Malaysia Targets RM100 Billion Franchise Sales by 2030, Zahid Says
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has set an ambitious goal of achieving RM100 billion in national franchise sales by 2030, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced on Monday.
Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as Rural and Regional Development Minister, said the target is achievable if the franchise sector sustains annual growth of between 8% and 10% while aggressively expanding into overseas markets.
He stressed that more Malaysian franchise brands must go global, with a strategic aim of establishing a presence in at least 25 countries within the next five years.
Speaking at the Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) Awards on Dec 15, Ahmad Zahid said the government plans to anchor this expansion through the proposed ASEAN Franchise Gateway, a strategic initiative designed to position Malaysia as a regional launchpad for franchise growth across Southeast Asia.
He noted that ASEAN, with a population exceeding 680 million and a rapidly growing middle class, offers immense opportunities for Malaysian brands seeking regional and international expansion. Through the gateway, Malaysia aims to become a one-stop center for franchise internationalization by providing streamlined regulations, legal and intellectual property support, halal certification alignment, integrated logistics facilitation, and workforce development through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
To complement this initiative, Ahmad Zahid said the internationalization component of the Enhanced Franchise Development Programme (EFDP) will be strengthened through targeted trade missions to priority markets. These efforts are intended to help Malaysian franchises secure strategic partnerships, boost brand visibility, and deepen their global footprint.
“With strong regulatory alignment, ecosystem integration, and proactive international outreach, Malaysia can establish itself as ASEAN’s premier franchise hub and the natural entry point for global and regional brands into Southeast Asia,” he said.
Ahmad Zahid also proposed the establishment of a National Franchise Academy, integrated with TVET, to develop franchise-ready workers, standardize service excellence, and professionalize frontline talent.
“By producing customer-centered and globally competent workers, this initiative will strengthen our franchise ecosystem and accelerate the expansion of Malaysian brands at home and abroad,” he added.
Highlighting the potential of halal franchising, Ahmad Zahid pointed to Malaysia’s top ranking in the Global Islamic Economy Indicator for the past 10 consecutive years. He said the global halal economy, currently valued at over US$3 trillion, is projected to reach US$5 trillion by 2030, creating significant opportunities for Malaysian franchise brands.
He also cited the tourism sector contributing 15.1% to Malaysia’s GDP as a key beneficiary of franchise growth.
“Tourists seek familiar and quality-assured services, and franchised brands offer the reliability, consistency, and value they expect. As Malaysia’s tourism momentum rebounds and we prepare for Visit Malaysia 2026, demand for franchise products and services in food, retail, wellness, and hospitality will grow even stronger,” he said.