Firstly, you need to decide on the business entity. If you go for Sdn Bhd incorporation, it will usually cost RM1,000, which is more expensive than a sole proprietorship. However, it provides a legal distinction between you and your business. As for sole proprietorship, it is a small figure of RM30 – RM100 to set up.

All types of businesses in Malaysia require signboard and premise licenses to operate. When the government authority (like DBKL, MBPJ) finds out you open without these licenses, they will give you a summons.

The licenses cost you around RM600 to apply for 1-year validity. Then, renew it every year as long as you are still running the business. You can pay more to use a runner or agent to save all the hassle.

You need a gas license from Suruhanjaya Tenaga for your drying machine. It costs RM200 for it. Likewise, you can pay more to use the service of a runner/ agent. While you are still in the business, you need to do a pressure test two years once and pay around RM1,800.

Since you have invested a lot of capital in opening your coin laundry shop, you are encouraged to buy insurance to protect your business from fire accidents. The final insurance premium depends on several factors (how many machines you want to insure, your business location, and others). You could pay at least RM1,500/ year for it.

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The price of laundry machines depends on the brand and size. Here are some machine packages for reference.

For a mini shop, you may spend RM35,000 for two 10kg washers and two 10kg dryers or RM58,000 for two 10kg washers, two 10kg dryers, one 14kg washer, and one 14 kg dryer.

As to set up a small shop, it costs you RM86,500 for one 10 kg washer, one 10 kg dryer, three 14 kg washers, and three 14kg dryers or RM105,500 for one 10 kg washer, one 10 kg dryer, two 14 kg washer, two 14kg dryer, one 28 kg washer and one 28 kg dryer.

If you have more capital to open a shop of a bigger size, you can multiply the number of laundry machines you need by the unit cost. It costs around RM17,500 for a stacked 10kg washer & dryer, RM23,000 for a stacked 14kg washer & dryer, and RM42,000 for a stacked 28kg washer & dryer.

Apart from that, some machine sellers include free installation and delivery within their business area in the quotation. Therefore, you may want to clarify with your sellers as you will need to spend around a few hundred to a thousand for it.

A coin laundry shop with a coin system will need two coin changers. Just in case one is broken, another one can be a backup. Each coin changer costs RM5,500 and the coin for 1,000 pieces is around RM800. 

In addition, you may need to spend RM400 on each dosing pump to provide free detergent and softener to your customers. If you offer a warm and hot wash, you will have to pay RM5,000 to install a water heater.

For a normal-size shop renovation, you will have to spend around RM40,000. The renovation should include partition, concrete base, and wiring for machines, water piping, one water tank, one water filter, one water pump, ventilation hose, painting work, CCTV, ceiling fan, lighting, timer for lighting, emergency light, and exit sign. Besides, you may need to build a gas room which can cost you another RM15,000.

Some contractors also offer washers and dryer installation within the package. If your contractor is from another state, you also may need to pay an extra outstation fee.

Your shop requires a signboard for license application. In addition, sticker wallpapers can help you to convey crucial information to the customers. For these, you may need to spend RM5,000.

If you are renting a shop, other than your monthly rent, you have to pay an extra rental deposit (2 +1) beforehand. So let’s say your rental is RM3,000, then the deposit is RM9,000. It protects the owners from future outstanding rental, electricity, and water bills.

You will want to ensure your shop has the proper tools to support your customers doing laundry. Items like tables, bench,trash bins, clocks, detergent, softeners, and others are crucial for your business. Therefore, you can estimate spending of RM1,000 for all those things.