M’sia Records 3,681 Franchise Registrations, Local Brands Account For 62.2 Pct - Armizan

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 5 (Bernama) -- A total of 3,681 franchise registrations were recorded nationwide through the MyFEX 2.0 system as at Oct 27, with local franchisors accounting for 62.2 per cent of all franchisor and master franchisor registrations.

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said of the 489 franchisor and master franchisor registrations, 304 involved local franchisors, while the remaining 3,192 registrations were for franchisees.

He said greater emphasis should now be placed on strengthening the sustainability and competitiveness of local franchises, including their ability to expand into international markets.

“This means that local franchise participation is already established. What we need to do now is strengthen their sustainability and, most importantly, their competitiveness, not only in the domestic market but also their ability to penetrate overseas markets,” he told a press conference after launching Tealive’s latest product, Tealive Sparkling Prebiotic Tea Soda, at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur here today.

Armizan said the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN), through Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (PERNAS), would continue to intensify efforts to build the capacity of local franchises, particularly among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), to enhance their competitiveness and expand their markets.

He said the positive growth in franchise registrations year after year was also supported by the government’s efforts to expand the market for local products through the Jom Beli Produk Malaysia (JOM MALAYSIA) campaign, in collaboration with various parties, including industry players.

Under Budget 2027, the government has allocated RM20 million for the PERNAS SME & Franchisor Financing Scheme (PSFS) to support the development of local franchise businesses.

The financing covers start-up and working capital for opening new outlets, renovating premises, purchasing equipment and procuring initial stock, he said.

Another RM9 million has been allocated for the Be Your Own Boss (BYOB) programme, which aims to encourage more women and Bumiputera youths to become franchise entrepreneurs through structured training, business matching, financing assistance and six months of monitoring after they start their businesses.

Meanwhile, Armizan said Tealive’s success, with 800 outlets in Malaysia and 82 franchise outlets in nine countries as at October 2026, demonstrated the ability of local brands to expand and compete internationally.

At the event, Tealive also introduced four new ready-to-drink beverages featuring tea and fruit-based flavours.

Also present were KPDN Distribution Trade and Business Sector Division secretary Rohaizi Bohari, Loob Holding Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Bryan Loo, its chief operating officer Chee Leng Loo, PERNAS Franchise Financing Department head Mohd Najib Hassan Besiri, and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur senior director of retail and leasing Lowell Ho.

-- BERNAMA