JOHOR BAHRU, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Franchise International Malaysia tour (Road to FIM2027), which kicked off here today, offers entrepreneurs, particularly micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), an opportunity to explore affordable franchise businesses with the potential to expand into international markets.
Deputy Minister of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Fuziah Salleh said the programme, themed ‘From Local to Global’, aimed to make franchising more accessible to the public and dispel the perception that the industry was accessible only to large corporations.
She said the tour, which began in the Southern Zone, featured 26 brands across 34 exhibition booths, showcasing a range of sectors, including food and beverage (F&B), education, services, health and beauty.
“The programme provides aspiring entrepreneurs and prospective franchisees with an opportunity to meet brand owners directly and explore business opportunities within their financial reach.
“Franchising is not just about the F&B sector. There are also opportunities in education, with an initial investment of as low as RM15,000,” she said when officiating the programme at the Paradigm Mall Convention Centre here today.
Fuziah said Perbadanan Nasional Berhad (Pernas) would provide RM300 million in financing in 2027 to support the growth of the franchise industry, with 30 per cent allocated to franchisors, or brand owners, and the remaining 70 per cent to franchisees.
She said that the initiative was further supported by business financing facilities and microfinancing schemes totalling RM6.6 billion under the national budget to help entrepreneurs secure capital and expand their operations.
Fuziah also said 16 franchise registration certificates had been presented to new franchisors at the event, reflecting the industry's expansion into a wider range of sectors.
She said the franchise industry had the potential to become a key driver of the national economy, with domestic sales projected to reach RM100 billion by 2030, up from RM46 billion in 2025.
Malaysian Franchise Association (MFA) vice-chairman Khalek Awang said the programme was part of efforts to broaden entrepreneurial opportunities for the local community, particularly youths, graduates, homemakers and retirees seeking to generate income.
He said the roadshow would enable visitors to obtain expert advice, explore financing options and receive business guidance directly from franchise operators and relevant agencies.
Franchising offers several advantages, with franchisees benefiting from brand owners’ support in operational training, marketing, knowledge sharing and adherence to established standards, he added.
The Road to FIM2027 programme is part of the build-up to the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM2027) exhibition, scheduled to be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC) from May 6 to 8 next year.
FIM2026 attracted 159 local and international exhibitors and more than 26,000 visitors, while generating potential investments exceeding RM600 million.
-- BERNAMA