Malaysia is a land of opportunities for entrepreneurs. With a population of over 34 million (2024) people and a GDP per capita of US$11,648 (2023) Malaysia , the country offers plenty of room for businesses to grow. If you are looking for a new business to start, Malaysia is a great place to do it.
This country is home to many successful businesses, and there are plenty of opportunities for entrepreneurs who are willing to put in the hard work. In this article, we will discuss the types of businesses that you can start in Malaysia today and some tips on how to maintain a successful business.
We will provide an overview of each business, as well as some important things to keep in mind when starting out. So if you are ready to take the plunge into entrepreneurship, read on.
Starting a business can be a daunting task, but it does not have to be. With the right planning and execution, your business can be successful. Here are some tips to keep in mind when starting a business in Malaysia.
Make sure you have a solid business plan – This is one of the most important things you can do when starting any business, and it will help you stay on track as you grow your company.
Be prepared to work hard – Starting a business takes a lot of time and effort, so you need to be prepared to put in the hours.
Find the right location – Malaysia is a large country with many different regions, so it’s important to find the right place for your business.
Create a strong online presence – In today’s digital world, it is essential to have a strong online presence for your business. This means creating a website and social media accounts and making sure they are active and engaging.
It is vital that you research the Malaysian market. Before starting your business, it is crucial to research the Malaysian market and understand the needs of consumers here. This will help you tailor your products and services to meet the needs of the local market. Here are some great industries you can venture into to get you started.
Types of Business to Start in Malaysia
Manufacturing Industry
Starting a manufacturing company in Malaysia is a good option for entrepreneurs who want to tap into this growing sector. Manufacturing businesses can be very profitable in Malaysia due to the country’s pro-business policies and skilled workforce.
Manufacturing companies can take advantage of Malaysia’s many free trade zones, which offer tax breaks and other benefits. The government allocated a sum of RM100 million for smart automation matching grants in the country’s 2022 Budget to benefit its manufacturing industry. In addition, Malaysia has a well-developed transportation network, which makes it easy to export products to other countries.
Tourism
Tourism is a major industry in Malaysia, and the country is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and tropical islands in Asia. This makes it a great place to start a tourism-related business such as a travel agency, hotel, or restaurant.
The Malaysian government is actively promoting tourism and has created a number of incentives for businesses in this sector. For example, there is an allocation of RM 85 million for special assistance to tour operators registered under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
In addition, the government has developed a comprehensive transportation network, which makes it easy for tourists to get around the country.
Read also: How to Establish a Corporate Bank Account in Malaysia for Foreigners
Retail
The retail sector is booming in Malaysia, thanks to the country’s rapidly growing middle class. Starting a retail business is a good option for entrepreneurs who want to tap into this growing market. Here are some examples of retail markets you can tap into:
Clothing store
Malaysia is a growing market for fashion, and starting your own clothing store will give you the opportunity to tap into this trend.
To be successful in Malaysia it’s important that both location choice & stock-taking are cohesive – try looking near places where more people might go or purchase items like Lilit & Pestle Mortar who have done well by building their brands through word of mouth referrals from satisfied customers
Education
The education sector in Malaysia is another promising area for businesses. The country’s rapidly growing middle class has led to an increase of new students, which makes now the best time possible starting up your own school or training center with quality services that can be a very profitable venture if you find yourself working at a good location and offer quality services.
Food and Beverage
The food and beverage industry is another great option for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Malaysia. The country has a large and growing food and beverage industry, thanks to its rapidly growing middle class.
Starting a restaurant or café is a good way to tap into this market. To be successful in this business, you’ll need to find a good location and offer quality food and beverage products.
Food truck business
A food truck is a great way to get started in the food industry. With a lower model, you can start with a small truck and then expand as your business grows.
Catering
Catering is another great option for those in the food industry. You can start by catering for small events and then grow your business as you build up a clientele.
Services
The services industry is another great option for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in Malaysia. Some of the most successful and profitable businesses are service-based businesses.
This includes businesses such as accounting firms, consulting firms, and marketing agencies. If you’re looking for a business to start in Malaysia, a service-based business is a great option.
Fitness Studio
With more and more people looking to get in shape, starting a fitness studio is a great business idea. You will need to find a good location and invest in some quality equipment.
Home cleaning service
Home cleaning services are in high demand, especially as the population ages. You can start a business that provides home care services to seniors or people with disabilities.
Healthcare
With its large population, the healthcare sector is one of the most promising industries in Malaysia. With the recent pandemic hitting our world, people have been more aware of their health and wellbeing. Starting a healthcare business such as a medical centre, clinic, or nursing home can be a very lucrative endeavour.
If you are ready to start your own business in Malaysia, be sure to keep the following in mind. First and foremost, do your research and make sure that you are starting a type of business that is allowed under Malaysian law.
Next, make sure that you have a solid business plan and allocate the necessary resources to get your business off the ground. Finally, remember to always put your customers first and continually strive to provide them with excellent service.
With these tips in mind, we wish you all the best on your entrepreneurial journey. Please contact InCorp Global for professional help in setting up your business in Malaysia.
Updated on: 16 December 2024
FAQs about Types of Business in Malaysia
- In order to start a business in Malaysia, you will need to meet certain requirements. These include SSM registration (SSM), obtaining a company name, and setting up a bank account for your business. You will also need to register for Sales & Service Tax (SST) and have an Employment Pass (EP) if you plan to hire foreign workers.
- There are a few ways to finance your business in Malaysia. You can use personal savings, take out a loan from a bank, or apply for government grants. You can also look into venture capital firms or crowdfunding platforms.
- Starting a business in Malaysia has a few tax implications that you should be aware of. You will need to register for VAT and pay income tax on any profits your business makes. There is also a withholding tax on dividends paid to shareholders
Get in touch with us today for more information!
About the Author
