By the end of this short guide, readers will understand:
- what the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC) code system is
- its purpose, and
- how to match their business to the correct MSIC codes
Let’s begin.
What is MSIC 2008?
MSIC stands for the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC) code system, used to classify businesses in Malaysia based on economic activity. The same codes apply to all business entities, so a Sole Proprietorship and public listed company can have the same MSIC code classification.
The MSIC has been updated several times over the years since its introduction in 2000, with MSIC 2008 being the latest version which mostly complies with the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC) with some adaptations for local industries.
Here’s an example from the MSIC directory for item 84210, which also shows the original MSIC 2000 code of 75210.
Finally, a business can be classified under up to three MSIC codes as to accurately describe their business activities.
Why Malaysia implements MSIC Codes
The main role of MSIC codes is to give relevant government agencies, namely the Department of Statistics, a clear picture of the financial health and distribution of Malaysia’s various economic sectors.
To this end, identifying businesses based on economic activity facilitates data collection, analysis, and reporting that is then used to change and form new policy.
Where businesses Use MSIC Codes
MSIC codes are integral for the following business processes:
- Registering a business
- Applying for licenses
- Securing loans
- Applying for grants
- Taxation
3 methods to find your MSIC codes
The first method will take you to the government’s official MSIC portal, and the second method, which we think is simpler, involves a simple CTRL+F.
The third method is the fastest and easiest, and we’ll save it for the end, though you can skip to it if you want.
Method 1: MSIC code directory
Head over to the MSIC directory.
From here, you have three ways to find specific MSIC codes:
- Structure details
- Description details
- Code details
Structure details
We recommend the structure detail option.
The dropdown fields begin with broad distinctions and get narrower until at the end, the description is given.
Description details
Alternatively, you can select the MSIC description option, which lets users filter MSIC codes based on keywords associated with the business activity.
Code details
The last option is for situations where you know of the MSIC code and would like to know what business activity it represents.
Method 2: Search through official PDF
Step1: Open the official MSIC 2008 Business Code List from LHDN or MISHU’s full list of MSIC Codes.
Step 2: Use CTRL+F and use one of the keywords below.
- Agriculture, hunting, and forestry
- Fishing
- Mining and quarrying
- Food, beverages, and tobacco
- Textiles, textile products, leather, and footwear
- Wood and wood products
- Pulp, paper, and paper products; publishing and printing
- Chemicals and chemical products
- Rubber and plastics products
- Non-metallic mineral products
- Basic metals and fabricated metal products
- Machinery, equipment, and furniture
- Electrical and optical equipment
- Transport equipment
- Manufacturing n.e.c.
- Electricity, gas, and water supply
- Construction
- Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles, motorcycles, and personal and household goods
- Hotels and restaurants
- Transport, storage, and communication
- Financial intermediation; real estate; renting and business activities
- Public administration and defense; compulsory social security
- Education
- Health and social work
- Other community, social, and personal service activities
- Private households with employed persons
- Extra-territorial organizations and bodies
This should take you to the right sector, where you can scroll to find your specific business activity.
Method 3: Get MISHU to help you!
It’s not enough to just know the right MSIC codes – there’s the actual filing in and submitting of documents to the relevant government agencies too.
If you’re looking to set up a new company or apply for a business license, our team can provide you with a fast and effortless experience.
Incorporate your company with MISHU
Regardless of business structure, the MISHU team is here to help you identify the correct MSIC codes and assist with every step of the registration process so you can focus all your efforts on growing your business.
I am going to setup a e-commerce payment gateway business. What Should be the correct MSIC code for my business. I don’t seem to find an appropriate code for payment gateway business
Hi Ong,
Our team has already replied to you, but we figured we’d add snippets of our conversation here in case others with your issue come along.
Based on your brief description you can consider 64199 – Other monetary intermediation (with deposits taking functions) n.e.c.
If you also code the program then you might consider 62010 – Computer programming activities
Alternatively, you and anyone else reading this can consider buying SSM profiles of similar service providers in Malaysia to see what codes they use.
Hope this helps, and get in touch if you have more questions 🙂
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team
Hi,
I am currently working with a Company Limited by Guarantee (CLBG) and our current MSIC code is 72201.
Can we change our code or probably add the new one?
Please advise. Thank you
Nor
Hi Norazura,
Thanks for getting in touch – we forwarded your question to our managing director and here is is reply:
1. It’s possible,but requires consulting your company constitution to see if it’s allowable.
2. If allowable, you can only add related codes.
3. The best thing you can do is to consult your Company Secretary!
Hope this helps, and all the best with the code shifts.
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team
Hi, if my company wants to give training and consultancy to the SMEs, about e-commerce platforms. What MSIC code suits this ?
Hi Nurul,
Thanks for getting in touch, we forwarded your query to our consultants and here is their reply:
1. 70201 Business management consultancy services
2. 85499 Others education n.e.c
Do get in touch if you have further queries, and hope this helps!
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team
Hi
If i would like to register for a company with architectural consultancy service, do I actually need to have professional architect (AR) in my companies as board of directors or as long as I have employed professional architect depending on the project requirement (Specifically refer to code 71101)
I could not find any relevant information or regulatory compliance regarding this code specified in the MISC code.
Looking forward to your reply.
Hi Low,
Thank you for getting in touch. We forwarded your question to our business registration experts and here is their reply:
1. Yes SSM requires at least one director to provide proof of their professional certification or membership as a qualified architect
2. Also, if the company name has the word ‘architect’ it will need approval from Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia: https://www.lam.gov.my/
We hope this answers your questions, and please let us know how else we can help.
All the best with your business 🙂
Sincerely,
The MISHU Editorial Team