Quick Certified Translation Guide for Malaysia <> Singapore (2025)
1. Procedure
1.1 All documents not in English must be translated into English. [1]
1.2 ICA accepts translations:
(i) provided by the embassy of the issuing country;
(ii) produced by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country; and
(iii) attested by the embassy of the issuing country or notarised by a notary public in Singapore or the issuing country/place that issued the document. [2]
1.3 MYLegalTrans’ team consists of Notaries Public based in Singapore, Malaysia, and Australia who can notarise translations in accordance with the common law. [3]
2. FAQs
2.1 What does Certified Translation mean? How is it different from non-certified translation?
Be cautious of the advertisements you see online! ICA clearly states that it does not endorse any private translation companies or entities. [4]
In Singapore, certified translations are stamped and/or signed by a Notary Public or a consular officer in Singapore or the issuing country. [5]
Practically, this means the following stamps are not accepted, despite popular belief:
(i) ITBM, established based on the approval of a cabinet meeting in 1992 following a memorandum from the Minister of Education (MoE). [6]
(ii) DBP, established based on the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Act 1959. Its administration is managed by the MoE. [7]
(iii) MTA, a voluntary professional body established under the auspices of DBP, and is the sole Malaysian member of the International Federation of Translators (FIT) [8], an international organisation which has consultative status with UNESCO. [9]
(iv) High Court Interpreters, governed by the Practising Certificates Unit and supervised by the High Court of Malaya. [10]
A translation is considered certified only when it is registered with a qualifying Notary Public or consular officer, e.g. the translation of a document issued in Australia cannot be notarised by a Malaysian Notary Public.
2.2 Why does Certified Translation take so long even for documents with just a few words?
For the SG authorities, before certification, the translation goes through the following processes:
(i) Text extraction
The translation process begins with text extraction and formatting by a DTP specialist, with inquiries about untranslatable or unclear text.
(ii) Translation
Translations are handled by a certified translator.
(iii) First Review
The first review is conducted by a certified translator.
(iv) DTP & Formatting
DTP and formatting ensures the translated document mirrors the original.
(v) Final Review & Certificate of Translation
A final review is done by a certified translator, with the relevant stamp applied. The translation is then notarised.
2.3 Can I submit a softcopy or photocopy of the Certified Translation to the SG authorities?
Yes. Most SG authorities accept Certified + Notarised Translation in softcopy.
Resources:
[1] https://ask.gov.sg/ica/questions/clqety23o002t3k36sgka69f8?from=topics
[2] https://ask.gov.sg/ica/questions/clqety23o002t3k36sgka69f8?from=topics
[3] Vol. 31, Halsbury’s Statutes of England and Wales (4th Edition), Butterworth & Co. (1987).
[4] https://ask.gov.sg/ica/questions/clqety23o002t3k36sgka69f8?from=topics
[5] https://ask.gov.sg/ica/questions/clqety23o002t3k36sgka69f8?from=topics
[6] https://www.oictoday.biz/interview-details.php?id=517/an-interview-with-sakri-bin-abdullah-sakri-bin-abdullah
[7] https://lamanweb.dbp.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Akta-213-Akta-Dewan-Bahasa-dan-Pustaka-Disemak-1973.pdf
[8] https://en.fit-ift.org/members-directory/?country=MY
[9] https://atom.archives.unesco.org/international-federation-of-translators
[10] https://kl.kehakiman.gov.my/en/practicing-certificates-unit