What is an MSIC Code? Malaysia Business Codes Explained

The Basics

MSIC code, in plain terms

MSIC stands for the Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification — a five-digit code that identifies the main business activity of a company. It is issued under the framework of the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) and follows the international ISIC standard, so your business activity is described in a consistent, official way.

In short: it tells SSM, LHDN and others exactly what your company does.

Why It Matters

Where your MSIC code is used

Company Registration (SSM)

Mandatory when you incorporate and in your company profile — you can't register without one.

Tax (LHDN)

Determines how your business income is categorised and assessed.

Licences & Permits

Local authorities rely on it to approve the activities your business may carry out.

Grants & Incentives

Many government programmes are industry-specific — the right code keeps you eligible.

e-Invoice / MyInvois

Business classification is used in LHDN e-Invoicing, making the code more important as roll-out expands.

Banks & Financing

Banks use your classification when assessing accounts and financing applications.

Structure

How the 5-digit code is built

MSIC is hierarchical — from a broad sector down to a specific activity.

SectionBroad industry category, shown as a letter (A–U).
Division2 digits — the general activity.
Group3 digits — the sub-sector.
Class4 digits — a detailed classification.
Item5 digits — the specific business activity you register.

Examples

Sample MSIC codes

A few common activities and their codes (for illustration only).

Business activity	Code	Description
Wholesale / general trading	46900	Non-specialised wholesale trade
Restaurant / F&B	56101	Restaurants
Building construction	41001	Construction of residential buildings
Management consultancy	70200	Management consultancy activities
Logistics / road freight	49230	Freight transport by road

Codes are indicative — always confirm the exact 5-digit code against the official MSIC code list (LHDN MyInvois) or with us.

How to Choose

Picking the right code

1

Identify your main activity

Pin down your primary, revenue-generating business activity.

2

Search the directory

Use the official DOSM MSIC directory or SSM's BizCodEX tool, searching by keyword.

3

Pick the most specific

Choose the most specific 5-digit item that matches — avoid codes that are too general.

4

Confirm with us

Not sure? Your company secretary can verify it and set it up correctly.

View the official MSIC code list →

Official source: LHDN MyInvois SDK — sdk.myinvois.hasil.gov.my

Good to know

A company can register up to 3 MSIC codes, but one must be the primary code.
You can update the code later if your main business activity changes.
Common mistakes: picking a code that's too general, choosing based on your company name instead of actual activity, or ignoring your main revenue source.
The wrong code can lead to compliance issues, tax reporting errors, grant rejections and delays.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is an MSIC code compulsory?

Yes. It is mandatory for SSM registration — every company must have at least one MSIC code.

Can I have more than one code?

Yes — you can register up to 3 MSIC codes, and one of them must be set as your primary code.

Can I change it later?

Yes. If your main business activity changes, the code can be updated with SSM. We can handle this for you.

Can Hoong Dai help me choose?

Absolutely. As part of incorporation, we help you identify and register the correct MSIC code(s) for your business.

Not sure which MSIC code fits?

We'll help you choose and register the right code when we incorporate your company — free consultation.

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