Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) & Regulations [As At 5th January 2022]

Societies Act 1966 (Act 832)

[As At 5th January 2022] 

An Act relating to registration of societies.

Detailed Contents of Societies Act 1966 (Act 832):

The Societies Act of 1966 (Act 832) is a piece of legislation in Malaysia that governs the establishment and operation of societies, including political parties, social organisations, religious organisations, and sports teams. In Malaysia, the Act offers a framework for the creation, administration, and dissolution of societies.

Below is a comprehensive summary of Malaysia's Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) and Regulations [As Of 5th January 2022]:

Registration of Societies

Prior to being able to legally conduct business in Malaysia, all societies are required by the Societies Act of 1966 to register with the Registrar of Societies (ROS). Societies must submit a completed application form together with the necessary paperwork in order to register:

• the society's founding documents
• list of participants
• Information about the society's officers
• the meeting's minutes where the society was established
• any further supporting records that the Registrar may require

The application will be examined by the Registrar of Societies, who will then issue a certificate of registration if satisfied. At the society's registered office, the certificate of registration must be prominently displayed.

Management of Societies

The guidelines for managing societies are also outlined in the Societies Act of 1966. They consist of:

• Regulations for organising meetings and choosing officers
• the steps involved in amending the society's constitution
• requirements for maintaining accounts and records
• Guidelines for using society funding

These guidelines must be followed by societies; failure to do so may result in fines or possibly deregistration.

Dissolution of Societies

Societies may be dissolved freely or involuntarily under the Societies Act of 1966. Involuntary dissolution can happen if the society violates the Act or engages in activities that are regarded to be detrimental to the public interest. Voluntary dissolution needs a two-thirds majority decision of the members.

In the event of dissolution, the assets of the society shall be allocated in line with the terms of the constitution, or, in the absence of such provisions, in a way defined by the ROS.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties for non-compliance under the Societies Act of 1966 include fines and incarceration. Operating an unregistered society, for instance, carries a punishment of up to RM5,000 and a maximum sentence of three years in jail, while failing to maintain accurate books or accounts carries a fine of up to RM2,000.

Regulations

Further instructions for applying the Societies Act of 1966 are provided in the Societies Regulations of 1984. These rules apply to things like:

• the steps to take to register and renew your registration
• Regulations for organising meetings and choosing officers
• requirements for maintaining accounts and records
• Methods for dissolving societies

Conclusion

The establishment, administration, and dissolution of societies in Malaysia are governed by the Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) and Regulations [As Of 5th January 2022]. The Act strives to safeguard the public interest and guarantee that societies operate in a transparent and accountable manner by regulating the activities of societies. Societies that violate the Act or its rules may be fined or have their registration revoked.

Societies Act 1966 (Act 832) Contains:

-Societies Act 1966 (Act 832)
-Societies Regulations 1984
-Societies (Application for Vesting Order) Regulations 1993

For more books like Societies Act 1966 (Act 832): Statutes