An Akta (Act) is a written law passed by the Malaysian Parliament and assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Every Akta is given an official number — for example the Companies Act 2016 is Act 777 — and its enforceable text is published in the Laws of Malaysia series maintained by the Attorney General's Chambers.
- A law passed by Parliament, not by a state government
- Every Akta has an official number, e.g. Act 777 for the Companies Act 2016
- The official text is published in the Laws of Malaysia series (lom.agc.gov.my)
- Different from an Enactment (state law) and Regulations (subsidiary legislation)
Who this applies to: Anyone reading or citing Malaysian law — lawyers, students, business owners and researchers.
On this page
Bahasa Malaysia: Akta · English: Act (of Parliament) · 中文: 法令
Akta is a written law that has been passed by Parliament and assented to by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Before it is passed, it is known as a Bill (Rang Undang-Undang).
In practice
Every Akta carries two markers that often confuse new readers:
- The year in its title — the year it began to be drafted, e.g. Companies Act 2016.
- The Act number — its official serial number, e.g. Act 777.
Both refer to the same law. The correct full citation is Companies Act 2016 (Act 777).
Three types of written law that are often confused:
| Term | Enacted by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Akta | Federal Parliament | Companies Act 2016 (Act 777) |
| Enactment | State Legislative Assembly | Each state’s own Enactment |
| Regulations / Rules | A Minister, under powers granted by an Act | Regulations made under the parent Act |
Regulations are subsidiary legislation — they cannot exceed the powers granted by their parent Act.
The enforceable text of every Akta is published in the Laws of Malaysia series maintained by the Attorney General’s Chambers (Jabatan Peguam Negara). The reprinted version (reprint) consolidates all amendments up to a given date — always check the reprint date before relying on a particular provision.
Related terms
Sources
- Laws of Malaysia — Portal Rasmi Jabatan Peguam Negara — Jabatan Peguam Negara
- Jabatan Peguam Negara Malaysia — Jabatan Peguam Negara
Change history
| Version | Date | Change | By |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01.00 | 24 Jul 2026 | Approved and published. | — |