Unlocking the Potential of In-House Legal Experience
In-House Legal experience has become an increasingly sought out option for the businesses, especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) given the hefty charges incurred when hiring external legal counsels. As businesses navigate a complex legal and regulatory landscape, the demand for an adept In-House Legal and Compliance services integrated within the organization has surged. Unlike traditional law firm roles, in-house legal counsels serve as both legal and compliance advisers as well as strategic business partners for the SMEs. This dual role not only shapes SME’s operational decisions but also redefines the legal profession journey. The Nature of In-House Legal Counsels An in-house lawyer operates at the intersection of law and business. These roles are diverse, covering areas such as corporate governance, contractual, intellectual property, employment law, compliance, and risk management. Unlike law firms that work on isolated legal matters for various clients, the in-house counsel focuses on wholesome and holistic legal needs of one organization, fostering a deep understanding of the company’s business goals, culture and challenges. Key responsibilities include: Providing Proactive Legal Advice: In-house lawyers anticipate potential legal risks and provide solutions that align with the company’s business objectives. Drafting and Negotiating Contracts: In-house lawyers oversee agreements and contracts with suppliers, clients and partners, ensuring all terms comply with legal standards while protecting the company’s business interests. Compliance Management: In-house lawyers assist companies to monitor regulatory changes and ensure their business operates within the legal and compliance boundaries. Dispute Resolution: In-house lawyers assist to handle conflicts internally and /or work with external legal counsel for litigation and arbitration. Advantages of hiring In-House Legal Counsels Direct Impact on Business Strategy: In-house lawyers influence key decisions, participating in board meetings and strategic discussions. Their insights often guide the company\’s growth, mergers, and international expansions, within the legal and compliance parameters. Broader Skill Development: While law firm lawyers often specialize in narrow/specific fields, in-house counsels acquire multi-disciplinary expertise. They strive to understand the company’s finance, marketing, human resources, business operations as well as risk management to provide well-rounded and sound advice. Collaborative Work Environment: In-house lawyers work closely with colleagues from various departments, fostering teamwork and a shared sense of purpose. This contrasts with the often solitary nature of law firm practice. Work-Life Balance: Many in-house lawyers offer predictable schedules and fewer billable hour requirements, contributing to better work-life balance. Conclusion In-house legal experience offers SMEs a unique blend of legal and compliance support. It’s a rewarding option any business concern whose bottom-line is to focus on profits for sustenance and long term growth. However, in order to achieve the profit target, SMEs must pay attention to “Legal & Compliance” to reduce overhead costs, minimize risks, save on litigation costs and non-compliance penalties.
What is corporate governance and consequences of lack of governance?
Corporate Governance refers to a system of rules, practices, and processes by which a company is directed and controlled. It involves balancing the interests of various stakeholders in a company, including shareholders, management, employees, customers, suppliers, and the wider community. A company’s sustainability and long-term success hinges upon good and effective corporate governance that ensures accountability, transparency and ethical business operations. Key Components of Corporate Governance: Board of Directors: The Board is responsible for overseeing the company’s management and ensuring it acts in the best interests of shareholders and stakeholders. Management: Executives and managers run the day-to-day operations of the business, under the direction of the Board. Accountability and Transparency: Regular reporting, audits, and clear communication are necessary to ensure stakeholders are informed about the company’s performance and activities. Ethics and Compliance: Ensuring the company adheres to legal regulations, ethical standards, and social responsibility. What if there is a Lack of Governance? Financial Mismanagement and Fraud: Lack of proper oversight can lead to financial mismanagement, improper accounting practices, or even corporate fraud. Without strong internal controls and audits, management may engage in unethical behavior to inflate profits or hide losses. Poor Decision-Making: Without a clear governance structure, companies can make rash or poorly informed decisions. A lack of strategic oversight might lead to unwise investments, missed opportunities, or misallocation of resources. Legal and Regulatory Non-compliance: A lack of governance can lead to violations of laws or regulations. For example, neglecting to follow environmental, labor, or financial reporting laws can result in heavy fines, lawsuits, and damage to the company’s reputation. Loss of Investor Confidence: Investors rely on corporate governance to ensure their interests are protected. If governance is poor, investors may lose confidence, leading to a drop in stock prices, a reduced ability to raise capital, and a lack of trust in leadership. It can also lead to shareholder activism or hostile takeovers if investors feel that management is not acting in their best interests. Reputation Damage: Scandals arising from poor governance (such as executive misconduct or unethical behavior) can severely damage a company’s reputation, leading to a loss of customers and partners. A damaged reputation is difficult to recover from and may take years, leading to decreased market share and profitability. Operational Inefficiencies: Poor governance can lead to inefficient management practices, unaligned business strategies, and conflicts of interest. This can affect the company’s ability to adapt, innovate, or scale. Ethical Failures: Companies without a strong ethical framework might engage in exploitative practices, environmental harm, or poor labor conditions. This can create backlash from consumers, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders. Increased Risk of Bankruptcy: Weak governance increases the risk of the company falling into financial or operational distress. Without proper checks and balances, it becomes more difficult to identify and address issues before they escalate into a crisis. Conclusion: Good corporate governance is therefore crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of a business. Lack of it results in financial instability and legal issues leading to reputational harm and loss of trust in the company.
Back to Basics: Principles of Contract Law in Malaysia
Contract law in Malaysia is a crucial aspect of the legal system, governing the formation and enforcement of agreements between parties. The legal framework is primarily derived from the Contracts Act 1950, which provides comprehensive guidelines on various types of contracts, validity of contracts and the remedies available for breaches. Formation of a Contract Under the Malaysian Contract Act 1950, a contract is formed when there is an offer, acceptance, and consideration. An offer is a clear proposal made by one party, while acceptance is the unequivocal agreement by the other party. Consideration refers to something of value exchanged between the parties, which can be a promise, money, goods, or services. Essential Elements of a Contract To be enforceable, a contract must have these elements: Intention to Create Legal Relations: There must be intention by both parties for an agreement to be legally binding. Unlike social and domestic agreements, parties entering into commercial agreements must show intent. Capacity to Contract: Parties must have the legal capacity to enter into a contract. This includes being of legal age (18 years or older) and mentally competent. Legality of Purpose: The contract’s purpose must be lawful. Contracts that involve illegal activities or are against public policy are void. Certainty and Possibility of Performance: The terms of the contract must be clear enough to understand and fulfill. If a contract is vague or its performance is impossible, it may be deemed void. Types of Contracts The Contracts Act categorizes contracts into several types: Bilateral and Unilateral Contracts: A bilateral contract involves mutual obligations, whereas a unilateral contract is one-sided, where only one party makes a promise. Express and Implied Contracts: Express contracts are clearly stated, while implied contracts are inferred from the parties’ actions or circumstances. Contingent Contracts: These depend on the occurrence of a specific event. Breach of Contract A breach occurs when one party fails to fulfill its contractual obligations. The aggrieved party may seek remedies, which can include: Damages: Monetary compensation for losses incurred due to the breach. Specific Performance: A court order requiring the breaching party to fulfill its contractual obligations. Injunctions: Court orders preventing a party from doing something that would breach the contract. Dispute Resolution Disputes arising from contracts may be resolved through litigation or alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods such as mediation or arbitration. The latter is often preferred for its efficiency and confidentiality. Conclusion Contract law in Malaysia is designed to protect the interests of parties entering agreements and to ensure fairness and predictability in commercial transactions. Understanding the fundamental principles of contract law is essential for individuals and businesses alike to navigate their legal obligations and rights effectively. With the ongoing development of the legal landscape, business should stay updated on changes and interpretations in contract law which is crucial to avoid legal issues, non compliance and for successful business dealings.
Back to Basics: Settling legal disputes in Malaysia
Settling legal disputes in Malaysia through various mechanisms is reflective of the country\’s legal framework and cultural context. Understanding the various avenues available can help the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) choose the most appropriate method to resolve disputes. Litigation Litigation is the most formal method of resolving disputes through the court system. It involves several stages: Filing a Claim: The plaintiff initiates court proceedings by filing a writ or originating summons in the appropriate court. Pre-Trial Procedures: This includes case management, whereby the court sets timelines for the exchange of documents and information between the plaintiff and the defendant Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, the counsels for the plaintiff and the defendant present their evidence and arguments before a judge. The plaintiff and the defendant as well as their witnesses are called to take the stand at this stage. Judgment and Appeals: The court issues a judgment, which can be appealed to a higher court by either of the parties who are not happy with the court’s decision. Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) ADR is increasingly favored for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. These include: Mediation: Where a neutral third party facilitates discussion between the disputing parties to help them reach a mutually acceptable resolution. Mediation is non-binding unless an agreement is reached. Arbitration: In arbitration, a neutral arbitrator makes a binding decision after hearing both sides. It is often used in commercial disputes and can be expedited unlike the traditional court proceedings. Conciliation: Similar to mediation, but the conciliator may propose solutions to help parties reach an agreement. 3. Court-Ordered Mediation In some cases, the courts may order the parties to attempt mediation before proceeding to trial. The Malaysian Mediation Centre (MMC) provides mediation services, and the courts often encourage parties or mandate mediation process to reduce caseloads and foster amicable settlements. Negotiation Negotiation is an informal method where parties communicate directly to resolve their disputes without the need for formal proceedings. Negotiation is often used in commercial disputes as it allows for flexibility and can preserve relationships, making it particularly valuable in business contexts. Legal Framework The legal framework for dispute resolution in Malaysia includes: Malaysian Civil Procedure 2024: Governs civil litigation processes. Arbitration Act 2005: Provides guidelines for arbitration in Malaysia. Mediation Act 2012: Encourages the use of mediation as a dispute resolution method. Conclusion The landscape for settling legal disputes in Malaysia is diverse, encompassing both traditional litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods. Recent case law underscores the importance of adhering to procedural requirements in litigation, the binding nature of ADR, and the value of negotiation. While litigation remains a vital component of our legal landscape, the trend is shifting towards alternative dispute resolution methods due to their efficiency and adaptability in resolving disputes whilst maintaining the relationship between the parties.
Business Rules? We’ve Got Your Back!
From home to school to work, rules surround us at every turn. They shape our daily lives, with some being simple and others complex. However, there’s one area where following the rules is not just important—it\’s essential: Business. Running a business means navigating a maze of constantly changing laws and regulations. A single mis-step can result in severe consequences—ranging from fines and damage to your reputation to even jail time. For businesses aiming to grow, this overwhelming volume of legal requirements can be particularly daunting. Why Compliance is Crucial for Your Business In the business world, compliance is not optional; it’s a MUST!. Compliance refers to adhering to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. These can vary depending on your industry, company size, and location. From financial regulations and data protection laws to environmental policies and employee rights, the list of rules your business must follow is vast and intricate. Failure to comply can have serious consequences. For instance, violating employment laws may lead to costly lawsuits and damaged public trust. Failing to meet data protection requirements could result in hefty fines, depleting your profits. That’s why having the right support is critical to staying on track! How You Can Stay on Track Mitigate Risks and Boost Efficiency When you partner with StarBPO Malaysia, you get access to a team well-versed in the legal requirements specific to your industry. We work with you to identify potential legal risks, ensuring you\’re not caught off guard by sudden changes in regulations. While you focus on growing your business, we handle any legal complexities. We streamline your compliance efforts, allowing your team to focus on driving innovation and market expansion, while we ensure that legal concerns don’t slow you down. Minimize Legal Risks and Protect Your Business Our goal is to help you minimize legal risks. Whether it’s drafting and reviewing contracts, advising on corporate governance, or handling intellectual property and employee disputes, we keep your operations compliant and protected. We provide ongoing legal support, so if any issues arise; you have a team ready to respond quickly and effectively. With our deep legal knowledge, we offer strategies to safeguard your business from costly mistakes. Fast, Effective Responses to Legal Challenges Legal challenges can arise unexpectedly, and timing is critical. Whether you’re facing a lawsuit, a regulatory investigation, or a contract dispute, having a responsive legal team is vital. We take swift action to address regulatory inquiries, negotiate settlements, and enforce contracts, ensuring your business is always prepared for any legal challenge. Bottom Line: Save Time, Save Money, Stay Compliant Navigating the complex world of regulations can be overwhelming. But with comprehensive legal services by your side, you can approach compliance with confidence, saving both time and money while ensuring your business stays on the right side of the law.
What are some potential legal issues that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) encounter and why is this so?
SMEs often face a variety of legal and compliance issues that can adversely affect their operations and growth. These challenges typically stem from lack of awareness of legal and compliance requirements while focusing primarily on business management. Some of these nightmares are: Regulatory Compliance: SMEs may struggle to comply with labor laws, environmental regulations, and industry-specific guidelines, particularly as regulations frequently change. Intellectual Property Protection: SMEs may find it difficult to safeguard their intellectual property, such as trademarks and patents, which is vital for maintaining a competitive advantage. Contractual Disputes: Disputes related to contracts with suppliers, customers, and employees can lead to costly and time-consuming legal challenges. Tax Compliance: Navigating complex tax obligations, which can vary greatly and change frequently, poses significant difficulties for SMEs. E-Invoicing: Compliance with e-invoicing requirements set by authorities, like the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), can be challenging, especially for SMEs lacking the necessary technology or infrastructure. Employment Laws: Adhering to labor laws concerning employee rights and benefits can be intricate, particularly for smaller SMEs. Access to Funding: Legal issues related to securing loans or investments can arise, complicating SMEs funding process. Consumer Protection Laws: Navigating consumer rights and product liability laws can be complex, particularly for those SMEs in retail and services. Licensing and Permits: Failure to obtain necessary licenses and permits can hinder operations, as some industries require multiple approvals. Dispute Resolution: SMEs often face challenges in resolving disputes due to limited resources for prolonged legal battles. To address these legal challenges, SMEs can benefit from legal and compliance support services in various ways: Cost Efficiency: In-house legal experts can help SMEs save on legal expenses compared to hiring external counsel for each issue, leading to more predictable budgeting. Tailored Advice: In-house teams provide customized legal guidance that aligns with the specific needs and goals of the business. Proactive Risk Management: These teams can identify potential legal issues early, helping to mitigate risks related to contracts and regulatory compliance. Training and Awareness: Conducting training sessions fosters a compliance culture within the organization, reducing the likelihood of violations. Streamlined Processes: In-house counsel can establish standardized policies and procedures, simplifying adherence to legal requirements. Regulatory Updates: Keeping abreast of legal changes ensures the business remains compliant with new laws. Conflict Resolution: Having legal expertise available allows SMEs to resolve disputes quickly, avoiding costly litigation. Strategic Business Support: In-house counsel can participate in strategic planning ensuring legal considerations are integrated into business decisions. Collaboration across Departments: Legal teams can work with various departments to ensure compliance is woven into all aspects of the business. Enhanced Reputation: A robust compliance culture enhances an SME’s reputation, fostering trust with customers, investors, and regulators. By leveraging legal and compliance support, SMEs can navigate complex legal landscapes effectively, promoting growth and sustainability.
What is “Man-Day” and why is it important?
The term \”man-day\” is commonly used in project management. It represents the amount of work one person can complete in a single eight-hour day. It is essential for estimating labor requirements which aids in planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. Importance of Man-Day? Effort Estimation: Man-days allows project managers to estimate the effort needed for different phases of a project. By understanding the number of man-days needed, project managers can create realistic timelines and schedules, which are critical for the successful execution of the project. Resource Allocation: Understanding the total man-days required helps in allocating resources efficiently. Project managers can determine how many personnel are needed at different stages of the project, optimizing team size and ensuring that the right skills are available when needed. Budgeting: Man-days play a significant role in budget planning. By estimating the cost associated with each man-day, project managers can forecast the total labor costs and set a budget that aligns with organizational goals. This is particularly important for fixed-price projects, where exceeding estimated man-days can lead to cost overruns. Performance Measurement: Monitoring actual man-days spent against the estimated man-days helps in measuring project performance. If a project consistently exceeds the estimated man-days, it may indicate inefficiencies, scope changes, or unforeseen challenges that need to be addressed. Best Practices for Utilizing Man-Days Clear Project Scope: A well-defined project scope is critical for accurately estimating man-days. Collaboration with stakeholders to outline deliverables, timelines and specific tasks minimizes uncertainties that can affect man-day calculations. Breakdown Tasks: Dividing the project into smaller tasks allows for more accurate man-day estimates. Each task should be evaluated based on complexity and resource needs. Use Historical Data: Leveraging data from past projects can enhance the accuracy of man-day estimates. Analyzing previous project performance provides valuable insights into time requirements for similar tasks, helping to refine current estimates. Regular Monitoring and Adjustment: Throughout the project, it is essential to monitor man-days spent versus planned. This helps identify any deviations from the plan, allowing for timely adjustments to resources or timelines as necessary. Communicate Changes: If project scope changes occur, it’s vital to communicate these changes promptly to all stakeholders. Adjusting man-day estimates in real time can prevent misunderstandings and align expectations. Conclusion Understanding and effectively managing man-days is integral to successful project management. Accurate estimation and monitoring enhance resource allocation, budgeting and overall performance. Implementing best practices in calculating and utilizing man-days will lead to more predictable project outcomes, ensuring that organizations meet their goals efficiently. Man-day serves as a vital tool in project management, guiding teams toward successful project completion.
Understanding Stamp Duty for Property Transactions
In Malaysia the Stamp Act 1949 governs the application of stamp duty which is a key aspect of any sale and purchase of house transactions. For anyone buying or selling a house, understanding stamp duty and how to calculate the amount payable is crucial for both compliance and financial planning. Briefly, the Stamp Act imposes a tax on the sale and transfer of property transactions. Stamp duty is a form of tax levied on the transaction value of a property, and it must be paid within 30 days from the date of execution of the sale and purchase agreement. It can be paid, either at the Stamp Office or online through the relevant platforms set up by the Malaysian government. This tax serves as a means of revenue for the government and ensures that transactions are legally recognized. Upon payment, a stamp duty certificate is issued and it is advisable to be attach the certificate to the sale and purchase agreement. How to calculate Stamp Duty? Calculating stamp duty for the sale and purchase of residential property is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The stamp duty is calculated based on the property\’s purchase price or the market value, whichever is higher. Current Stamp Duty Rates As of the latest update, the stamp duty rates for residential property transactions in Malaysia are as follows: First RM100,000 : 1% RM100,001 to RM500,000 : 2% RM500,000 to RM1,000,000 : 3% Above RM1,000,000 : 4% How to calculate the stamp duty 1.Determine the Purchase Price: Identify the purchase price stated in the Sale and Purchase Agreement or the market value of the property, if higher. 2.Apply the Stamp Duty Rates: Calculate the stamp duty in stages according to the applicable rates: For the first RM100,000 : 1% For the next RM400,000 (from RM100,001 to RM500,000) : 2% For the next RM500,000 (from RM500,001 to RM1,000,000) : 3% For any amount above RM1,000,000 : 4% 3.Add Up the Amounts: Sum the calculated amounts to find the total stamp duty payable. For example, if the purchase price of the property is RM750,000, the stamp duty payable is calculated as follows: 1.First RM100,000 : 1% = RM1,000 2.Next RM400,000 (RM100,001 to RM500,000) : 2% = RM8,000 3.Next RM250,000 (RM500,001 to RM750,000) : 3% = RM7,500 Total Stamp Duty = RM1,000 + RM8,000 + RM7,500 = RM16,500 In conclusion, understanding the Stamp Act and the calculation of stamp duty is crucial for anyone involved in the property market as you can navigate property transactions more effectively and avoid any legal pitfalls associated with unpaid duties.
Does Termination Relieve A Contractor For Pre-termination Delay?
In law, termination does not take away a plaintiff’s right to claim Liquidated and Ascertained Damages (“LAD”) accrued in respect of pre-termination delay unless expressly stated in the contract. That is, in the absence of express contractual provisions, termination does not relieve a contractor’s liability for LAD accrued in respect of pre-termination delay. In PWC Bina Sdn Bhd v Ideal City Development Sdn Bhd [2022] MLJU 519 (“PWC Bina”), the contract provided for LAD between the period from the extended completion date and the date of practical completion. The plaintiff argued that the arbitrator had wrongfully re-written the contract by allowing the defendant to claim LAD for the period between the extended completion date to the date of termination of the contract and therefore, the arbitral award ought to be set aside. Lim Chong Foong J (as he then was) held that the arbitrator was not plainly wrong: “It is common ground that the Plaintiff’s proposition is indisputable in a typical completed contract. However, this is a terminated contract mid-stream before completion is achieved. In the circumstances, I am of the view that the Arbitrator’s finding is not plainly wrong and unacceptable. A similar result has been achieved in the recent English Supreme Court case of Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Limited [2021] UKSC 29 akin to the circumstances here where the contractual provisions did not expressly provide for a terminated contract scenario.” In Triple Point Technology Inc v PTT Public Company Limited [2021] UKSC 29 (“Triple Point v. PTT”), PTT entered into a software contract with Triple Point whereby Triple Point was to provide and install certain software for PTT. Article 5.3 of the contract stipulates that: “If CONTRACTOR fails to deliver work within the time specified and the delay has not been introduced by PTT, CONTRACTOR shall be liable to pay the penalty at the rate of 0.1% (zero point one percent) of undelivered work per day of delay from the due date for delivery up to the date PTT accepts such work…” A dispute occurred between the parties and PTT terminated Triple Point before the project was completed. Triple Point sued PTT at the TECHNOLOGY AND CONSTRUCTION COURT (“TCC”) for unpaid invoices. PTT counterclaimed for breach of contract and LAD. TCC allowed PTT’s claim for LAD. At the UK Court of Appeal (COA), TCC’s decision on the LAD. The COA held that although Triple Point did not complete the project on time, PTT was not entitled to claim LAD because PTT did not “accept” the (uncompleted) work as per Article 3.5. The UK Supreme Court (SC) reversed COA’s decision and held that PTT was contractually entitled to claim LAD for pre-termination delay irrespective of whether PTT had accepted the unfinished work, and that this accrued right to LAD cannot be taken away unless expressly provided for in the contract. According to the SC, termination does not take away the accrued rights unless the contract expressly stipulates so. SC further added that the COA’s interpretation of Article 5.3 LAD is only claimable if the incomplete work were “accepted” by PTT) is inconsistent with commercial reality and the accepted function of LAD. According to the SC, whether an employer is contractually entitled to claim LAD for pre-termination delay is a matter of construction of the contract as opposed to a matter of principle. The SC stated that a contractor can still be held liable for liquidated and ascertained damages (“LAD”) even if the contract was terminated (prior to the completion of the project).
Legal Compliance for SME Business in Malaysia
Do you know SMEs play a vital role in the Malaysian economy representing 97% of the total business establishments and comprising nearly 40% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Do you know many among the B40 (Bottom 40%) income groups are employed in SMEs? Are you concerned that Government regulation can have a significant impact on these SMEs and compliance with regulations is a major burden for the SMEs. Recent studies reveal many SMEs are badly impacted by increasing costs of doing business due to penalties arising from non-compliance. Running a company requires compliance with statutory requirements set out by the Companies Act, and failure to do so may result in fines and imprisonment. Some common mistakes SMEs may make are not notifying the Registrar of any business changes, failing to lodge annual returns within the required timeline, not keeping proper documentation, to name a few. Some of the compliance requirements relevant to SMEs are:- Personal Data Protection & Privacy Policy: PDPA 2010 requires SMEs to comply with the “Notice” requirement, that is, notice given must consist of how the personal data is processed, purpose of collection, and rights of access by data user. Occupation Safety and Health (OSH) Policy: OSHA 1994 requires employers to implement an effective system to ensure safety of workplace for staff, employee’s participation & continual improvement in the management of OSH. Tax Compliance: Businesses are required to register for taxes, including GST (Goods and Services Tax), if applicable, and file annual income tax returns, in compliance with the Income Tax Act 1967. Labor Laws: Compliance with the Employment Act 1955 is essential, which covers employment terms, wages, working hours, and employee benefits. SMEs must adhere to the regulations set by the Ministry of Human Resources. Environmental Regulations: Some SMEs may need to comply with environmental laws, such as the Environmental Quality Act 1974, which governs pollution control and waste management. Conclusion: Non-compliance with any applicable law may cause SMEs to be subjected to potential fines and /or imprisonment. For example, section 15 of OSHA 1994 requires every employer and every self-employed person to ensure the safety, health and welfare of their staff at the workplace. Penalties for breaches have increased from RM50,000.00 to RM500,000.00, and imprisonment term reduced from not exceeding 5 to not exceeding 2 years. Non-compliance with any applicable laws governed under the Local Government Act 1976 may result in retraction of business and advertising licences by local authorities. Without such licences, companies are prohibited from operating their businesses and this may cause losses to the company and potential loss of reputation within the industry. So, do you want your business to stay compliant? Don’t wait for compliance, legal issues to hit you! Take a proactive approach – secure your business’s future with our in-house legal team. We are committed to providing with proactive, strategic legal and compliance advice that helps your business to minimize legal costs, non compliance penalties. We help your business to thrive.