Starting up a food service business requires more than just culinary expertise. From your equipment and ingredients to your location and staff, you need to have comprehensive knowledge even before you begin.
While the exciting aspects of the business often capture our attention, it’s essential to handle the paperwork and obtain the necessary licenses before starting. You should apply for and acquire some licenses to officially launch your business. So plan ahead and submit your applications!
To legally recognize your business in Malaysia, the first step is to register with the Suruhanjaya Syarikat Malaysia (SSM), also known as the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM). SSM serves as a regulatory body overseeing the business and corporate landscape in Malaysia. Registering with SSM offers transparency as the public can easily verify the legitimacy of your business. This provides assurance to potential customers and investors when engaging in business transactions. Nowadays, registering your small business in Malaysia is convenient through the online platform ezbiz.ssm.com.my and by following their guidelines. There are three types of business registrations available, namely Sole Proprietorship (RM30/RM60 annually), Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) (~RM500 annually), and Sendirian Berhad (Sdn Bhd) (~RM2000++ annually). Choosing the appropriate registration option depends on the scale and nature of your business.
A business premise license, also known as a business license, is an official permit granted by government agencies that authorize individuals or companies to conduct business within a specific geographical jurisdiction determined by the government. In essence, it is the government’s permission to allow people to operate their businesses in a lawful manner. On the other hand, your signboard should also follow specific guides and rules, hence requiring a license. These two licenses can be applied to the state authorities.
It’s always nice to have something playing in the background while you eat and chat in a restaurant, so it’s best to have music playing when you can. Before curating a playlist that best suits your restaurant, be sure to get a music license from Music Rights Malaysia. From their website, you can refer to the steps to apply for the license as well as its different tariffs based on a wide variety of usage and purpose.
A Public Performance License from Public Performance Malaysia (PPM) allows you to publicly perform music recordings, either vocal or instrumental. All you need to do is full up the application form and attach the right document to submit to PPM. It will only take you a short period of time to get it done. Voila! Now your diners get to enjoy great music performed live while they are savoring your mouth-watering dishes.
When all your licenses are set and done, it’s only then you can have the peace of mind to start serving! Wishing you good luck with your application processes and here’s to serving good food to Malaysia! Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner will be by your side when it comes to supplying your high-quality product and services. Get exclusive perks and tips and tricks when you join us as a member.
Ajinomoto Food Biz Partner
