71 foreign food and beverage franchisors are registered in Malaysia, representing 42% of the national franchise register, says KUSKOP
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 71 foreign food and beverage franchisors were registered to operate in Malaysia as of 31 December 2025.
This figure represents 42% of the 170 F&B franchisors listed on the national register, according to the Ministry of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives.
In a parliamentary reply, KUSKOP acknowledged the challenges faced by local micro, small and medium enterprises from international competition.
The ministry stated that these foreign companies often offer lower-priced products backed by global scale and supply chains.
“KUSKOP ensures that only foreign franchisor applications that are genuinely qualified and capable of contributing to the national economy are approved for registration,” it said.
The reply addressed a question from Kepala Batas MP Siti Mastura Muhammad on mechanisms to protect domestic MSMEs.
Separately, the ministry outlined programmes to support local entrepreneurs through its agencies.
Initiatives include live-streaming sales and free studio facilities via a collaboration between TEKUN Nasional and TikTok Shop.
The national trade promotion agency Pernas also offers free online marketing space on its MyMall platform.
These efforts aim to increase sales value and market access for Malaysian MSME products and services.
