How to Apply for a Pharmacy License in Malaysia

Opening a pharmacy in Malaysia requires more than registering a business and renting a shoplot.

For a community pharmacy dealing in poisons, an important regulatory approval is a Type A Licence under the Poisons Act 1952, held by a registered pharmacist. Depending on its approved scope, the licence may authorise the pharmacist to import, store and deal in poisons by retail, wholesale or both.

The business may also need SSM registration, local council approvals and other licences depending on its activities. So today, our PR agency will teach you how to open a pharmacy.

What Is a Pharmacy Licence in Malaysia?

There is no single generic licence in Malaysia called a “pharmacy licence”.

For most community pharmacies, the main professional approval is the Type A Licence issued under the Poisons Act 1952.

It may authorise the pharmacist to deal in poisons through:

• retail,
• wholesale, or
• both retail and wholesale.

A Type A Licence does not replace normal business registration or local council licensing.

Who Can Apply for a Type A Licence?

A Type A Licence is issued to a registered pharmacist.

When registering through My.Pharma-C, the pharmacist may need to provide information such as:

• pharmacist registration number,
• registration details,
• Annual Retention Certificate details, and
• personal identification information.

The Type A Licence is personal to the pharmacist named on it and is not transferable. It also does not replace normal business registration, local authority licensing or other pharmaceutical licences that may apply to particular activities. 

How to Apply for a Pharmacy Licence in Malaysia

Step 1: Confirm the Pharmacist’s Registration

The applicant must first be properly registered as a pharmacist in Malaysia.

My.Pharma-C requires details such as the pharmacist’s registration number and annual retention certificate.

Step 2: Set Up the Business and Premises

The operating business should be properly registered with SSM.

You should also identify the pharmacy premises before applying, as the licence is tied to the approved business location and activities.

Local council requirements may include:

• premise licence,
• signboard licence, and
• planning or use approvals.

Requirements vary by local authority.

Step 3: Register With My.Pharma-C 2.0

Applications are submitted through the Ministry of Health’s My.Pharma-C 2.0 portal.

Applicants need to create an account and provide their pharmacist and premises details.

Step 4: Submit a Type A Licence Application

Select the Type A Licence and complete the application based on the pharmacy’s intended activities.

The applicant should make sure the requested scope matches what the pharmacy will actually do, particularly whether it involves retail, wholesale or both.

Step 5: Upload the Required Documents

Supporting documents may include information relating to:

• pharmacist registration,
• business registration,
• pharmacy premises,
• ownership or tenancy, and
• the intended pharmacy activities.

Applicants should follow the latest checklist in My.Pharma-C, as requirements may change.

Step 6: Pay the Licence Fee

The current fee for a Type A Licence is RM300.

Applicants should check My.Pharma-C for the latest payment method before making payment.

Step 7: Wait for Approval

Applications are assessed by the relevant Pharmacy Enforcement Branch.

The pharmacy should not begin regulated activities until the required approvals have been obtained.

What Other Licences Might a Pharmacy Need?

A Type A Licence is important, but it does not cover every aspect of the business.

A pharmacy may need several approvals depending on its operations.

This is why prospective owners should map out the entire approval process before opening.

A business could have a valid SSM registration but still lack the professional or local authority approvals needed to legally operate as a pharmacy.

What If the Pharmacy Also Wholesales or Imports Medicines?

Under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, separate NPRA licences apply to certain activities involving registered pharmaceutical products. 

These include Import Licences, Wholesaler’s Licences and Manufacturer’s Licences.

This means a Type A Licence under the Poisons Act should not automatically be treated as the only approval required for importing or wholesaling pharmaceutical products.

Additional requirements may also apply where a business:

• Imports pharmaceutical products,
• Supplies registered products by wholesale,
• Manufactures pharmaceutical products,
• Handles dangerous drugs or other specially controlled substances, or
• Carries out other specialised regulated activities.

Businesses planning these activities should confirm the applicable requirements with the Ministry of Health and NPRA before commencing operations.

Can a Non-Pharmacist Own a Pharmacy?

A Type A Licence itself must be held by a registered pharmacist.

The licensed pharmacist is also expected to have meaningful responsibility for the professional operation of the pharmacy.

If the business includes non-pharmacist investors, the ownership and management structure should be checked against current Ministry of Health requirements before the company is finalised.

This is particularly important for businesses that intend to scale into multiple outlets or bring in external investors.

Does a Pharmacy Licence Need to Be Renewed?

Yes. A Type A Licence must be renewed annually.

Under the Poisons Act 1952, the licence expires on 31 December of the year for which it was issued, unless it is cancelled earlier. Pharmacy operators therefore need to renew the licence for the following year to continue operating under it.

Renewal applications can be made through My.Pharma-C 2.0. 

It is best not to leave this until the end of December, as the Ministry of Health may open the renewal period several months earlier.

Changes involving the licensed pharmacist, premises, business information or scope of activities may also require an amendment or new application rather than simply waiting for the next renewal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Pharma License

Some of the most common mistakes happen before the pharmacy even opens.

Assuming SSM Registration Is Enough

Registering a business does not automatically authorise it to operate as a pharmacy.

Signing a Lease Before Checking Licensing Requirements

A suitable-looking shoplot may not automatically satisfy all regulatory or local authority conditions.

Hiring the Pharmacist Too Late

The registered pharmacist plays a central role in the licensing process and should be involved early.

Using Outdated Application Checklists

Licensing processes can change. Always refer to the latest Ministry of Health guidance and My.Pharma-C requirements.

Expanding Into Other Activities Without Checking

Wholesale, importing or compounding may introduce additional regulatory obligations.

Before Opening a Pharmacy

Before committing to a pharmacy location, renovation or inventory, confirm:

1. Who will act as the licensed pharmacist
2. Whether the pharmacist meets current registration requirements
3. Which activities the pharmacy will carry out
4. The Ministry of Health licences are required
5. The local authority licences apply to the premises.

Remember, a valid SSM registration alone does not authorise a business to sell regulated medicines.

For the latest application requirements, pharmacy operators should refer directly to the Ministry of Health’s Pharmaceutical Services Programme and the My.Pharma-C 2.0 portal.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pharmacy License in Malaysia

How much does a pharmacy licence cost in Malaysia?

The current Type A Licence fee is RM300. Other costs may apply for business registration and local council licences.

Where do I apply?

Type A Licence applications are submitted through the Ministry of Health’s My.Pharma-C 2.0 system.

Can anyone apply for a Type A Licence?

No. It is issued to a registered pharmacist.

Do I still need SSM registration?

Yes. SSM registration and pharmacy licensing serve different purposes.

Do I need a local council licence?

Usually, yes. Premise and signboard requirements depend on the relevant local authority.