Short answer. Consequences depend on the agency and filing: SSM can take action under the Companies Act 2016, LHDN can impose penalties, and KWSP and PERKESO can charge for late contributions. The common steps are to file or pay as soon as possible, ask the agency about penalties or compounding, and fix the process that caused the delay.
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In this article
Which filings can be missed
- SSM: annual return, financial statements, notices of changes.
- LHDN: Form C, CP204, PCB remittance, employer annual return.
- KWSP and PERKESO: monthly contributions.
- Customs: SST returns and payments, if registered.
- E-invoice obligations once they apply.
Consequences by agency
| Agency | Typical consequence | Where to check |
|---|---|---|
| SSM | Offences under the Companies Act 2016; compounding; possible strike-off for prolonged default | SSM and the Act |
| LHDN | Penalties on late filing or payment; additional assessment | LHDN |
| KWSP | Late payment charges or other consequences | KWSP |
| PERKESO | Late payment charges and enforcement | PERKESO |
| Customs | Penalties for late returns or payments | Customs |
How to rectify
Need this done for you? Axecta’s compliance health check team can handle this for your company. See the compliance health check service.
- List everything outstanding, by agency.
- Prioritise the items with the largest ongoing exposure.
- Prepare the filings and payments.
- File or pay and keep proof.
- Respond to any notices.
Whether to approach the authority first
If the delay is long or the amount is significant, many companies contact the agency, explain and ask about options. This can be appropriate, but get advice on what to say. A professional can contact the agency on your behalf.
Preventing recurrence
- A single calendar. See the 2027 compliance calendar.
- Named owners and backups.
- Monthly book closing, so figures are ready.
- Reminders well before each date.
When to bring in help
If several filings are late, records are missing or you have received notices, ask for professional help. Axecta’s teams cover SSM, tax and payroll filings, so one review can find everything outstanding. See also what happens if the annual return is late.
Consequences that are stated officially
| Agency | What its page states |
|---|---|
| SSM | Failure to lodge the annual return and/or financial statements is an offence under sections 68 and 259 of the Companies Act 2016 (SSM announcement) |
| LHDN, CP204 | If Form CP204 is not filed, a Notice of Instalment Payment (CP205) is issued and prosecution may follow; on conviction a fine of RM200 to RM20,000, or up to 6 months’ imprisonment, or both (section 120(1)(f)) (LHDN CP204) |
| LHDN, Form C | Return due within 7 months after the close of the accounting period (LHDN) |
| Customs | Registration thresholds and rules on MySST; check penalties in the guides |
| KWSP, PERKESO | See the KWSP and PERKESO pages |
Compound amounts for SSM offences and late-payment surcharges are not stated on the pages we reviewed, so ask the agency or a professional for the current position.
Catch-up priority list
- Anything involving statutory contributions or tax payments.
- SSM returns, oldest first.
- Form C and CP204.
- SST returns.
- Process fixes.
Frequently asked questions
What are the consequences of late filing?
Penalties, enforcement action or charges depending on the agency and filing.
Can penalties be waived?
Sometimes, on application and at the agency’s discretion. Do not assume.
Which deadline is most serious?
All matter; ones involving statutory contributions or repeated defaults often attract more attention.
How do I catch up?
List, prioritise, file and pay, and fix the process. Axecta can lead the clean-up.
What is the CP204 penalty?
LHDN’s page states a fine of RM200 to RM20,000, or imprisonment up to 6 months, or both on conviction, if CP204 is not filed.
Is late SSM filing an offence?
SSM states it is, under sections 68 and 259.
What should I do first?
List all outstanding items by agency and start with payments.
Already behind on a filing?
Axecta Management Services is a full-suite accounting, company secretarial and consulting firm in Kuala Lumpur, serving companies from SMEs to MNCs.
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Keep reading
- What Happens If a Company Fails to Submit Its Annual Return?
- Form C Filing Deadline and Common Mistakes
- Common Sdn Bhd Compliance Mistakes in Malaysia
- Director Personal Liability in Malaysia: When a Director Can Be Held Personally Liable
- SST Late Filing and Payment Penalties in Malaysia: Rates, Offences and How to Fix a Miss
- Accounting Mistakes That Create Tax Problems
- Compliance Mistakes: the full guide
Official sources to check
This article is general information and not legal, tax or accounting advice for your company. Rates, thresholds, deadlines and procedures change, so confirm current requirements with the sources above or with Axecta.