Malaysia’s Franchise Sales Projected to Reach RM100 Billion by 2030

Domestic sales in Malaysia’s franchise sector are projected to reach RM100 billion (Malaysian ringgit) by 2030, compared with RM46 billion in 2025. The projection, outlined by Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, comes alongside new registrations, with 16 franchise registration certificates presented to new franchisors on 16 October 2026.

Sales projected to more than double

According to Bernama, Fuziah presented the projection while opening the southern regional leg of the Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition roadshow, Road to FIM2027, at Paradigm Mall Convention Centre in Johor Bahru. She said the franchise sector had the potential to become one of the main drivers of the national economy.

Based on the two figures cited, projected sales for 2030 are more than double the 2025 figure. The comparison illustrates the scale of growth envisaged for Malaysia’s franchise sector over five years.

However, the RM100 billion figure is a projection, not sales already achieved. For prospective franchisees, this distinction matters when assessing business opportunities: growth across the sector does not, in itself, indicate how an individual brand or outlet will perform.

National sales figures should also be distinguished from potential investment figures announced for individual exhibitions. Both provide context for business development, but they measure different things and should not be treated as equivalent sales results.

New registrations broaden business options

At the same event, 16 franchise registration certificates were presented to new franchisors. Fuziah described this as a reflection of an expanding franchise sector spanning a range of business activities.

The presentation of these certificates is a significant development alongside the national sales projection. It shows that growth in the franchise sector is not just about market value, but also about new brand owners adopting the business model.

Fuziah also emphasised that franchise opportunities extend beyond food and drink. Education, services, and health and beauty were among the sectors highlighted at the event.

In education, she said opportunities were available with start-up capital as low as RM15,000. This figure refers to the opportunities mentioned in her speech, rather than a capital requirement that applies to all education franchises or brands.

For readers drawing up a shortlist, this information offers a reason to explore options beyond food and drink businesses. However, the start-up capital figure should be a starting point for further enquiries, not the sole basis for deciding whether to invest.

Focus on smaller businesses and new entrepreneurs

Fuziah said the programme, themed “From Local to Global”, aimed to make the franchise business model more accessible to the public. One objective was to challenge the perception that franchising is only open to large companies.

The programme also focused on micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), enabling more entrepreneurs to explore affordable franchises before expanding into international markets. This approach makes access to information and meetings with brand owners part of the effort to broaden participation.

Malaysian Franchise Association vice-chairman Khalek Awang said the local outreach effort included young people, graduates, homemakers and retirees seeking to generate income. Visitors could obtain consultations, financing information and business guidance directly from franchise operators and relevant agencies.

He said the advantages of the franchise model included support from brand owners, such as operational training, marketing, the transfer of expertise and guidance on compliance with standards. Prospective franchisees should explore the details of this support when speaking with brand owners.

Market interest must be followed by careful assessment of offers

Providing context for the sector’s development, FIM2026 attracted 159 local and international exhibitors and more than 26,000 visitors. The exhibition also recorded potential investment exceeding RM600 million.

These figures illustrate participation and interest in franchise opportunities through the exhibition platform. However, the term “potential investment” remains important: the figure does not confirm that all of those investments have gone ahead.

The next Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition, FIM2027, is scheduled to take place at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre from 6 to 8 May 2027. It will provide another opportunity for prospective entrepreneurs to explore business offerings and seek clarification from brand owners.

Practical guidance: Use national sales projections as context, not as a guarantee of returns. Before choosing a franchise, clarify the capital required, training, operational support and compliance responsibilities associated with the offer you are considering.