Certain property acquisitions in Malaysia require approval from the Economic Planning Unit before they can complete. The requirement turns on who is acquiring, what is being acquired, and whether the transaction dilutes Bumiputera or government interests.
Parties often agree commercial terms first and treat approval as a formality to be handled by whoever prepares the documents. It is not a formality. Applications take time, conditions are frequently imposed, and some transactions cannot be approved in the form proposed at all.
By the time this surfaces, a deposit has usually been paid against a completion date that assumed none of it.
Sale and Purchase with Economic Planning Unit Approval
Documentation and advisory for property transactions requiring Economic Planning Unit approval — establishing whether approval is needed for your transaction, structuring the sale and purchase agreement around the approval condition, preparing and submitting the application, and dealing with conditions imposed.
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Picture a transaction where the approval requirement was identified before terms were agreed, the agreement is properly conditional, the timeline is realistic, and both parties know what happens if approval is refused or comes with conditions.
Who this service is for
This Is For You If…
Buyers whose acquisition may dilute Bumiputera or government interests
Companies acquiring property where the shareholding triggers the requirement
Sellers dealing with a buyer who needs approval
Parties whose transaction has been told it requires EPU approval
Developers and corporate buyers structuring an acquisition
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What we will do for you
This is what we will do for you
Establish whether the transaction requires approval and on what basis
Advise on the likely conditions and a realistic timeline
Structure the sale and purchase agreement around the approval condition
Prepare and submit the application with supporting material
Deal with conditions imposed and complete the transaction
What’s Included
What’s Included in our service for you
Assessment of whether approval is required and on what basis
Advice on likely conditions and realistic timeline
Sale and purchase agreement structured around the approval condition
Application prepared and submitted with supporting material
Conditions handled through to completion
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Why Choose Legal That Works?
Why Choose Us To Assist You?
Digital-first
No office visit required—review and sign online
Transparent fees
Fixed price, no billing surprises
Deep experience
Various contracts across industries
Accessible
Our client portal keeps you informed
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We've Helped
You Need To Act Now
Important: Limited Slots
Approval requirements should be identified before terms are agreed. Once a deposit is committed, the buyer carries the risk of an outcome nobody controls.
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Nothing to Lose. Everything to Protect.
No Surprises. No Guesswork. Just Legal That Works.
Before anything starts, we speak with you to understand your business and make sure the service is the right fit. If it is not, we will say so upfront. No pressure. No wasted time. We only take on matters we are confident we can deliver with quality. That is why business owners trust us to get it right.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Legal That Works?
Legal That Works is a business and organisation oriented legal service designed by Messrs Akmal Saufi & Co (the firm that has brought the widely known legal consumer services brand ASCOLAW). We specifically help business owners and organisation leadership to navigate Malaysia’s legal terrain to achieve their commercial goal.
What if I’m not sure what legal service I need?
No problem. Most business owners aren’t legal experts! Just reach out. Our team will guide you to the right service or help you understand your options—without jargon or upselling.
How do we know if our transaction needs approval?
It depends on the parties, the property and whether the transaction affects Bumiputera or government interests. The position should be confirmed for your specific transaction before terms are committed, not assumed from a previous deal.
How long does approval take?
It varies with the transaction and the completeness of the submission. We will give you a realistic indication for yours rather than a general figure.
What if approval is refused?
The agreement should provide for it, including what happens to the deposit. This is essential drafting, and it is the provision most often left out.
Can we complete before approval comes through?
Generally not, and attempting to can jeopardise the approval itself. We will advise on what can be done at each stage.
Is this the same as state consent?
No. They are separate requirements and a transaction may need both. We will confirm which apply to yours.
Who will be helping me?
All our services are delivered by our licensed lawyers under the Malaysian Bar with proven experience across industries. You’ll work with a real legal team, not chatbots or generic customer support.
