How do I qualify to act as a company secretary in Malaysia?

Two routes. Either be a member of a prescribed body in the Fourth Schedule — MAICSA, MIA, MACS, MICPA, the Malaysian Bar, the Sabah Law Association, the Advocates Association of Sarawak — or hold an SSM licence under section 20G of the Companies Commission of Malaysia Act 2001. Either way, since 15 March 2019 you must additionally hold a practising certificate issued by SSM under section 241. Membership alone is not sufficient. Section 235 requires every company to appoint at least one secretary within 30 days of incorporation. Licence applications now go through CRS.