The MSC Malaysia Bill of Guarantees (BoGs) is a set of legally backed incentives, rights and privileges granted by the Government of Malaysia to companies awarded MSC Malaysia Status. The BoGs represent the government's commitment to creating an environment that is genuinely conducive to technology development, innovation and investment.
The Bill of Guarantees was one of the most distinctive elements of the original MSC Malaysia proposition when it was launched in the late 1990s — a government making explicit, written commitments to investors was unusual globally, and helped establish Malaysia's credibility as a serious technology hub destination.
What MSC Status Companies Are Entitled To
World-Class Infrastructure
Provision of a world-class physical and information infrastructure — including high-speed connectivity, reliable power, modern office environments in Cybercities and Cybercentres, and globally competitive telecommunications tariffs.
Unrestricted Employment of Knowledge Workers
Freedom to employ local and foreign knowledge workers without restriction. MSC Status companies may hire the global talent they need — including expatriate specialists — without being subject to standard foreign worker quotas.
Freedom of Ownership
Exemption from local ownership requirements. Foreign companies awarded MSC Status may own 100% of their Malaysian operations, removing a significant barrier to investment that applies in other sectors.
Freedom to Source Capital Globally
The right to source capital globally for MSC infrastructure and to borrow funds from international sources. Non-residents may freely repatriate capital, profits and dividends from their investments in MSC Status companies.
Competitive Financial Incentives
Pioneer Status — 100% income tax exemption for up to 10 years — or an Investment Tax Allowance (ITA) for up to 5 years, plus duty-free importation of multimedia equipment. These are among the most competitive technology investment incentives in the region.
Intellectual Property Protection & Cyberlaws
A pioneering and comprehensive framework of cyberlaws protecting intellectual property. MSC Malaysia's cyberlaw suite — including the Digital Signature Act, Computer Crimes Act, Communications and Multimedia Act and others — gives companies legal certainty for digital operations.
No Internet Censorship
A guarantee that the Internet will not be censored within MSC Malaysia. This commitment — unusual globally when first made in the late 1990s — affirms Malaysia's commitment to an open information environment for MSC companies.
Global Telecommunications Tariffs
Globally competitive telecommunications tariffs and service guarantees for MSC Malaysia Cybercity locations. This guarantee specifically applies to companies located within designated MSC Cybercities.
Key Infrastructure Contracts
Priority consideration in tenders for key MSC Malaysia infrastructure contracts for leading companies willing to use MSC Malaysia as their regional hub — creating additional business opportunities for established MSC partners.
One-Stop Implementation Agency
A high-powered implementation agency (MDEC — Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation) acting as an effective one-stop centre for MSC Malaysia Status applications, regulatory navigation, and ongoing support for MSC companies.
Who Qualifies & Which BoGs Apply
Not all ten guarantees apply to all MSC Status entities. The specific BoGs available depend on where the company is located and the nature of its activities.
| Company Type | Location Requirement | BoGs Available |
|---|---|---|
| Full MSC Status Company | Located in an MSC Cybercity (e.g. Cyberjaya, KL City Centre, Penang Cybercity) | ✓ All 10 BoGs |
| Cybercentre-Based MSC Company | Located in a designated MSC Cybercentre building | ◑ Selected BoGs (BoG 8 for Cybercity locations only) |
| Institutions of Higher Learning | Not required to locate in Cybercity or Cybercentre | ◑ Tax incentives only |
| Incubators & R&D Entities | Not required to locate in Cybercity or Cybercentre | ◑ Selected BoGs apply |