16 FAQs On MOF License Applications

Few things guarantee business revenue for SMEs like a government contract, making state-linked agencies highly desirable clients. 

In Malaysia, becoming a vendor to federal, state, and local government agencies first requires registering as a supplier with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), commonly referred to as an MOF license.

In this guide we answer the top 16 questions on registering as an MOF supplier, though those who prefer official sources may refer to MOF’s full guide.

Let’s begin. 

1. What exactly is an MOF license?

Also called Akaun MOF, it is a mandatory registration for local and foreign businesses to become suppliers to Malaysian federal, state, or district level government agencies.

License holders are added to a directory as registered suppliers where they can view and bid for government contracts in their area of business.

2. What types of MOF licenses are there?

There are two types open to SMEs:

1. Basic Account: To transact with government agencies for contracts worth up to RM20,000 annually
2. MOF Account:  To transact with government agencies and GLCs for contracts RM20,000 and above annually

Basic Accounts are free but come with several limitations: 

• only open to Malaysian citizens
• not eligible for consultant-based contracts
• not eligible to transact with non-federal government agencies (GLCs, statutory bodies, Local Authorities),
• only eligible for RM20,000 annual contracts

For these reasons most businesses prefer to register for an MOF Account since the requirements are relatively attainable, and the rest of this FAQ addresses MOF Accounts via ePerolehan.

3. What is ePerolehan?

It’s Malaysia’s official online government procurement system managed by MOF.

It is the platform all transactions related to MOF licenses are done, including:

• registering and renewing MOF licenses
• uploading your product / service catalogs, and
• viewing and bidding for relevant government contracts

4. Can you apply online?

Yes, all applications via MOF’s ePerolehan portal are fully online. 

Just be sure you have all the necessary documents beforehand, which brings us to our next question.

5. What are MOF Account requirements?

There are five general requirements to qualify for an MOF Account:

• be a registered business entity (can be Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn Bhd)
• have at least RM2,500 in paid up capital
• have an active bank account in the name of the business, and
• register under field codes that align with the business SSM profile and activities
• have all necessary business licenses and permits

Some of you will wonder what we mean by ‘field codes’ – we answer that next!

6. What are MOF field codes?

Known as ‘kod bidang’ in Bahasa Melayu, these are six-digit codes referring to a specific business activity.

When you register an MOF account, you pick field codes that describe your business in order to bid for related government contracts and tenders, keeping three things in mind:

• they must be relevant to your business
• you can choose up to 30 field codes (but you don’t have to)
• codes can be added and swapped out later for free

As of December 2025, there are almost 400 unique codes spanning multiple sectors and you can find them on MOF’s official document or our list of MOF field codes in English.

While most carry the same requirements, a small group carry additional restrictions.

7. Which codes have extra conditions?

There are generally three types of additional requirements:

• Bumiputera Status
• higher paid-up capital, and / or
• additional licenses

Bumiputera Status

These activities and their corresponding codes are reserved for MOF Accounts with Bumiputera Status:

• inbound & outbound travel agencies (100%)
• most printing services (100%)
• foreign publications supply (51%)
• maritime & shipping services (51%)
• insurance brokerage services (51%)

Click here to skip to our explanation on Bumiputera Status applications.

Higher paid-up capital

Where most activities require RM2,500, the following require significantly more:

• all activities requiring Bumiputera ownership: RM50,000
• multimodal transport operators (MTO): RM2,000,000
• workshop, shipyard, and manufacturer: RM50,000

Additional licenses

In addition to standard supporting documents, certain activities require licenses from the corresponding industry regulatory body.

Category	Activity	Additional Licence
Printing & media	General printing	Printing licence from Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN)
	Security printing	KDN printing licence + approval from Chief Government Security Officer (PM’s Dept)
	Film distribution (ready-made films)	FINAS Borang B
	Film production	FINAS Borang A
Logistics & transportation	Lorry transport	Vehicle registration + SPAD permit (BDM ≥ 5,001 kg)
	Shipping agent	Appointment letter from Royal Malaysian Customs
	Forwarding agent	Appointment letter from Royal Malaysian Customs
	Packaging & storage	Customs-licensed warehouse + PBT licence
	Courier / document delivery	Postal Service licence from MCMC
Professional & financial services	Travel agency	Licence under Tourism Industry Act 1992
	Insurance company	Licence from Bank Negara Malaysia
	Insurance broker	Licence from Bank Negara Malaysia
	Security services	Licence from KDN
	Private investigator	Licence from KDN
	Property management	Licence from LPPEH
Manufacturing & technical	General manufacturing	MITI manufacturing licence or MIDA exemption
	Product technical compliance	SIRIM / IKRAM / MCMC / SPAN (product-dependent)
	ICT security (IV&V)	JSM accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025 or TMMi Level 3+)
Health, safety & environment	Drugs & poisons	Licence from Ministry of Health or State Health Director
	Waste management	Approval from DOE or AELB
	Pest control	Pest Control Operator licence (Department of Agriculture)
Hospitality & specialised services	Hotels	PBT licence + Halal certification (JAKIM / State Religious Dept)
	Training centres	PBT licence
	Homestay	Approval letter from Ministry of Tourism
	Green technology	Recognition from Energy Commission or GreenTech Malaysia

8. Can a home-based business register?

Yes, but they are limited to a select list of 46 field codes from the following industries:

• education & training
• food, catering & agriculture
• arts, media & creative services
• events, exhibitions & entertainment
• electrical & technical services
• wildlife & animal services
• cleaning, sanitation & environmental services
• human resources & manpower
• marine & diving services
• construction, property & facilities
• utilities & water services
• personal, tailoring & repair services
• social & hospitality services

Those interested can refer to Lampiran A in MOF’s guide.

9. What are required registration documents?

The documents required are based on the type of business entity applying and if applying for special field codes, must include relevant licenses as proof.

Sdn Bhds

• Declaration Form
• Memorandum and Articles of Association / Section 14 / Form 55 (for companies limited by guarantee)
• Form 24 / Section 78 and Form 49 / Section 58 for companies less than a year old
• latest Annual Returns for companies incorporated for more than 18 months
• Form 32A / Section 105 / Section 11 (if applicable)
• a copy of owner / director identity card(s)

LLPs

• Declaration Form
• Certificate of Registration Form
• the latest business bank statement / deposit slip
• a copy of partners’ identity cards

Enterprises

• Declaration Form
• Form D/E*
• SSM Form
• the latest business bank statement / deposit slip
• a copy of the owner’s identity card

10. How much does registration cost?

As of December 2025, MOF imposes two charges on new applications:

• RM50 for the application, and
• RM400 once the application is approved

Upon approval, you will receive a digital certificate which will be used for transactions and dealings on ePerolehan. This certificate is valid for three years, as the sample below shows.

After three years, you may pay RM450 for a further three year renewal.

11. How do I renew my MOF Account?

Your MOF Account can be renewed within three months of the expiry date and even up to one year after expiring (though it will be downgraded to a Basic Account during this period).

Renewals are also done via ePerolehan and you can find full details in our guide to MOF license renewals.

12. Can I add / remove field codes later?

Yes, you can submit applications to add or remove field codes at no cost through ePerolehan as long as your account is active, and still valid for the next three months.

Certain categories are subject to stricter requirements, for example construction-related codes require a site visit by government officials.

13. What is MOF Bumiputera Status?

This is an additional perk granted to MOF license holders that meet specific criteria for Bumiputera ownership, management, and financial control.

There are two categories of Bumiputera Status:

• 51% Bumiputera Status: At least 51% equity, directors, management, and staff are Bumiputera (and highest individual shareholder AND employee with highest salary must be Bumiputera)
• 100% Bumiputera Status: 100% equity, directors, management, and staff are Bumiputera

MOF Bumiputera Status is mandatory to apply for certain activities and can be revoked at any time if the company fails to maintain the required ownership levels.

14. How do I apply for Bumiputera Status?

This is a separate application made after your initial MOF Account is approved.

Good news is applying is free, but bad news is it requires a long list of supporting documents:

• form 9 / form 13 / section 14
• memorandum and articles of association
• form 24 / section 78 and form 49 / section 58
• form 32a / section 105 / section 11 (if applicable)
• latest annual return form
• annual return form for corporate / nominee companies*
• latest company bank statement / deposit slip
• check signatory resolution
• check signatory detail form certified by the relevant bank
• tenancy agreement stamped / title document (S&P) / letter of authorisation / home / copies of title deed
• copy of identity card of the owner / director
• latest employee EPF contribution statement and payment receipt
• complete organisation chart with names and positions
• sketch map with landmarks and street names leading to premises

Additionally, for MOF authorities often conduct premise inspections before approval is granted and even conduct post-approval visits to ensure compliance.

15. How long does it take?

A typical MOF Account application takes about seven working days if all documents and licenses have been compiled and there are no issues with the application.

Applications for Bumiputera Status only happen once your MOF Account is created. 

16. What are the steps to register?

Assuming you handle your own application, there are five main steps:

Step 0: Identify field codes and any additional requirements
Step 1: Prepare your supporting documents
Step 2: Create an account on ePerolehan
Step 3: Submit your application and pay the application fee
Step 4: Wait for approval and pay the registration fee
Step 5: Apply for Bumiputera Status if applicable

Head over to our list of MOF field codes to start your journey, but be warned, there are almost 400 codes.

If that sounds like a nightmare, get in touch!

Let MISHU help register your MOF account

If you have a better use of time than browsing forms and documents, get in touch with us – we’ve helped many businesses secure their MOF Accounts, and we’d be happy to help you.