Online Will Writing in Malaysia for Non-Muslims
Online will writing lets you create a legally valid will in Malaysia from home, without booking an office appointment. For non-Muslims, a will is the only way to decide who inherits your assets, and to spare your family a long, costly legal process. TYH & Co. helps you write, sign and store a will that meets the Wills Act 1959.
Quick summary
- A will is the only way to control who inherits your assets in Malaysia.
- Without a will, your estate is divided by a fixed formula under the Distribution Act 1958, not by your wishes.
- For non-Muslims, a valid will must follow the Wills Act 1959: in writing, signed, and witnessed by two people present together.
- You do not need a lawyer to make a will valid, but expert review helps you avoid mistakes that void it.
- This service is for non-Muslims. Muslim estates follow Islamic inheritance law (Faraid).
What is online will writing?
Online will writing is the process of creating your will through a guided digital service instead of meeting a lawyer in person. You answer simple questions about your family and your assets, and your answers are turned into a properly worded will. You then print it, sign it in front of two witnesses, and store it safely. The will itself is the same legal document, only the way you prepare it is faster and more convenient.
Who needs a will in Malaysia?
If you are a non-Muslim aged 18 or above and own anything of value, you should have a will. A will matters most if you:
- Own property, savings, EPF, shares, insurance or a vehicle.
- Have a spouse, children, or anyone who depends on you financially.
- Have young children and want to choose their legal guardian.
- Want to provide for an unmarried partner, stepchildren or a charity, who would otherwise receive nothing.
- Own a business and want a smooth handover.
What happens if you die without a will in Malaysia?
If a non-Muslim dies without a will, it is called dying intestate. Your estate is then divided using a fixed formula set out in the Distribution Act 1958. You lose all say over who gets what, and your family takes on extra cost and delay.
Without a will, the court appoints an administrator, your family must apply for Letters of Administration (which can take a year or longer), assets may be frozen, and the court, not you, decides who becomes guardian of your children.
How your estate is divided without a will
The Distribution Act 1958 splits your estate by a set formula. For example, if you leave a spouse, children and living parents, the law gives one-quarter to your spouse, one-half to your children, and one-quarter to your parents, regardless of what you would have wanted.
What makes a will valid in Malaysia?
For non-Muslims, the Wills Act 1959 sets out what a valid will needs. Get any of these wrong and the will can be challenged or thrown out.
Legal requirements for a valid will
- In writing. Malaysia does not recognise spoken wills for the general public.
- Made by an adult of sound mind. You must be at least 18 (21 in Sabah).
- Signed by you. You must sign the will, intending it to take effect.
- Two witnesses. Two witnesses must be present at the same time and also sign.
- Independent witnesses. A witness, or their spouse, must not be a beneficiary, or they lose their inheritance.
Common mistakes that make a will invalid
- Asking a beneficiary, or their spouse, to act as a witness.
- Forgetting to sign, or not signing in front of both witnesses together.
- Not updating the will after marriage, marriage automatically cancels an earlier will.
- Unclear wording that leaves gifts open to dispute.
How to write your will online with TYH & Co.
- Answer a few simple questions about your family, your assets and your wishes.
- We prepare your will in clear, legally sound wording that follows the Wills Act 1959.
- Review and confirm your details, with guidance if anything is unclear.
- Print and sign your will in front of two independent witnesses.
- Store it safely and review it after any major life change.
Why write your will with TYH & Co.
- Built for Malaysian law. Drafted to meet the Wills Act 1959 for non-Muslims.
- Simple and direct. Plain-language questions, no confusing jargon.
- Convenient. Start from home, at your own pace.
- Peace of mind. Your wishes are recorded clearly, reducing the risk of family disputes.
Frequently asked questions
Is an online will legally valid in Malaysia?
Yes. A will written online is legally valid as long as it meets the Wills Act 1959, in writing, signed by you, and witnessed by two people present at the same time. You create it online, then print and sign it on paper for it to take effect.
Who can write a will in Malaysia?
Any non-Muslim aged 18 or above (21 in Sabah) who is of sound mind. The Wills Act 1959 applies to non-Muslims. Muslim estates follow Islamic inheritance law (Faraid) and use a wasiat instead.
Do I need a lawyer to write a will in Malaysia?
No. The law does not require a lawyer for a will to be valid. Still, professional guidance helps you avoid mistakes, like a beneficiary acting as a witness, that can make a will invalid.
What happens if I die without a will in Malaysia?
Your estate is divided by the fixed formula in the Distribution Act 1958. The court appoints an administrator, the process can take a year or longer, and your personal wishes are not taken into account.
Does getting married cancel my will?
Yes. Under the Wills Act 1959, marriage automatically revokes an existing will, unless it was made in contemplation of that marriage. Always review your will after marriage, divorce or a new child.
Protect your family today
Take control of who inherits your assets. Write your legally valid will online with TYH & Co.
Start writing online will at RM399 only →Disclaimer. This page provides general information about will writing for non-Muslims in Malaysia under the Wills Act 1959 and the Distribution Act 1958. It is not legal advice and does not create a professional relationship. Laws differ in Sabah and Sarawak, and individual circumstances vary. The Wills Act 1959 and Distribution Act 1958 do not apply to Muslims, whose estates are governed by Islamic inheritance law (Faraid). Please consult a qualified estate-planning professional before acting.