Rectification filings have become one of the most frequently discussed topics among company secretaries and accountants in Malaysia. With the enhanced MBRS Portal 2.0, the submission architecture now mandates stricter validation, expanded rectification options, and higher accountability for data consistency under Section 602 of the Companies Act 2016.​ 

As of August 2025, SSM’s MBRS FAQ (v2.8, May 2025) and training circulars confirm that rectification applications are no longer limited to simple re-submissions – they now require precise categorization, supporting documents, and justification trails through the new filing interface. 

For company secretaries, understanding how to prepare, classify, and minimize rectification filings is essential to maintaining compliance and protecting audit integrity. 

A Rectification Application is filed when an already approved Annual Return (AR) or Financial Statement (FS) submission contains an error or omission that needs correction. MBRS 2.0 structures these applications into clearly defined categories:​ 

1. Standard Rectification 

Filed under Section 602, Companies Act 2016, allowing correction of data submitted in prior filings – whether filed through MBRS or previously Over-The-Counter (OTC). This typically covers: 

• Wrong financial year-end (FYE) date. 
• Incorrect numerical or textual data in AR or FS. 
• Mismatch in director/shareholder information. 

2. Filing Information Rectification 

Used to correct metadata or filing labels instead of data within the document, such as: 

• Incorrect filing type (e.g., AR4 instead of AR1). 
• Erroneous form selection or submission categorization. 
• Updates to supplementary filing information. 

3. Rectification with Court Order 

Applied when a court has directed a correction under Section 602(1). This requires attaching a supporting PDF of the court order and a compressed ZIP of related documentation. 

These refinements – confirmed in the August 2025 SSM training modules – mean every rectification file must now include:​ 

• Verified reference number of the original submission. 
• Reason for rectification. 
• Required supporting documents. 
• Optional explanatory note for justification (recommended). 

Based on SSM’s May 2025 MBRS FAQ (v2.8) and recent filings analysis, the most common rectification triggers can be grouped into three practical categories:​ 

1. Data Entry or Mapping Errors

• Using multiple-line inputs or merged cells during XBRL conversion (e.g., in annexures or breakdown tables). 
• Incorrect director IC/passport number entries. 
• Inconsistent naming conventions between AR and FS files. 

Tip: Validate input sheets before generating the instance document to prevent format corruption errors like “Invalid content in Annexure.” 

2. Submission Misclassification

• Selecting the wrong submission type (AR4 instead of AR1). 
• Filing under an incorrect period (e.g., FY2024 labeled as FY2023). 
• Incorrect form categorization (e.g., filing an Exemption Application under a normal FS submission). 

Tip: Always double-check the taxonomy version and filing type before submission. 

3. Technical or Validation Rejections

• Outdated SSM taxonomy version or mismatched schema. 
• Missing digital signature or expired certificate. 
• Validation errors triggered by unsupported symbols or formatting in XBRL cells. 

Tip: Use MBRS 2.0’s pre-validation and schema validation features before committing your submission. 

To reduce rectification frequency and improve first-time filing success, company secretaries should focus on three control points: 

1. Validation Discipline 

Always validate XBRL instance documents before filing. 

2. Taxonomy Awareness 

Ensure financial data aligns with the correct taxonomy – MBRS 2.0 adopts IFRS Taxonomy 2022, integrated with Companies Act 1965 and 2016 frameworks.​ 

3. Digital Signature Compliance 

Expired or missing digital certificates are now key rejection triggers post–June 2025. Maintain updated certificates and renew them early to avoid filing disruption. 

IRIS Instant, an AI powered XBRL tagging tool, is designed to help company secretaries handle MBRS 2.0 filings with precision – including rectification workflows: 

Developed by us, the same team behind SSM’s official mTool and mPortal, IRIS Instant uses the XII-certified XBRL validation engine that powers SSM’s infrastructure, ensuring every filing adheres to the latest MBRS schema and taxonomy specifications. 

• Smart Validation: Detects errors early – from incorrect taxonomy fields to signature mismatches – preventing rejections. 
• Auto Rectification Guidance: Suggests likely rectification types when a filing error is identified, in line with Section 602 categories. 
• Lodgment Tracking: Logs all submissions and rectifications with unique IDs for quick audit verification. 
• Digital Signature Integrated: Syncs directly with authorized digital certificates to validate lodger identity instantly. 

With increasing regulatory scrutiny since June 2025, company secretaries need dependable systems that reduce manual risk. By combining taxonomy intelligence, validation, and compliance alerts, IRIS Instant minimizes rectification frequency and ensures precision. 

Pro Tip: Use the platform’s Rectification Insights Dashboard to review recurring filing errors and receive smart recommendations for data quality improvement. 

Rectification filings in MBRS 2.0 are an integral part of Malaysia’s enhanced compliance framework – not a fallback. The new structure provides transparency, accountability, and a clear digital audit trail but demands greater preparation discipline from filers. 

You can also read our blog Why MBRS Filing Errors Happen – And How to Prevent Them here 

By leveraging systems like IRIS Instant, company secretaries can stay in full control of their filings, prevent common rectification triggers, and maintain flawless SSM taxonomy compliance – every time. 

Avoid rectifications before they even happen. Experience smarter MBRS 2.0 filings with IRIS Instant – precision-built for company secretaries who value accuracy.