Both .com.my and .my tell the world your business is Malaysian. But they are not interchangeable. They differ on who can register them, what documents you need, what they cost, and the impression they give. This guide settles the .com.my vs .my question for your business.
Both are managed by MYNIC, Malaysia’s domain registry. For registration partners, see Best Domain Registrars.
Quick answer
|
Factor |
.com.my |
.my |
|
Who can register |
Registered Malaysian businesses and organisations |
Individuals and businesses, more open |
|
Documents needed |
SSM business documents (Borang 9 or Borang D) |
IC for individuals; flexible |
|
Typical price per year |
Around RM 59.90 to RM 75 |
Around RM 89 to RM 119 |
|
Connotation |
Established Malaysian business |
Modern, short, flexible |
|
Activation |
Around 24 to 48 hours after document check |
Faster for individuals |
In short: choose .com.my if you are a registered business that wants maximum local credibility, and .my if you want a short, modern name or you are registering as an individual.
What each extension is
- .my is Malaysia’s top-level country domain. It is the most flexible option and gives you a short, memorable address.
- .com.my is the commercial second-level domain under .my, signalling a registered Malaysian commercial entity. The wider family also includes .net.my, .org.my, .edu.my, .gov.my, and .name.my.
Who can register, and what you need
This is usually the deciding factor.
|
Extension |
Eligible registrant |
Documents required |
|
.my |
Individuals and businesses |
IC for individuals; business docs for companies |
|
.com.my / .net.my |
Malaysian businesses registered with SSM |
Borang 9 (Sdn Bhd) or Borang D (enterprise or sole proprietor) |
|
.org.my |
Organisations and societies |
Society registration or a supporting endorsement letter |
|
.name.my |
Individuals, 18+, Malaysian |
NRIC |
|
.edu.my |
Malaysian educational institutions |
Letter from the institution or MOE |
|
.gov.my |
Malaysian government bodies |
Official department letter |
Key point: an individual without a registered business cannot get a .com.my, but can register a .my. If you are a foreign entity, eligibility and local-presence requirements apply, so confirm current rules with MYNIC or your registrar before buying.
Once documents are submitted, MYNIC typically verifies and activates business domains within about 24 to 48 hours.
Pricing in Ringgit
Prices vary by registrar and promotion, so treat these as a current range:
- .com.my, .net.my, .org.my: roughly RM 59.90 to RM 75 per year
- .my: roughly RM 89 to RM 119 per year
The SSM-linked Go.MY initiative has at times offered .com.my at promotional rates around RM 60 per year. Always confirm the live price with an accredited registrar. You will also need hosting to go with it, covered in What Is Web Hosting and our domain and hosting service.
SEO and local ranking impact
Both .com.my and .my act as a geographic signal that supports local relevance in Google Malaysia. That helps, but keep it in perspective:
- A country domain is one signal among hundreds. Content quality, backlinks, server location, and page speed carry far more weight.
- A well-optimised .com can still outrank a poorly-optimised .com.my. The extension does not do the work for you.
- For businesses targeting only Malaysia, a .my or .com.my reinforces local intent and pairs well with local SEO.
To capitalise on the local signal, combine your domain with Local SEO Services and the fundamentals in What Is Local SEO.
Trust and credibility
In Malaysia, a .com.my domain reads as an established, registered local business, which matters when dealing with government bodies, GLCs, and corporate buyers. A .my reads as modern and works equally well for startups, personal brands, and individuals who cannot meet .com.my business requirements.
Pros and cons
.com.my – Strong local business credibility and trust – Often cheaper than .my at many registrars – Good name availability – Requires SSM registration and document verification – Not available to individuals without a business
.my – Short, modern, and memorable – Open to individuals as well as businesses – Fewer document hurdles for individuals – Usually more expensive – Slightly less of an established-business signal than .com.my
The register-both strategy
Many businesses register both their .com.my and their .my, then redirect one to the other. This protects your brand from competitors or squatters taking the matching name, and lets you lead with whichever extension suits your audience. It is a small annual cost for meaningful brand protection.
How to choose
- Choose .com.my if you are an SSM-registered business that wants the strongest local credibility, especially when selling to government, GLCs, or corporates.
- Choose .my if you want a short modern name, you are an individual or early-stage brand, or .com.my is unavailable.
- Register both if brand protection matters and the budget allows.
When you are ready to launch, follow our Website Launch Checklist for Malaysia, and if you need a partner, see How to Choose a Good Web Design Agency in Malaysia.
FAQ
Can an individual register a .com.my domain?
No. A .com.my requires a Malaysian business registered with SSM. Individuals should register a .my instead.
Do I need SSM registration for a .my domain?
No. Individuals can register a .my with their IC. Businesses can register one too.
Which ranks better in Google Malaysia, .my or .com.my?
Neither has a built-in advantage over the other. Both signal Malaysia. Content, backlinks, speed, and overall SEO decide rankings.
How long does .com.my registration take?
Usually around 24 to 48 hours after MYNIC verifies your supporting documents.
What documents do I need for a .com.my?
Typically Borang 9 for an Sdn Bhd or Borang D for an enterprise or sole proprietorship, depending on your business type.
Is .com.my or .my cheaper?
At most registrars .com.my is cheaper, often around RM 60 to RM 75 per year versus roughly RM 89 to RM 119 for .my. Prices change with promotions.
Should I register both?
For brand protection, yes, if the budget allows. Register both and redirect one to your primary domain.
Can a foreigner register a .my or .com.my?
Rules and local-presence requirements apply, and policies change. Confirm current eligibility with MYNIC or an accredited registrar before registering.
Get the right domain and build on it
Your domain is a long-term brand decision. For most registered Malaysian businesses, .com.my gives the strongest local credibility; for individuals and modern brands, .my offers flexibility and a shorter name. When in doubt, secure both.
MediaPlus Digital handles domains and hosting in Malaysia alongside web design and development, so your domain, site, and SEO are set up correctly from day one. Contact us to get started.
