Pubs, bars, discotheques, coffee houses, cocktail lounges and karaoke
This activity covers establishments primarily engaged in serving alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises, including pubs, bars, and cocktail lounges. It also includes venues like discotheques and karaoke bars that provide entertainment and social interaction.
Open to 100% foreign ownership under standard Malaysian policy.
- Foreign equity
- 100%
- Capital floor
- None
- Key licences
- 3
- Setup timeline
- 8–12 wk
Licences & permits
Licences & permits
- Music / Performance Royalty Licence (MACP/PPM)Issued by Music Authors' Copyright Protection (MACP) and Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) · Copyright Act 1987Required if you play recorded music or live performances in commercial premises
- Liquor LicenceIssued by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) and Local Authority · Customs Act 1967; Excise Act 1976Required to serve or sell alcoholic beverages
Common requirements for most Malaysian businesses6
- Sales & Service Tax (SST) RegistrationIssued by Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD)
- Bomba Fire Safety Certificate (Sijil Perakuan Bomba)Issued by Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia (Bomba)
- EPF / SOCSO / EIS Employer RegistrationIssued by KWSP (EPF), PERKESO (SOCSO), EIS
- LHDN Employer Tax (E) RegistrationIssued by Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN/HASiL)
- Signboard / Advertisement Licence (PBT)Issued by Local Authority (PBT)
- Local Authority Business LicenceIssued by Local Authority (PBT)
Have Emerhub file every licence above for you
We'll prepare the forms, liaise with each agency and track approvals — bundled with Sdn Bhd setup. Agency fees are paid to the issuing authority; our service fee is quoted separately.
Get a quoteSource: MalaysiaBiz / BLESS licence catalog.
Governing legislation
Traced through the business licences these Acts govern.
Activity details
SST & Withholding Tax
F&B Service (Group B): Subject to 6% Service Tax (threshold RM1,500,000 annual turnover).
Risk Level
Government Grants
Eligible for SME Corp grants and F&B industry support programmes.
e-Invoicing (MyInvois)
MSIC code 56301 is required when issuing e-invoices via LHDN MyInvois. Use this code in the Classification field of your e-invoice.