Franchise Business Malaysia – 30+ Franchise Opportunities in Malaysia You Can Explore (2022 Review)

If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a business opportunity, you may be thinking:

“What options do I have?”

Well, why not consider a franchise business in Malaysia?

Starting your own business can be challenging. There’s just so many elements that are unpredictable and beyond your control. However, with a franchise fee, you can leverage on the technical knowledge and experience of the brand you want to franchise.

In short, a franchise program is when a large brand provides you with a license to provide their products or services in your locality. Usually, you’ll have to pay a franchise fee and have an initial capital while the brand provides you with various expertise and support for setting up.

Here are some franchise business in Malaysia for you to consider. For convenience’s sake, we’ve divided them into several categories.

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Food & Beverage

The F&B industry in Malaysia has some of the highest number of local and international business franchises for you to consider. The demand for food and beverages are pretty constant, so here’s a Malaysia franchise price list for your benefit.

1. OldTown White Coffee

OldTown White Coffee is a chain of restaurants selling authentic Malaysian quality food. It currently has more than 250 outlets in Malaysia. Its brand of instant coffee and other beverages are imported to more than 13 different countries.

OldTown eateries are typically furnished to look like old Malaysian coffee shops, with wooden stools and marble top tables. Menu items include Nasi Lemak, Ipoh Hor Fun, and butter kaya toast.

2. Big Apple Donuts and Coffee

Big Apple Donuts are well known for their fluffy and soft donuts as well as their open kitchen concept. The first outlet opened in Malaysia in 2007, and in 2017 the franchise was bought over by Duskin Co, Ltd, which is a Japan based company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

Currently, there are more than 80 Big Apple Donuts outlets in Malaysia, many of which are found in shopping malls.

3. McDonald’s

The McDonald Malaysia franchise is arguably one of Malaysia’s most recognizable fast food brands. Their signature logo is visible almost everywhere you go in Malaysia. Their seasonal products continue to be the main draw for the crowds in Malaysia, as well as all their classic meals.

The first branch that opened in Jalan Bukit Bintang in 1982 is still operating until today, albeit with renovations and upgrades. McDonald’s has also won many international franchise industry awards in the past.

4. Tealive

The Tealive franchise began as a humble home grown brand in Malaysia owned by Loob Holding Sdn Bhd selling freshly-made coffee, tea products, juice, and other beverages.

Today, they have 800 outlets in 9 countries including Malaysia, Australia, and the UK. They continue to attract customers by introducing seasonal drinks and localizing certain products to make it more suitable to the local palate.

5. Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe is yet another Malaysian brand that has made it big internationally. Many Malaysians would recognize this brand for their gourmet cakes and delicious and affordable food.

Apart from cake slices and whole cakes, Secret Recipe also serves hot and freshly prepared meals at their outlets where they feature an Asian and Western inspired menu. Apart from Malaysia, Secret Recipe now has outlets in Singapore, Maldives, Brunei and Indonesia among others.

6. Dave’s Deli

Malaysian brand Dave’s Deli began as a family run establishment back in 1989, in Bangsar Shopping Centre. At first, they were a small sandwich bar that also sold pies and homemade roast chicken.

The brand grew rapidly and today they have about 10 outlets, mainly in Penang and the Klang Valley. Many people love the brand as it reminds them of home made comfort western food with a local touch.

7. Ayam Penyet AP

Specializing in traditional Indonesian cuisine from Surabaya, Ayam Penyet AP attracts customers with an easy-to-order menu and its Halal status. Some highlights from its menu include the famous Ayam Penyet fried chicken, fried Bakso, Lele Penyet (fried catfish), Soto Ayam Mee, and Nasi Uduk.

Ayam Penyet AP is also known for their comfortable interiors which are air-conditioned. Currently, they have almost 20 outlets in and around the Klang Valley.

8. Boost Juice

Nobody can say ‘no’ to refreshing cups of blended juices, smoothies, ice crushes, and more. Boost prides itself on its healthy, fat-free drinks and is a brand originating from Australia.

Their drinks are a unique mixture of different fruits designed to boost the immune system, energy, and detoxification. The Boost franchise business in Malaysia is one of the easiest to set up as it is usually an open juice bar setup without the need for a full shoplot.

9. Each-A-Cup

This Taiwanese brand is one that you can consider franchising in Malaysia. They sell mainly milk teas, flower teas, coffee, fruits teas, ice blends, and more.

The brand actually flourished amidst the bubble tea boom in recent years, and have managed to survive in a competitive environment since its inception in 1999. You’ll usually find an Each-A-Cup outlet in a local mall near you.

10. The Manhattan Fish Market

The Manhattan Fish Market is a food franchise Malaysia that specializes in American style seafood. Their outlets are family-friendly, and they currently have about 25 outlets all over Malaysia.

Apart from Malaysia, they also have outlets all over Asia and the Middle East. Right now, they maintain their customer base by introducing seasonal menu items that are specially tailored to the local communities.

11. US Pizza

This Malaysian franchise business used to be known as Canadian 2 for 1 Pizza, and was brought into Malaysia in 2004 by Haresh and Priya Sewhani.

They’re considered one of the largest pizza delivery chains in Malaysia, and they often introduce localized pizza flavours that everyone can relate to and enjoy. Apart from that, they maintain their competitiveness by regularly introducing promotions and discounts.

12. Hot & Roll

If you’re looking for a business franchise in Malaysia that is affordable, and remains relevant throughout time, then Hot & Roll is a good choice.

This is a kiosk style business that serves light meals on the go. They have wraps, paratha, and crispy crepes filled with both sweet and savoury fillings. Hot & Roll was first opened in Cheras Leisure Mall back in 2003 and now has more than 120 outlets in Malaysia.

13. Nelson’s

Nelson’s is a franchise Malaysia that sells snacks that are well-loved. Among their menu items include corn in a cup, dorayaki, waffles, and drinks. They are probably the cheapest franchise in Malaysia to start, with a franchising fee starting from RM15,000.

There are currently about 80 Nelson’s outlets throughout Malaysia, and several hundred worldwide. Nelson’s immediate short term target is to open more outlets in China and in the region.

14. Starbucks

No franchise Malaysia list is complete without the Starbucks franchise Malaysia. As everyone knows, Starbucks is famous for their coffees. They’re such a big household brand and always boasts a good crowd of customers.

Apart from coffee, they’re also known for their seasonal beverages. In Malaysia, the Starbucks brand is wholly owned by Berjaya Group who may be open to collaborations.

15. Kyros Kebab

Kyros Kebab offers a Malaysia franchise business opportunity that’s based on Mediterranean food. In particular, they offer meat based wraps and pastas, with fillings like lamb, chicken, and sausages wrapped in Lebanese bread.

Kyros Kebab stores are often found in malls on the same floor with other food kiosks. They currently operate about 30 plus outlets in Malaysia, China, Indonesia, Singapore, and Brunei.

16. DABOBA

DABOBA really deserves its place on the franchise Malaysia list due to its rapid growth. Riding the wave of the bubble tea craze in Asia, Taiwanese brand Daboba took its chance to expand beyond their own shores.

Their main attraction is their brown sugar pearl milk tea, filled with chewy dark boba made of tapioca starch. Of course, they also feature an extensive menu featuring other beverages and seasonal ones too.

17. KFC

Kentucky Fried Chicken is a business franchise brand originating from the United States. Interestingly, it is also Malaysia’s oldest fast food chain.

The first KFC opened in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in 1973 and they have been serving Malaysians fried chicken, burgers, their signature coleslaw, and mashed potato ever since. Malaysia now has over 600 KFC outlets – and you could be opening the next one!

18. Kenny Rogers Roasters

Kenny Rogers Roasters has built an F&B franchise in Malaysia based on their healthy brand of rotisserie chicken. They are an award-winning company that has a solid support system for franchisees, and have even won Master franchisee of the year five times.

The first KRR was opened in Malaysia in 1994, in Bangsar and is wholly owned by the Berjaya Roasters (M) Sdn Bhd. Currently, there are approximately 90 KRR outlets in Malaysia and counting.

Their numerous awards as a franchisor makes this casual dining brand one of the best franchise in Malaysia.

Retail

Retail franchises sell various products, with some of these brands being the top franchise in Malaysia. Convenience stores seem to be one of the most common type of business in this category.

1. 7-Eleven

This chain of 24 hour convenience stores in Malaysia is extremely recognizable, and this is because there are almost 2000 7-Eleven stores nationwide. This makes it one of the biggest franchises in the country.

They pride themselves on being sensitive to customer needs and demands. Since the first outlet opened in 1984, 7-Eleven has upgraded their selection of products and services to keep up with the times.

Read also: Customer-Driven Marketing Strategy

This chain is owned by 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn Bhd and serves almost a million customers daily.

2. Family Mart

Family Mart is a convenience store brand that comes from Japan. The Family Mart franchise Malaysia is owned by a subsidiary of QL Resources Berhad, which is Maxincome Resources Sdn Bhd. Family Mart’s main draw is its ready-to-eat meals and snacks, which customers can pick up on the go.

As a fairly new convenience store chain in Malaysia that only started operations in 2016, the Family Mart franchise is one of the fastest growing one with hundreds of outlets in just a few years.

3. Bonia

BONIA is an international luxury brand of bags that started in Singapore in the 1970s. Through the years, they have inspired trust in their brand through their dedication to quality. Today, they have more than 700 retail outlets across Asia and are recognized as a leading international brand.

Apart from Malaysia, BONIA also has a presence in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia among others. Usually, BONIA outlets are found in high-end shopping districts and leading shopping malls.

4. Senheng

Senheng is a Malaysia homegrown brand that sells a wide variety of electrical and electronic appliances. Among its offerings include gadgets, laptops, kitchen appliances, household appliances, air conditioning, health & beauty tools, and more.

The first Senheng store was opened in 1989 by the three Lim brothers, and now has more than 100 outlets under the Senheng and SenQ brands.

5. Focus Point

Focus Point Management Sdn Bhd is a brand that’s dedicated to bringing quality eyewear to Malaysians. They carry some of the leading eyewear brands in the world, including from Tom Ford, Gucci, Police, Hugo Boss, and Armani Exchange.

There are almost 200 Focus Point outlets in Malaysia, some of which come under their sub-brand, Whoosh which has a more modern and contemporary concept. All their stores are staffed by trained and certified opticians.

6. Meiko

Meiko is a Penang-based company that specializes in Japanese inspired beauty and healthcare supplements. They have been in operation since 2007 and their main products include supplements for general health, beauty, and detoxification.

They currently have about 8 outlets located in Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and East Malaysia. Although Meiko as a brand isn’t as big as others, it certainly is growing and has the potential to become big.

7. Hai-O Enterprise

Established in 1975, the Hai-O brand is known for its traditional Chinese medicine products, mainly consisting of herbal supplements.

In addition to its medicated tonics, pills and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) based products, many Hai-O outlets also feature TCM experts and practitioners who function as consultants for consumers who guide them on what products are best suited to their current conditions.

These days, the Hai-O brand is parked under Beshom, the new investment holding company of the Hai-O group of companies.

8. SHINS

Make-up and skincare enthusiasts will no doubt recognize this Malaysian franchise. Apart from cosmetics, SHINS also offers nail care, hair products, and perfume to consumers. They are home to more than 200 international beauty accessories brands and currently have about 40 outlets in Malaysia.

SHINS outlets are usually found in shopping malls, making them a convenient beauty products supply point for consumers.

9. Vincci

The Vincci brand is parked under the Padini Group in Malaysia. It is a leading Malaysian ladies footwear brand, as well as accessories and children’s footwear for girls. They are known for offering premium shoes, sandals, and slippers for relatively affordable prices.

Additionally, their footwear is known to be comfortable and long-lasting. There are currently about 15 Vincci outlets in Malaysia, and more in other parts of South East Asia and the Middle East.

10. Ms. READ

Ms READ is a UK clothing brand that caters to plus-sized women in the fashion industry. It was founded by Helen Read in 1997, and as many as 18 stores have opened in Malaysia since then.

This brand of women’s apparel offers both casual fits as well as more formal clothing made for the office and official functions. More specifically, they cater to women who wear UK size 12-24.

11. Clara International

The Clara International brand was founded in 1975 by Prof. Datin Dr. Clara Chee. It is a company that offers beauty products and services, especially facials and skin treatments. Over the years, Clara International has developed its own line of skincare products too.

Today, Clara International is owned by Clara Network (M) Sdn Bhd and they have branches in other parts of the world beyond Malaysia. They are also a life member of the Malaysian Franchise Association and were named the top 10 franchise twice.

Services

Although not as widespread as F&B or retail franchises, service-based brands still offer pretty good franchise opportunities in Malaysia.

1. Mail Boxes ETC

Mail Boxes ETC is a chain that provides mailbox services, as well as many other complementary services to the public. These include courier services, pick ups and drop offs, document printing and copying, stationeries, packing, and more.

Currently, Mail Boxes ETC is Malaysia’s biggest franchise that is services-based, and not F&B or retail.

2. Yamaha Music School

Yamaha Music Schools have their own teaching methods that are vastly different from classical music training. In this respect, they’re pretty unique. Their music courses are designed for children, as well as for adult learners.

Unlike the very exam-oriented methods of traditional music schools, Yamaha’s approach is much more relaxed and focused on self-motivated learning.

3. Kumon

Kumon Education (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd is an education brand that provides after school mathematics and English reading classes to students.

Their programs are offered to children as young as three years old, all the way up to secondary school. There are currently more than 4 million students enrolled in the Kumon programs in about 50 countries.

4. Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is a 24 hour fitness gym that was founded in the US in 2002. In Malaysia, there are more than 30 Anytime Fitness gyms, mainly around the Klang Valley.

Their main attraction is the fact that they’re open 24 hours a day, and provide a complete gym experience in modern and contemporary indoor locations.

FAQs

1. How Many Franchises Are There in Malaysia?

As of 2019, there are about 877 registered franchises in Malaysia.

2. Which Franchise is The Most Profitable in Malaysia?

Some of the most profitable franchises in Malaysia are 7-Eleven and Tealive.

3. How Can I Be Part of The Franchise Industry in Malaysia?

First, you’ll have to do market research to determine demand and target audience. Second, do online research to determine costs, and finally contact the franchisor to start.

4. Which Business Is Best For Franchise?

F&B businesses are some of the best as demand is always constant, but in general there are several best business opportunities in Malaysia.

5. Why Do Franchise Businesses Fail?

Some of the main reasons why a franchise fails is lack of support, poor planning or operations management, lack of capital, and mismanagement of resources.

What’s Next?

No matter what franchise business you have decided on, one of the main factors it needs to grow and thrive is a good digital marketing strategy.

In order to achieve that, you need the right skills and experience, which we at One Search Pro can offer you.

Come speak to us to help grow and market your franchised brand and ensure its future!