Electronic signatures in Malaysia
Ordinary electronic signatures are valid, but a defined higher tier carries stronger legal presumptions and is required for some uses.
Are electronic signatures legal in Malaysia?
Yes. Both a general electronic signature and a licensed digital signature are recognised under separate statutes.
Recognised signature types
| Type | Standing and typical use |
|---|---|
| Electronic signature | Valid under the Electronic Commerce Act for most agreements |
| Digital signature | Certificate-based, issued by a licensed certification authority |
Commonly signed electronically
- Employment agreements
- Commercial and supplier contracts
- Service agreements
Generally excluded
- Wills and testamentary instruments
- Powers of attorney
- Negotiable instruments
- Trusts created by will
- Real property transfers
Exclusions differ in detail. Docsliy blocks these at the drafting step rather than producing a document that fails later.
Local formalities
Stamp duty applies to specified instruments and is administered electronically.
Identity verification
Licensed certification authorities issue certificates; MyKad-based verification is common commercially.
What Docsliy supports in Malaysia
- Both tiers
- Malaysian clause libraries
- Stamp duty flagged
This is general information, not legal advice.
It describes how electronic signature law generally operates in Malaysia and is not advice on any specific agreement. Agreements carrying significant risk should be reviewed by qualified local counsel.