://www.jaykah.com.my |
| Operating Hours: | 8:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday) 8:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (2nd, 4th & 5th Saturday) |
This is one of the largest and oldest law firms in Sabah which was founded more than half a century ago. It is located in Wisma Sabah, a multi-storey building in the financial and commercial centre of Kota Kinabalu. It has a total of 9 Partners, 10 Legal Assistants and over 35 supporting staff. Lawyers from the firm appear in cases before the Magistrates Court, Sessions Court, High Court, Court of Appeal and Federal Court. They also act for clients in Alternative Dispute Resolutions such as arbitration and adjudication and have worked with senior counsel from Peninsular Malaysia and Queen’s Counsel from the UK.
The firm has a wide range of clients including individuals, government authorities, banking and financial institutions, mining and petroleum companies etc. Its practices cover commerce, banking/finance, insurance and litigation sectors. Furthermore, the firm deals with all manner of corporate and commercial law including Islamic and non-Islamic banking documentation, conveyancing, privatisation, project development, joint ventures, company acquisition and restructuring.
The founder, Tan Sri Panglima Thomas Jayasuriya, was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of Middle Temple, London in 1955. Subsequently, he was called to the Sabah Bar in 1967 and founded the firm that same year as Thomas Jayasuriya & Co. He was formerly the State Attorney-General, State Cabinet Minister and Malaysian High Commissioner to Canada (1985-1991). In addition to that, he was the former Chairman of Sabah Bank Berhad (1979-1985) and also former Chairman and Director of various government agencies and companies. Tan Sri Jayasuriya is a Notary Public.
In 1969, Mr John Kah joined the firm as a Partner and the name of the firm was subsequently changed to its present name. Mr Kah was called to the English Bar by the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn, London in 1978. In 1979, he was called to the Sabah Bar and has remained in private practice ever since. He was the President of the Sabah Law Association (1991-1993) and also the Sabah Law Association’s Chairman for Continuing Legal Education. Furthermore, he is also Chairman of H.E.L.P. Foundation, a charitable organisation. Mr Kah is a Justice of Peace.
Conclusion
Through this article, we trust that our endeavour to educate the reader on the role and scope of a Notary Public. It is also our hope that with this selection of firms, the reader will be able to make an informed decision on which firm to approach for best Notary Public in Malaysia. Readers are also encouraged to do their own further research on this topic should they have any other questions.