“Malaysia aims to achieve RM100 billion in franchise sales by 2030, driven by overseas expansion, halal franchising growth and the proposed Asean Franchise Gateway.”
Kuala Lumpur, 16th December 2025, 10.18am – Malaysia has set a goal to reach RM100 billion in national franchise sales by 2030, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Minister of Rural and Regional Development, said the target is achievable if the franchise sector maintains annual growth of eight to 10 per cent while accelerating its expansion into international markets.
He said Malaysian franchise brands must scale beyond domestic borders, with a target of establishing a presence in at least 25 countries within the next five years.
Speaking at the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) Awards, Ahmad Zahid said the government plans to support overseas growth through the proposed Asean Franchise Gateway, an initiative aimed at positioning Malaysia as a regional launch platform for franchise expansion across South-east Asia.
He noted that Asean, with a population exceeding 680 million people and a rapidly growing middle class, offers significant potential for Malaysian brands seeking regional and global growth.
Under the proposed gateway, Malaysia would function as a one-stop centre for franchise internationalisation, providing streamlined regulatory processes, legal and intellectual property support, halal certification alignment, integrated logistics facilitation, TVET-based workforce development and accelerated market entry pathways.
To complement this effort, Ahmad Zahid said the internationalisation component of the Enhanced Franchise Development Programme (EFDP) will be reinforced through more focused trade missions to priority overseas markets.
He said these initiatives would help Malaysian franchise operators form strategic partnerships, strengthen brand recognition and expand their international footprint.
“With coordinated regulations, a supportive ecosystem and active international engagement, Malaysia has the potential to emerge as Asean’s leading franchise hub and a preferred entry point for regional and global brands,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also proposed the creation of a National Franchise Academy, integrated with Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to develop franchise-ready talent, standardise service quality and professionalise frontline workers.
He said the initiative would help ensure consistent brand delivery while supporting the domestic and international growth of Malaysian franchises.
Separately, Ahmad Zahid highlighted the strong prospects of halal franchising, noting that Malaysia has topped the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for the past 10 years.
He said the global halal economy, currently valued at over US$3 trillion, is expected to expand to US$5 trillion by 2030, presenting major opportunities for Malaysian franchise brands with global ambitions.
He also pointed to the tourism sector, which contributes more than 15 per cent to Malaysia’s gross domestic product, as another key growth area for franchising.
As tourism activity continues to recover and the country prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, Ahmad Zahid said demand for franchised products and services — particularly in food, retail, wellness and hospitality — is expected to strengthen further.
