50 Low Cost Franchises In Malaysia You Can Join Right Now

The ultimate roundup of low cost franchise opportunities including Tealive and more.

As of 7 November 2019, we have refreshed this list with new franchises that recently entered the market, some of which are highly coveted Taiwanese bubble tea brands that you may already have tried!

Franchising can be a great way to get into business for yourself. Starting and running a business is extremely difficult, but extra support from a franchisor and the right SME loan can be just what you need to give you that edge.

But which franchise should you go with? If you’ve read our previous articles on the topic of franchising, you should have a general guideline that you can follow when getting into franchising.

To help you pick a suitable franchise, we have compared all franchise offers across Malaysia and listed 50 easily accessible franchises for you to choose from.

We have ranked these 50 franchise offers according to the estimates of initial capital required, so you can quickly find the franchises that are within your capital limit.

Keep in mind that the amounts listed here are for reference only. The actual investment amounts or franchising fees might differ because each new outlet is going to have its own characteristics (location, development costs, etc.)

Related: The 10 most famous Malaysian franchises

From RM15,000 - RM150,000

From RM151,000 - RM350,000

From RM351,000 - RM1,000,000

Nelson’s

Nelson’s began with the corn-in-a-cup concept and has since grown to one of Malaysia’s top brands with more than 1000 outlets in 17 countries.

Their franchise offer is ideal for entrepreneurs who are looking for a franchise business with low capital investment. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM15,000 –RM60,000
• Franchise fee: RM5,000 – RM12,000
• Royalties: Available Upon Request

The Soya Shop

The Soya Shop prides itself for using in-house technology and strictly non-GMO Canadian beans that are cooked in filtered water with no preservatives and additives.

It is a viable business opportunity if you are looking to invest in a franchise that requires low start-up costs.

• Initial capital investment: RM49,000 - RM300,000
• Franchise fee: RM12,000 - RM60,000
• Royalties: 3% gross sales

Apple Hotel

The Apple Hotel brand is very distinctive and maintains close partnership with budget airlines, which has enabled it to achieve significant growth in a short span of time.

Now, it offers entrepreneurs the chance to venture into the hotel industry with very few barriers, thanks to its franchise program, which provides solutions for (but are not limited to) site selection, design and concept realization, reservation system, digital marketing, and sale ascending through online booking & OTA partners.

• Initial capital investment: RM70,000+
• Franchise fees: RM80,000
• Royalties: RM80,000

Burger Bakar Abang Burn

Abang Burn starting selling burgers before burgers were hot. They started out as a street stand and scaled heavily when the burger wave hit. They now have over 20 outlets throughout Malaysia. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM85,000
• Franchise fee: RM15,000
• Royalties: 5%

Daily Fresh

With more than 800 franchise outlets around the world, Daily Fresh is one of the leading global snack food retailers. They are currently active in 15 countries, selling a variety of ready-to-go snacks and desserts.

Daily Fresh is also the owner of the largest sweet corn plantation in Malaysia, which gives the business a unique edge in its market segment. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM85,000 – RM120,000
• Franchise fee: RM25,000
• Royalties: 2%

Each A Cup

If bubble tea is your thing, you might want to consider opening an Each a Cup franchise.

One of the most successful and popular bubble tea brands in the Asian markets, Each a Cup was founded in 1999 and currently has more than 100 outlets throughout Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei.

The company has a strong support system in place to assist franchisees with training, site selection, design and recruitment. Definitely a good choice if you are looking for an easily accessible beverage franchise. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM100,000+
• Franchise fee: RM20,000
• Royalties: 5%

Hot&Roll

Hot&Roll is an emerging leader of wholesome baked food products which can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere. Hot&Roll pledges to provide hot, healthy and delicious food that caters to all tastes.

The Hot&Roll franchising offer is characterized by low inventory costs with little or no wastage. The franchisor also offers extensive training and comprehensive business and financing guidance. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM100,000 – RM165,000
• Franchise fee: RM15,000 – RM30,000
• Royalties: 5%

Metro Driving Academy

Established in 1998, Metro Driving Academy was licensed and received the award for Best Driving Academy and 5 Star Rated Driving Academy by the Road Transport Department of Malaysia.

As a franchisee, you will be provided support in terms of business development, location, application process, etc.  Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM110,000
• Franchise fee: RM28,000
• Royalties: RM160 – RM400

World of Cartoons

World of Cartoons concept stores include several cartoon brands such as Mickey Unlimited, Winnie the Pooh, Mickey for Kids, Warner Bros., Looney Tunes, Garfield, Superman, etc. 

• Initial capital investment: RM114,100 – RM211,000
• Franchise fee: RM30,000
• Royalties: 3% net sales per month

Gindaco

Gindaco is the leading chain for premium Takoyaki with more than 500 outlets worldwide. They pride themselves on using only high-quality octopus and other ingredients that are imported from Japan. They currently have 10 stores in Malaysia and are expanding aggressively.

Choose any franchise size that suits your business needs and receive support in the form of an automated patented Takoyaki machine, hands-on training, exposure to global best practices, and product innovation to suit local tastes.  Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM125,000+
• Franchise fee: RM55,000
• Royalties: 5%

Bonia

Established since 1974, BONIA, the international luxury brand and leather expert, has created a trademark legend in the fashion industry, achieving numerous milestones among the many accolades it receives.

Being an expert of leather, BONIA offers wide range of leather goods including leather handbags, footwear and accessories for both ladies and gentlemen as well as other non-leather fashion item such as men’s apparels. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM145,000
• Franchise fee: RM20,000
• Royalties: 2%

Tutti Frutti

Tutti Frutti Frozen Yogurt is an American brand and one of the largest retailer of specialty self-serve premium frozen yogurt in the world.

With more than 600 outlets worldwide, franchisees can expect a tried and tested franchise structure to benefit from.

• Initial capital investment: RM150,000
• Franchise fee: RM50,000
• Royalties: 5% monthly gross sales

Coolblog

Coolblog is a kiosk-based desserts and beverages brand. They started by introducing more than 25 flavours of desserts and beverages with over 300 product variants.

The brand has underlined a three-year growth plan to drastically increase the number of outlets in Malaysia to 500 outlets.

Over the years, they have scored awards for “2012 100th Outstanding SME” by Golden Bull, “SME Rising Star 2012” by SME Corp, and “SME Brand Excellence” in 2013.

Additionally, their products have yielded considerable profits in terms of product cost of 40%. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM150,000+
• Franchise fee: RM30,000 (5 years term)
• Royalties: RM1,280 per month

Kiddo Science

As a pioneer in the Malaysian education system in developing Scientist Programs for children aged 5-12 years old, Kiddo Science is a franchise opportunity with limited direct competitors.

It offers its franchisees complete training that includes daily operations, system management, and monthly professional Teachers’ training. Learn more here. 

• Initial capital investment: FromRM150,000 – RM250,000
• Franchise fee: RM30,000 – RM50,000
• Royalties: 8%

Balloon Buzz Party Centre

Balloon Bouquets is a key pioneer in the balloons and party inventories category in Malaysia. They started as a home business in 1996, and now operate more than 12 stores in the country. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM150,000- RM200,000
• Franchise fee: RM50,000
• Royalties: 3%

Mr. Clean

Mr. Clean is a fabric care enthusiast that specializes in dry cleaning and laundry service.

Operating on a franchise model, they offer tier level business opportunities to entrepreneurs interested in operating full-fledged dry cleaning and laundry services.

Ambitious business owners looking to manage a chain of dry cleaning and laundry service may also enquire about their master franchise and regional franchise. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM158,000 - RM355,000
• Franchise fee: RM10,000 - RM50,000
• Royalties: 8% monthly gross sales

Chatto Handcrafted Tea Bar

Chatto Handcrafted Tea Bar is a Malaysia Homegrown brand established since August 2017. Chatto is a Japanese concept tea bar with premium quality tea imported from Japan, Taiwan and China.

By designing our beverage in low sugar with organic tea leaf, we believe tea makes people healthier and happier.

Chatto has 35 outlets in Malaysia and target to expand to more than 40 outlets by 2019. Other than that, Chatto will be having its international outlet in Australia and Brunei in Q1 of 2020.

Chatto sets realistic investment value to all licensees who wish to explore more in F&B industry. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment:  RM180,000
• Franchise fee: RM60,000
• Royalties: 5%

Kamal-Kamal Pest Control

Kamal & Kamal Pest Control began as a family owned business in 1985. Its founder, Tuan Haji Hussein Kamal also went on to be Founding President for “Pest Control Association of Malaysia” and “Bumiputra Integrated Pest Management of Malaysia.

They now employ more than 100 professionally-trained staff and have a robust portfolio of clients across multinational organisations, hospitality service industries, government agencies, foreign embassies, and more.

They are currently looking for franchisees in East Malaysia, but you may reach out to them to inquire about alternative locations. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM200,000
• Franchise fee: RM20,000
• Royalties: 4% gross sales

Mayflower Holidays

Mayflower is a travel service specialist in Malaysia, offering a diversified range of services. Its franchise solution and business model is completely adopted from the highly successful business model.

They are looking for enterprising people who have a passion in the travel industry with more than 60 locations ready for the right franchisees. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment:  RM200,000
• Franchise fee: RM50,000 (5 years)
• Royalties: 18% net operating profit

Reliance Travel

Since its inception in 1969, Reliance Travel has went on to clinch several industry awards such as China Airlines’ 2006 Million Dollar Sales Award, Cathay Pacific’s Appreciation Award for Top Agent, South East Asia’s Top Agent Award, Malaysia Airlines’ Top Travel Agent Award, the Brand Laureate Award, and the Reader’s Digest Trusted Brands Gold Award for the Travel Agent category in Malaysia.

They were also the first to create a systematic travel franchise program that is approved by the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Co-operative Development (MECD).

• Initial capital investment:  RM218,000
• Franchise fee: RM28,000
• Royalties: 2% gross sales

Andersen's Ice Cream

The Andersen’s Ice Cream franchising concept is largely based on a “partnership for profit and growth” philosophy.

They are looking for franchisees to take the brand further in high potential locations. As a franchisee, you will be guided through the entire business process and receive support in terms of on the job training, store design and construction, marketing, promotion, and raw material supplies. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: SGD80,000 - SGD150,000
• Franchise fee: SGD15,000 – SGD35,000
• Royalties: 6% monthly gross turnover

Kyros Kebab

Although kebab is not a typical Malaysian dish, Kyros has managed to create a strong foothold in the Malaysian market. They offer a healthy and tasty meal among other great products.

Kyros kebab is an established business model and is one of the major local fast food chains in the country. You can start your own Kyros Kebab outlet at a reasonable cost, compared to other franchising programs. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM250,000 - RM350,000
• Franchise fee: RM50,000
• Royalties: 5% gross monthly turnover

7 Eleven

The name 7 Eleven first came into existence in 1946, when all Tote’m stores across the US were re-branded to 7-Eleven to reflect the stores’ new, extended hours – 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., seven days a week.

7-Eleven is now the largest 24-hours convenience store operator in Malaysia. When it first reached the 1,000 store milestone, 7-Eleven Malaysia started accepting local entrepreneur to join the business as franchisees. 7-Eleven currently has a staggering 2144 outlets across Malaysia.  Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM 250,000
• Franchise fee: RM 100,000 (10 Years)
• Royalties: RM1,000 (Year 1 – Year 5), 1% monthly sales (Year 6 – Year 10)

Tealive

Tealive is an award-winning brand with outlets in Malaysia and Vietnam. A key differentiator is their year-on-year sales growth for 7 consecutive years (Loob Holding).

Franchisees will enjoy location, construction, operational, advertising, and marketing support. As for location selection, you may readily choose from more than 50 new superior locations across Malaysia. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM250,000+
• Franchise fee: RM75,000
• Royalties: 3%

 Related: Chatime vs. Tealive: Clash of the Bubble Tea Franchises

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Young Chefs Academy

Young Chefs Academy offers hands-on culinary experiences to children aged 3 to 17 in a safe environment. The most prominent chef in its squad is Brian, a Masterchef Malaysia top finalist who also conducts classes for adults.

The company positions itself as a scalable franchise with high potential profit margin and low operating costs. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM257,500
• Franchise fee: RM30,000
• Royalties: RM1,500

Crumbs

Founded in 2009, Crumbs is the top Frozen Yogurt brand in Hong Kong. They serve Frozen Yogurt with exclusive homemade toppings, homemade scones, bottled desserts, and Froyo Smoothie.

They now have 6 stores in Hong Kong, 15 stores in China, and 3 stores in Malaysia.

• Initial capital investment: RM280,000 – RM380,000
• Franchise fee: RM68,000
• Royalties: 5%

Shins

Established in 1999, SHINS is Malaysia’s leading beauty retail chain store that offers over 5,000 types of beauty products from over 200 internationally acclaimed brands to meet customers’ beauty needs.

Their range of products including haircare, skincare, cosmetics, perfume, body & slimming care, nail care, beauty tools and beauty accessories.

Today, SHINS operates over 40 stores strategically located in leading shopping malls in Malaysia. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM300,000
• Franchise fee: RM50,000 (5 years)
• Royalties: 3% gross income per month

Juice Works

With over 30 flavours to choose from, there is something for everyone at Juice Works.  Their fresh juices and smoothies are made using only the freshest and most natural ingredients.

Their outlets can be found in most major shopping malls in Malaysia. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM300,000 – 350,000
• Franchise fee: Available Upon Request
• Royalties: 5%

Gloria Jean’s Coffees

A cup of good coffee is just what you need in the morning and Gloria Jean’s Coffees meets this demand. This top gourmet retailer aims to capture the specialty coffee market with a rich and strong scent.

Gloria Jean’s is currently looking to expand its business in Malaysia by adding additional stores.

Since 2006, the master franchising rights for Gloria Jean’s are in the hands of MyFranchise, but you can become a franchisee within their framework. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM300,000 to RM600,000
• Franchise fee: Available Upon Request
• Royalties: Available Upon Request

Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza

Family, friends and good times have always brought people together. Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza are owned and operated by people living right in the neighbourhood they serve.

Canadian 2 For 1 Pizza has exciting plans to expand its presence throughout Asia. If you have been looking to join an F&B franchise business that offers extensive support, this may be worth considering. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment:  RM340,000
• Franchise fee: RM75,000 for 10 years
• Royalties: 5% monthly gross sales

Legend’s Claypot Briyani House

Founded in 1997, the Legend’s family curry house specialized in Clay pot Briyani and Banana Leaf cuisine.

The company went through a re-branding phase in 2009 and has reassessed its objectives. Their signature item, the Claypot Briyani has been at the forefront of the success that the company has been having. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM 350,000
• Franchise fee: RM 60,000
• Royalties: 3%

Daboba

Daboba is on a mission to expand into new global markets. It has already received rave reviews amongst tea enthusiasts for its flagship beverage, the Brown Sugar Boba Pure Milk Series, and other creations.

Backed by a management team with solid experience in Taiwan’s tea beverages industry, they have designed a franchise program that will allow you to make the most of their expertise and comprehensive business support system. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM350,000
• Franchise fee: RM350,000
• Royalties: 6% total sales per month

Vincci

Vincci is a Malaysian ladies’ footwear brand. Since its inception in 1981, Vincci has opened over 100 outlets across South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM400,000
• Franchising fee: RM38,000
• Royalties: 4% per month

Sports Planet

Sports Planet is always on the lookout for passionate business owners to join their franchise.

Apart from possessing 13 futsal venues in Malaysia, they have established a strong global network of outlets in over 100 countries.

They were also bestowed with “Most Promising Franchisor of the Year” and “Best Sales Growth Award” by the Malaysian Franchise. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM450,000
• Franchise fee: RM30,000
• Royalties: 5%

Bynd Artisan

Bynd Artisan is an experiential combination of Retail Space, Atelier, and Cafe. It focused its early business in bookbinding, and gradually expanded its product offerings to include luxury paper, leather goods, designer capsule collections, and guided workshops.

As part of the retail experience, the Cafe section also serves coffee, tea, and light snacks. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: SGD150,000
• Franchise fee: SGD$50,000
• Royalties: SGD$100 per month

Bangi Kopitiam

Bangi Kopitiam started with the initiative of four childhood friends who want to bring back the Malaysian ‘Muhibbah’ spirit which they experienced during their growing up years back in their ‘kampong’.

Their food assortment has a combination of Chinese, Malay and Indian influences which makes it a truly unique experience.

• Initial capital investment:  RM500,000
• Franchise fee: RM80,000
• Royalties: 5%

Ayam Penyet AP

Ayam Penyet serves food inspired by traditional Indonesian cuisine. A very popular restaurant, Ayam Penyet has frequently listed in the top 10 most popular foods among Malaysians, due to its unique Surabaya recipe.

Relatively easy to run and operate, the brand has a strong presence in Malaysia and can therefore be a good choice if you have the capital required. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM577,000 – RM752,000
• Franchise fee: RM100,000
• Royalties: Available Upon Request

Marrybrown

Marrybrown is proudly Malaysian-owned and is the winner of various domestic and international franchise industry awards.

With over 30 years in the franchise industry, this homegrown fast food chain is currently the world’s largest Halal quick service restaurant (QSR) brand originating from Asia.

If you choose to become a Marrybrown franchisee, you can benefit from the years of refinement that have gone into developing the Marrybrown concept. Marrybrown possesses a proven franchise format that has put the company on the map.  Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM600,000 - RM800,000
• Franchise fee: RM120,000
• Royalties: 4%

Teh Tarik Place

Founded in 2007, Teh Tarik Place is famous for its authentic Malaysian street cuisine, such as The Tarik, Roti Canai and spicy Nasi Lemak. The business currently has 23 stores located in high-traffic locations. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM600,000
• Franchise fee: RM60,000
• Royalties: 5%

Hailam Kopitiam

Hailam Kopitiam is a well-loved F&B chain with more than 30 outlets today. They have successfully captured the market with trendy local yet affordable signature dishes such as chicken rice, chicken chop, roti bakar, and etc.

You will be supported by the franchisor in the following areas: franchise consultancy, site selection, outlet design and renovation, outlet set up, menu, central kitchen supplies, staff training, and new menu development. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM600,000++
• Franchise fee: RM70,000
• Royalties: 5%

Secret Recipe

Secret Recipe is known for its wide range of high quality gourmet cakes. Founded in 1997, Secret Recipe offers great variety combined with quality food at affordable prices.

As the leading and largest café chain in Malaysia, Secret Recipe has grown rapidly and currently has more than 440 outlets across the region. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM600,000 - RM650,000
• Franchise fee: RM150,000
• Royalties: 5% net sales

Subway

The SUBWAY brand is the world's largest submarine sandwich chain with more than 44,000 locations around the world. They’ve become the leading choice for people seeking quick, nutritious sandwiches that the whole family can enjoy.

Subway has been consistently rated the #1 franchise to join, which is supported by its rapid global success. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM607,946 – RM1,075,131
• Franchise fee: RM 44,900
• Royalties: 8%

OLDTOWN White Coffee

Founded in 1999, OLDTOWN is one of Malaysia biggest coffee brands with 234 outlets across Malaysia. Next to their regular coffee shops, they also export their coffee and tea products to 13 different countries.

Their franchise offer is very flexible with a lot of different store set ups you can choose from. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM700,000 – RM1,000,000
• Franchise fee: RM80,000
• Royalties: 5%

Dave’s Deli

Dave’s Deli is Malaysia’s very own deli chain of restaurants. Since 1989, they have served food that is quick, delicious and value for money. Cooked with fresh ingredients and served by people who genuinely love food.

This business is relatively easy to operate and the franchisor also provides training and ongoing support. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: RM800,000
• Franchise fee: RM75,000
• Royalties: 5%

I Love Yoo!

I Love Yoo! transforms the familiar street food experience into a “street feast” concept. Since the inception of its flagship outlet in Pavilion, Bukit Bintang in 2007, they have grown to 35 outlets nationwide today.

As a franchisee, you will receive advice on location selection, renovation, and intensive training for you and appointed staff on the necessary skills to run the store. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: Available Upon Request
• Franchise fee: RM50,000 for the initial first term of 5 years and RM20,000 for the second term of 5 years
• Royalties: 4%

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi

Kebab Turki Baba Rafi currently has 25 outlets in Malaysia, with plans to attract more franchisees in Kelantan, Terengganu, Perak, Melaka, and Johor. Their long-term goal is to open 200 outlets within the next five years.

Their competitive franchise package includes everything from SOP, training, operating software, outlet construction, equipment supply, and raw materials.

The management also provides guidance on operational matters and visits the franchisee’s outlet to conduct quality checks every month. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: Available Upon Request
• Franchise fee: RM30,000
• Royalties: 18% monthly

Zawara

Zawara is a fast fashion company specializing in Muslim female attire. It’s inventory includes but is not limited to dresses, jubah, hijab, shoes, and even kids clothing.

To date, it now has 20 outlets nationwide. The franchise is a strong contender if you’re looking to enter a niche market with immense potential for growth.

• Initial capital investment: Available Upon Request
• Franchise fee: RM500,000
• Royalties: Available Upon Request

Dairy King

A highly popular dessert kiosk specializing in imported ice-cream in a broad range of flavors and other crave-worthy finger foods.

Following the overwhelming success of its first outlet, they decided to open 5 more and even created a franchise program within the same year. They are actively looking for like-minded franchisees to join their expansion plan.

• Initial capital investment: Available Upon Request
• Franchise fee: RM15,000
• Royalties: 5% monthly gross sales

TotallyHotStuff™

TotallyHotStuff™ is a lifestyle and gifts retailer that curates only best-selling selections of merchandise from trusted sellers and brands.

Since its inception in 2009, the company now owns 9 brick and mortar stores, and are expanding still. Learn more here.

• Initial capital investment: Available Upon Request
• Franchise fee: SGD30,000
• Royalties: 8% sales revenues

Joining a franchise can be a great strategy if used correctly. The initial upfront fees are usually higher but the added support often makes up for it.

Unsure about which type of business you’d prefer? Take a second to read about the best small business opportunities in 2017. A big outlet might be too much of coma mitment for you. If that is the case, take a look at food trucks. They require little capital and are easy to operate. We've done an article on the costs required to run a food truck business.

Related: 7 businesses that failed in Malaysia

We hope that this list can help you realize your dreams of entrepreneurship. Malaysia is full of amazing business opportunities; you just need to know where to look!

Get your business off the ground with easy and flexible SME banking solutions by CIMB today. Just click the link below for more information!

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