Key amendments
Some of the key amendments to the Act are summarised below:
1. Registration requirement for foreign franchisors
In addition to the requirement to obtain approval under Section 54 of the Act for the sale of a franchise in Malaysia, foreign franchisors are now required to register with the Registrar of Franchise ("Registrar") under Section 6 before the foreign franchisor can make an offer to sell a franchise in Malaysia.
Under the transitional provisions, foreign franchisors who have obtained approval under Section 54 of the Act prior to the Amendment Act's coming into force will be deemed to have registered under Section 6.
2. Registration by franchisees
Under the Amendment Act, it is now an offence if a franchisee of a foreign franchisor or a franchisee of a local franchisor fails to obtain registration under Sections 6A or 6B, respectively.
3. Term of franchise registration
Previously, the registration of a franchise will continue to be effective unless suspended, terminated or cancelled by the Registrar. Under the new Regulations, the registration of a franchise is for a period of five years. The Amendment Act further provides that a franchisor may apply for renewal of the registration of a franchise within 30 days from the expiration of the said registration.
4. Display of registration of franchise
Franchisors and franchisees are now required to display the registration of the franchise in a conspicuous position at their place of business. Failure to comply with this requirement is an offence under the Act.
5. Requirements of franchise agreement
Section 18 of the Act requires a franchise agreement to be in writing and prescribes the minimum terms that must be incorporated therein. While failure to comply with these requirements will no longer render the agreement null and void under the Amendment Act, such failure is now an offence.
6. Regulations
New regulations were introduced to govern appeals against decisions by the Registrar, whilst existing regulations were amended to provide for compoundable offences, to prescribe the qualifications required of a franchise broker and franchise consultant, and to amend the schedule of forms and fees to be submitted with the Registrar.
Looking ahead
The Amendment Act seeks to introduce more stringent requirements and penalties governing franchises in Malaysia. Franchisors and franchisees should assess their level of compliance with the amended Act and undertake necessary remedial measures in anticipation of increased enforcement by the Registrar.
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