Frequently asked questions

It depends on the language pair, the document, its length and how quickly you need it. Send us a scan through the form or by email and we will reply with a fixed, free quote.

No. Most work is done remotely: you send a scan, we send the translation by email and originals by courier. Personal attendance is only needed for notary signings and on-site interpreting.

Malaysia is not currently listed as a Contracting Party on the HCCH status table. Malaysian documents are therefore authenticated by Wisma Putra and legalised by the destination country's embassy instead of being apostilled.

Malay, English, Chinese, Tamil, Arabic, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian and more than 25 other languages. If yours is not listed, ask us — our international network covers many more.

Yes. Documents are only shared with the linguists and officials involved in your order, and are handled in line with Malaysia's Personal Data Protection Act 2010.

Requirements differ by embassy and by purpose. Tell us which authority will receive the document and we will confirm the exact format before we start — including whether notarisation or legalisation is also needed.

For most translations a clear scan or photo is enough. Originals are only needed when the translation must be physically bound to the original or when legalisation follows.

Standard one-to-three page personal documents are usually ready within 1–3 working days. Express service is available. Larger files are quoted individually.

An apostille is a single certificate that replaces the legalisation chain, but only between countries that are both parties to the Hague Apostille Convention. Malaysia is not currently a party, so Malaysian documents normally need full legalisation via Wisma Putra and the destination embassy.

Yes. You send us the documents by courier or hand them over in person, and we handle the submissions and return the legalised documents to you.

It depends on the document type and the embassy's processing times. We give you a realistic timeline with your quote.

Not at present, because Malaysia is not a party to the Apostille Convention. Malaysian documents are authenticated by Wisma Putra and then legalised by the destination country's embassy. We handle that route for you.

Malaysian authorities generally expect foreign documents to be legalised by the Malaysian embassy or consulate in the issuing country. Some receiving bodies have their own rules, so we confirm requirements before you spend money.

According to the HCCH status table, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore are parties, Viet Nam's accession took effect in September 2026, and Thailand's is due to take effect in February 2027. We always re-check the official table before advising you.

We handle legalisation at the embassies and consulates represented in Kuala Lumpur, with frequent submissions for the Middle East, East Asia and Europe. Ask us about your destination.

In most cases, yes. Embassies in Malaysia generally only legalise documents that already carry the Wisma Putra authentication.

Usually only originals or properly certified copies are accepted. We advise whether a notarised certified true copy is appropriate for your case.

Yes. Depending on the destination, the translation is done before or after authentication. We plan the order so nothing has to be redone.

A photocopy that an authorised person — such as a notary public — has compared with the original and certified as a true copy, with signature, stamp and date.

For signature witnessing and declarations, yes — the notary must verify your identity in person. For certified true copies we usually only need the original document.

We work from the wording required by the receiving lawyer, notary or bank abroad and produce the translated or bilingual version. Legal advice on the content should come from a lawyer in the country where the PoA will be used.

Any number — each signer needs a valid passport or MyKad. Tell us in advance so we book enough time with the notary.

Usually a copy of your ID, the details on the record (names, dates, places or registration numbers) and a signed authorisation letter. Some registries only release records to the person concerned or close family.

Yes, through ABC Translation's international network. Tell us the country and document type and we will confirm feasibility and timing.

Ideally one to two weeks ahead, and earlier for conferences or rare languages. Short-notice requests are possible — contact us and we will check availability.

Yes, anywhere in Peninsular and East Malaysia. Travel costs are included in the quote. Remote interpreting is available everywhere.