How To Write A Will In Malaysia Without A Lawyer
You can literally write it on paper.
Cover image via So, you're thinking, "I'm not dying yet lah, but maybe I should adult a bit and sort out my will."
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Good on you. Whether you're trying to protect your family, avoid drama later, or just feel responsible for once, here's how to write a legit will in Malaysia — without hiring a lawyer, buying a kit, or being a legal expert.
The good thing about having a will means you get to decide who inherits what — not the government, and not whichever relative shouts the loudest. It also helps your family avoid long court delays, fights over money, or losing access to your accounts. Even if you don't have a lot, having a will makes things clearer and kinder for the people you leave behind.
You can write your own will at home — the law allows it
Under the Wills Act 1959, anyone in Peninsular Malaysia or Sarawak who's 18 and above (and of sound mind) can write a legally valid will. In Sabah, the minimum age is 21 under the Wills Ordinance.
You don't need to register it or get a lawyer involved. Just make sure your will is written down, clearly worded, and follows the rules in the next few sections.
You can type or handwrite your will — both are accepted
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There's no fancy format required. You can:
- Type it out and print it
- Handwrite it on paper with a pen
What matters is that the contents are clear and complete. Your will should include:
- Your assets — property, bank accounts, EPF, ASB, insurance, cars, jewellery, etc.
- Your beneficiaries — the people or groups you want to give your assets to
- An executor — someone you trust to carry out your instructions
- A guardian — if you have children under 18
Be as specific as possible. Add account numbers, addresses, or other details to avoid confusion.
Your will must be signed and witnessed properly — or it won't count
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To make it official, do this:
- Sign the bottom of the final page
- Have two witnesses present at the same time to watch you sign
- They must also sign the will in your presence
- Witnesses must not benefit from your will, or be married to someone who does
Don't do this over Zoom — remote witnessing is not accepted in Malaysia. All of you must be in the same room.
You don't need to register it, but keep the original in a safe place
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Malaysia doesn't require will registration, so the original copy is what counts in court.
If it goes missing or gets destroyed, your wishes may not be carried out — even if there are photocopies.
Popular storage options:
- A fireproof safe at home
- With your executor or a trusted family member
- A professional will storage service
Make sure at least one person, typically the executor, knows where to find it.
You can update your will anytime — just follow the same process
Your life changes, so your will should too. Big updates (like marriage, divorce, or new property) usually mean you'll need to write a brand new will. Just make sure it says it cancels the previous one.
Smaller tweaks — like changing an executor — can be done with a codicil, which is a short legal add-on. It also needs to be signed and witnessed.
Destroy old versions to avoid confusion later.
Doing your own will is fine, but pros can help with the tricky stuff
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If your estate is simple, writing your own will might be enough. But if things get more complicated, it's worth speaking to a lawyer or licensed estate planner.
They can make sure your will is legally airtight, reduce the risk of disputes, and help you plan for trickier situations — like backup guardians, excluding someone fairly, or handing over business assets. They can also advise on creating trusts for better control, keeping your inheritance private, or managing how and when beneficiaries receive assets.
Some services include extras like advance medical directives, power of attorney, and secure document storage. A wealth advisor can also help you structure your estate across generations, especially if taxes or overseas property are involved.
