Starting a food business in Malaysia, whether from home, a physical premises, or as an importer. means navigating multiple licenses before you can legally sell a single product.
This guide covers exactly what you need, by business type.
Start Here: SSM Registration (Everyone)
Every food business in Malaysia must first register with Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM) regardless of size or type.
This gives your business a legal identity and is a prerequisite for all other licenses. Register online via SSM’s ezBiz portal.
Licenses by Business Type
Home-Based Food Sellers
If you sell home-cooked or home-baked food on WhatsApp, Shopee, Instagram, or at markets, you still need:
- Home Business License – from your local council (Majlis Perbandaran / Majlis Daerah). Cost varies by council; typically RM50–RM300/year. Selling without one is illegal, even online.
- Food Handler Certificate – mandatory under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009 for anyone who handles food commercially. Complete a KKM-approved course (~RM50/person). As of 2024, the certificate is valid for life with no renewal required.
- Food Label Compliance – any packaged product must include the product name, ingredient list, net weight, manufacturer details, best-before date, and nutrition facts (mandatory for certain categories from 2022) under the Food Regulations 1985.
F&B Premises (Restaurants, Cafes, Food Stalls, Catering)
- Premise License – issued by your local council (PBT), typically RM100–RM1,000/year. Requires a hygiene inspection before approval.
- Signboard License – required for any external signage; often bundled with the premise license into a single composite application.
- Food Handler Certificates – required for every staff member handling food, not just the owner.
- BOMBA Fire Certificate – required if your premises involve commercial cooking equipment, gas lines, or fire suppression systems.
- Halal Certification (optional) – issued by JAKIM or state Islamic Religious Councils. Legally voluntary but commercially essential for reaching Muslim consumers and supplying to major retailers. Costs RM1,000–RM5,000 and typically takes 3 – 6 months.
Food Manufacturers
- MOH Food Premises Registration – all food manufacturing premises must register with the Ministry of Health via the FOSIM portal.
- MeSTI Certification – the baseline food safety certification for manufacturers under the Food Hygiene Regulations 2009. Free to apply (no government fee); valid for 3 years. Required before you can obtain JAKIM Halal certification.
- GMP Certification – a more advanced audit-based certification (MS 1514:2009) required by most supermarket and hypermarket buyers. Costs RM5,000–RM30,000+ and takes 3–12 months.
- HACCP Certification – internationally recognised standard required for export markets. GMP is a prerequisite.
Food Importers
- WRT License – required for wholesale or retail trading of food products, issued by KPDN. Foreign-owned businesses typically need RM1,000,000 in paid-up capital.
- FOSIM Registration – all imported food must be declared through the FOSIM system for MOH clearance.
- MAQIS Import Permit – required for regulated categories including meat and poultry (also needs DVS approval and JAKIM Halal if applicable), seafood, and dairy products.
- Health Certificate – for categories such as meat and poultry, the exporting country must provide a health certificate confirming the product meets Malaysian food safety standards.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under the Food Act 1983, penalties are serious and enforced through random inspections:
- Selling food injurious to health (Section 13): up to RM100,000 fine or 10 years imprisonment
- Non-compliant food labelling (Section 15): up to 3 years imprisonment or fine
- Importing without required permits (MAQIS): up to RM100,000 fine or 6 years imprisonment
How Foodipedia Can Help
Navigating multiple agencies, different council requirements, and submission deadlines is where most food businesses lose time and money.
Foodipedia’s compliance team guides you through the exact permits you need, without the guesswork.
Get Expert Compliance Advice →
Food Import Compliance Service →
DISCLAIMER
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Although we strive to provide accurate general information, the information presented here is not a substitute for any kind of professional advice, and you should not rely solely on this information. Please opt for a one-to-one consultation with us or a relevant professional for your specific concerns regarding food business solutions in Malaysia before making any decisions.
