How to Secure a Food Truck License in Malaysia

A food truck business is a great way to establish your presence in Malaysia without investing in a full-scale restaurant. However, before you do that, it is mandatory to secure a food truck license from the local authorities to stay compliant with the local regulations.

In this article, we will cover how you can secure a food truck license in Malaysia, and how to register your business with the proper authorities.

Legal Framework for Operating a Food Truck in Malaysia

Pre-requisites for Starting a Food Truck Business in Malaysia

Before launching your food truck business, it’s essential to understand the legal framework governing food operations in Malaysia. Along with local government regulations, health and safety laws, and business licensing, the government has established various regulations to ensure public safety and fair business practices. 

Here are some pre-requisites for starting a food truck business in Malaysia:

• Business registration – to register your food truck with the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), you need to submit an application together with a RM100 (~USD 22.5) registration fee. To register your business, you would need the following:
  • At least one shareholder and one director
  • Minimum capital of MYR 1 (USD 0.21) but may vary based on license requirements and business activities. 
  • Company secretary accredited by the SSM or other professional bodies
  • Registered business address in Malaysia
• Local business permit – the essential authorization that allows your business to operate legally within a specific locality. 
• Vehicle Compliance – your food truck must meet specific vehicle compliance standards set by the Road Transport Department (JPJ) and PUPSAKOM ( commercial vehicle inspection authority). This includes ensuring that your vehicle is roadworthy and meets safety regulations.
• Signboard License – If you plan to display signage on your food truck, you will need a signboard license from your local council.

By managing these requirements on your behalf, Emerhub minimizes delays and ensures compliance with local laws, allowing you to focus on their culinary offerings rather than administrative hurdles.

Specialized Regulations for Food Trucks in Malaysia

F&B Licenses in Malaysia for Food Trucks

Being in the F&B industry, food trucks in Malaysia need specialized licenses for food handling. Not only does it legitimize your business, but it also aims to protect public health and safety. Non-compliance with these licensing requirements can lead to penalties, including fines and potential seizure of the food truck.

To legally operate a food truck in Malaysia, you must secure specialized F&B licenses:

Type of F&B license	Processing fees	Details
Hawker License	RM200 to RM500 (may vary depending on the local council)	– Required to operate food stalls or mobile food outlets such as a food truck, allowing you to sell food at specific locations.
Food Handling Course Certificate	RM50	– Covers personal hygiene, safe food handling practices, and identification of food safety hazards.  – Designed for anyone involved in food preparation, including food truck operators and their staff. – Valid for life and does not require a renewal.
MESTI (Makanan Selamat Tanggungjawab Industri) Certification	RM200	– Ensures that food businesses comply with basic food safety standards. – Mandatory for entities without other Food Safety Management Systems in place. – Requires businesses to maintain a Food Security Assurance Program to ensure the safety of food produced and sold.
Typhoid Vaccination Certification	RM40 to RM80	– All operators and staff must undergo a typhoid vaccination from certified hospitals and clinics under the Ministry of Health.
Goods Driving License	RM240 to RM500	– Essential for any staff member who will be driving the food truck. – Ensures that drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles safely and legally.  – Applicants must first hold a valid Class D driving license under the Road Transport Department (Jabatan Pengangkutan Jalan – JPJ).
Halal Certification	RM100 to RM 700 (may vary depending on the size of the business)	– For Muslim-friendly businesses, securing halal certification ensures that your food meets Islamic dietary laws.
Music and Entertainment License	Depends on the venue and type of music.	– If you intend to play music or host entertainment at your location, you need to obtain a music license from the Music Author’s Copyright Protection (MACP) depending on the nature of music played.

Owning a food truck business is not just about serving food, it’s also about compliance with local authorities for health and public safety. To help you with these pre-requisites, Emerhub can help you with your business registration and ensure that all necessary documentation is prepared and submitted correctly. 

How to Start a Food Truck Business in Malaysia

Signing Up for a Food Truck Location

As a food truck owner, you need to secure approval for your location. Famous food truck destinations like Tapak KLCC and Dataran Food Truck in Wangsa Maju require you to sign up for the location with the approval from local authorities. 

Here’s how you can sign up for a food truck location in Malaysia:

1. Eligibility – you must be 18 years old with a suitable vehicle that meets food truck criteria. This includes modifications to ensure it complies with health and safety standards.
2. Prepare Required Documents
   • A copy of your National Identity Card (NRIC) to verify your identity.
   • Three passport-sized photos 
   • If you are applying for a static stall, prepare a detailed location/business site plan that outlines where you intend to operate.
   • If applicable, obtain a landlord permission letter or a temporary resident license if you are operating on private property.
3. Complete Application Forms – fill out the application form for the Street Vendor/Market/Stalls & Static License. This form can typically be obtained from your local council’s office or downloaded from their official website.

Ensuring Ongoing Compliance for your Food Truck Business

Starting a food truck business in Malaysia requires comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory landscape set by the Ministry of Health, the SSM, and various government entities. To ensure that you have all the resources you need, Emerhub can help ensure ongoing compliance for food truck businesses in Malaysia. 

We can help track license renewal dates and notify you when renewals are due, helping you avoid penalties or interruptions in business. Emerhub also assists with financial compliance by maintaining proper records and ensuring timely tax filings, which are crucial for legal adherence and avoiding fines.

With expert consultation services, Emerhub keeps you informed about regulatory updates and offers tailored advice to navigate the complexities of operating a food truck in Malaysia effectively.

From registration to operation, Emerhub handles everything you need to start your food truck business in Malaysia. Talk to our local experts by filling in the form below!