Document guide
Statutory declaration in Malaysia: what it is and how to prepare
A statutory declaration (akuan berkanun) records facts that a person formally declares to be true. Confirm whether the recipient wants a declaration, a certified copy or another document before arranging any work.
What a statutory declaration is
A Commissioner for Oaths (Pesuruhjaya Sumpah) can administer a statutory declaration. Ask the recipient who must receive or witness the declaration for its intended use; do not assume that every legal document or every overseas recipient follows the same route.
Sources: Malaysian judiciary: Commissioner for Oaths frequently asked questions
Declaration, copy certification, notarisation and attestation compared
These are different functions. Check the exact document and endorsement requested by the receiving authority.
| They asked for | What that means | Who performs it |
|---|---|---|
| A statutory declaration | A formal declaration of facts | Confirm the authorised person for its intended use; a Commissioner for Oaths can administer declarations. |
| A certified true copy | Confirmation that a copy matches an original. For government-document photocopies submitted to Wisma Putra, KLN guidance requires prior Notary Public endorsement. | Depends on the recipient |
| A notarised document | A notarial endorsement performed in a Notary Public capacity | Notary Public |
| Attestation or legalisation | Authentication by Wisma Putra Consular Division, after the document-specific prerequisite | Wisma Putra Consular Division |
A declaration that a copy is true is different from certification of that copy. The judiciary FAQ says a Commissioner for Oaths must not stamp the copy as a certified true copy. Confirm which function the recipient requires.
Sources: Malaysian judiciary: Commissioner for Oaths FAQ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia: document attestation requirements
When statutory declarations come up in document work
Statutory declarations appear in different contexts. The preparation depends on the purpose and the receiving authority.
| Context | What to check |
|---|---|
| A government application requires a supporting declaration | Ask for its prescribed form, wording requirements and accepted language before arranging the declaration. |
| A receiving authority asks for a declared statement about a document | Ask whether the request is for a declaration of facts, copy certification or a notarial endorsement. |
| The declaration will be used overseas | Ask which overseas authority receives it and what endorsement chain it accepts. The Wisma Putra route has document-specific prerequisites. |
Sources: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia: attestation prerequisites
If the declaration is for overseas use
KLN's document-attestation guidance lists statutory declarations for Notary Public endorsement before submission to Wisma Putra. That prerequisite describes the KLN route; it does not make the same chain compulsory for every domestic declaration.
For overseas use, obtain the recipient's instructions before signing or paying for endorsements.
- Confirm who must receive or witness the declaration and whether a form is prescribed.
- For submission through Wisma Putra, confirm the required Notary Public endorsement.
- Confirm whether Wisma Putra and any destination-mission endorsement are required for this particular document.
The judiciary FAQ notes that a declaration made before a Malaysian Commissioner is generally for local use; foreign acceptance depends on the receiving country.
Sources: Malaysian judiciary: Commissioner for Oaths FAQ · Ministry of Foreign Affairs Malaysia: attestation prerequisites
Related guides: Document legalisation: the full chain · Wisma Putra attestation
Recipient-instruction checklist
Print this page or copy the questions below. Confirm the answers before paying for any step.
| Ask | Question | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| Recipient | What document or statement do you require from me? | ____________________ |
| Recipient | Do you require a statutory declaration, a certified true copy or a notarised document? | ____________________ |
| Recipient | Is there a prescribed form, content requirement or language? | ____________________ |
| Recipient | Will you submit this document to another authority, and do they have additional requirements? | ____________________ |
| Purpose | Will the declaration be used in Malaysia or overseas? | ____________________ |
| Purpose | If overseas: does the receiving country require Wisma Putra attestation or embassy endorsement? | ____________________ |
| Preparation | What identification and supporting documents should I bring? | ____________________ |
| Preparation | Does the Commissioner or Notary need the declaration content in advance? | ____________________ |
What to confirm with ThinkPlus
ThinkPlus coordinates document and notarial work within its existing service scope. Tell us the document type, intended use, issuing country, destination and receiving authority. Confirm which steps it can coordinate for this case before sharing a scan or sending an original.
ThinkPlus does not act as the Commissioner for Oaths or Notary Public. This preparation guide does not provide legal drafting or decide whether a declaration is valid for your application.
Ask ThinkPlus about the document route
Service pages: Document attestation services · Certified true copies and personal documents
Questions
Is a statutory declaration the same as a notarised document?
They describe different functions. Ask which declaration and endorsement the recipient requires. A Notary Public endorsement may be a prerequisite if the document is submitted through Wisma Putra.
Do I need a statutory declaration or a certified true copy?
They serve different purposes. A statutory declaration records that the declarant states certain facts are true. A certified true copy confirms that a copy matches an original. Check the exact wording the receiving authority used and ask them to clarify if it is not clear.
Can ThinkPlus coordinate a statutory declaration for overseas use?
ThinkPlus coordinates document and notarial submissions in its existing service scope. Tell us the document, purpose, destination and receiving authority. We confirm which steps apply and what we can coordinate.
Does every statutory declaration need Wisma Putra attestation?
Do not assume it does. Check the intended use and recipient instructions. KLN describes prerequisites for its overseas attestation route; that is separate from a declaration for a domestic application.
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