(1) Clients to initiate taxation proceedings
In the absence of any agreement in writing for fees in respect of a contentious matter entered into between the Solicitor and his/her client pursuant to section 116 of the Act, it is for the client to initiate taxation proceedings under section 126 of the Act.
(2) Gross sum bill and detailed bill
A bill of costs to be delivered to any client under section 124 of the Act includes a gross sum bill as well as a detailed bill drawn up pursuant to Order 59 of the Rules of Court 2012 whereas a bill of costs under section 126 of the Act contemplates a detailed sum of costs ready for taxation.
(3) Letter of demand and costs
An Advocate and Solicitor shall not, in his/her letter of demand issued on behalf of his/her client, demand:
(i) his/her costs or fees for issuing such letter, unless there is an agreement in writing to that effect between his/her client and the addressee; or(ii) any payment other than that recoverable by the process of law.
(4) Photocopying charges
(i) Photocopying charge (inclusive of service fee) should not exceed 50 sen per page (unless special circumstances warrant a higher charge).(ii) Where copies of correspondence, cause papers, agreements and other documents are sent to the client regularly and he/she requests additional copies, the Advocate and Solicitor is entitled to charge the client for the cost of the additional photocopying.
(5) Miscellaneous charges
Miscellaneous charges in any bill of costs for contentious matters shall be reasonable and shall not exceed RM100.00. Any other disbursements should be itemised. Miscellaneous charges shall include local telephone calls, faxes, photocopying and other items which are not specifically recorded by the Solicitor.
(Updated as at 8 June 2015)