MSIC Code - Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification

Malaysia Standard Industrial Classification (MSIC) is the official system developed by the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) to classify the economic activities of businesses in Malaysia.

In one sentence

MSIC Code is your company’s “industry ID” that tells authorities which category you belong to.

Why is MSIC important?

  • Registration of company (SSM) - you must select an MSIC during incorporation/updates.
  • Tax registration and returns (LHDN) - industry classification informs tax treatment and reporting.
  • Applying for business licenses and permits - agencies refer to your MSIC category.
  • Applying for e‑Invoice (MyInvois) - the portal asks for your industry classification.

How to check your MSIC Code

You can find or confirm your MSIC in a few ways:

  1. In SSM/MyCOID forms, search by industry keywords during registration or updates.
  2. In LHDN’s MyInvois portal, use the industry classification search when setting up your profile.
  3. Refer to DOSM’s published MSIC lists and explanations; match your primary business activity.

Tip: Choose the code that best represents your main revenue‑generating activity. If you have multiple activities, pick the dominant one.

Travel & Tours - Common MSIC Codes

For travel businesses, these MSIC codes are most commonly used:

79110 — Travel agency activities

Retailing/booking of flights, hotels, packages, tickets to consumers; acting as an agent for principals (airlines, hotels, GDS).

79120 — Tour operator activities

Designing, assembling and operating your own tours or packages (FIT/GIT), with bundled transport/accommodation/activities sold B2C or B2B.

79900 — Other reservation service and related activities

Ancillary reservations and services (e.g., attractions, event tickets, transfer bookings, travel assistance) not covered above.

Which code fits my business?

  • Choose 79110 if your core is selling or arranging third‑party travel products (tickets, rooms, packages) as an agent.
  • Choose 79120 if you create and operate your own tours (you bundle components into your own product).
  • Choose 79900 if you mainly handle reservations that are not full agency or tour operations (add‑on bookings, concierge, events).

It’s normal for agencies to do a mix; pick the primary revenue activity as your main MSIC.

Examples

  • Ticketing-focused IATA agency selling flights/hotels to consumers → 79110.
  • Inbound operator crafting Malaysia tour itineraries and operating departures → 79120.
  • Company offering attraction ticketing and transfer reservations as a service → 79900.

Quick FAQ

What if I pick the “wrong” code?

Minor mismatches can usually be corrected in SSM/MyCOID or during profile updates. Material misclassification can affect licensing and tax; check with your company secretary or tax agent.

Can a company have multiple MSIC codes?

Your entity keeps one primary MSIC. Secondary activities can be described in supporting documents, but the primary code should reflect your main business.

Want to automate compliant e‑Invoicing?

See our step‑by‑step guide: LHDN e‑Invoice Guide

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