DOSH Factory Registration Malaysia: Complete Requirements Guide 2026

Operating industrial premises in Malaysia without proper DOSH registration exposes you to fines up to RM500,000 and potential imprisonment. The regulatory landscape shifted dramatically on 1 June 2024 when the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 was repealed and integrated into the amended Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994.

If you operate a factory, manufacturing facility, or any workplace with regulated machinery, you need to understand the current registration requirements to stay compliant.

This guide covers:

• What changed after June 2024 and how it affects your registration
• Who must register with DOSH and what triggers registration
• Step-by-step MyKKP online registration process
• Required documents and layout plans
• Certificate of Fitness requirements for plants and machinery
• Current fees and inspection costs
• Common mistakes that delay approvals

What Changed After June 2024

The Factories and Machinery Act 1967 (FMA 1967) governed factory registration for over five decades. On 1 June 2024, this Act was repealed through the Factories and Machinery (Repeal) Act 2022, and its provisions were absorbed into the amended Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA 1994).

AspectBefore June 2024After June 2024Governing lawFactories and Machinery Act 1967OSHA 1994 (Amendment) Act 2022Scope"Factories" as defined under FMAAll "places of work" throughout MalaysiaMachinery certificationCertificate of Fitness under FMACertificate of Fitness under P.U.(A) 99/2024RegulatorDOSH under FMA provisionsDOSH under OSHA provisionsCoverageSpecific industries onlyAll workplaces including public servicesMaximum penaltiesRM50,000RM500,000

The practical impact? Your existing registration remains valid. Any certificate of fitness, registration, or approval issued under FMA 1967 continues to be managed under OSHA 1994. But new applications follow the amended framework, and penalties for non-compliance have increased tenfold.

Key Regulations You Need to Know

Three regulations now govern what was previously covered by FMA 1967:

RegulationP.U. ReferenceWhat It CoversOccupational Safety and Health (Plant Requiring Certificate of Fitness) Regulations 2024P.U.(A) 99/2024Steam boilers, pressure vessels, lifting equipment certificationOccupational Safety and Health (Licensed Person) Order 2024P.U.(A) 100/2024Appointment of licensed inspectors for plant inspectionsOccupational Safety and Health (Special Scheme of Inspection) Regulations 2025P.U.(A) 2025Risk-based inspection schemes for larger operations

Who Must Register With DOSH

The notification requirement applies broadly. Any person who occupies or uses premises as a place of work must notify the Director General of DOSH.

Places of Work That Require Registration

Type of PremisesRegistration RequiredCertificate of Fitness RequiredManufacturing factoryYesYes, if operating regulated plantsFood processing facilityYesYes, if operating boilers or pressure vesselsChemical plantYesYes, for pressure vessels and related equipmentConstruction siteNotification via different mechanismYes, for cranes and hoisting equipmentWarehouse with forkliftsYesDepends on forklift type and capacityWorkshop with machineryYesDepends on machinery typeOffice buildingYes (under expanded OSHA scope)Only if operating lifts or pressure systems

Exclusions From Registration

OSHA 1994 does not apply to:

• Domestic employment (domestic servants)
• Armed forces
• Work on board ships governed by the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952

Types of DOSH Registration

Factory operators typically deal with two distinct registration streams. Understanding which applies to you prevents unnecessary delays and duplicate submissions.

Workplace Notification (Pendaftaran Kilang)

This is the primary registration for your premises. You're notifying DOSH that you're operating a place of work and providing details about your operations, workforce, and safety arrangements.

RequirementDetailsTimelineWithin 3 months of commencing operationsFurther detailsWithin 6 months if requested by DOSHSystemMyKKP online portal (mykkp.dosh.gov.my)One-time feeRM193 for factory inspectionValidityOngoing, but must notify changes

Certificate of Fitness (Perakuan Kelayakan)

Required for specific plants before you can operate them. Previously called PMA (Perakuan Memperbolehkan Alat), the official term is now Certificate of Fitness (CF).

Plant TypeRequires CFValidity PeriodSteam boilers (Dandang Stim)Yes15 monthsUnfired pressure vessels (PMT)Yes15 monthsLifting machinery (cranes, hoists, lifts)Yes15 monthsPassenger lifts and escalatorsYes15 monthsGoods hoistsYes15 monthsTower cranesYes15 monthsMobile cranesYes15 months

You cannot operate any of these plants without a valid Certificate of Fitness. Doing so is a criminal offence under Section 27D of OSHA 1994.

Required Documents for Factory Registration

Incomplete submissions are the primary cause of registration delays. DOSH requires comprehensive documentation to assess your workplace safety arrangements.

Mandatory Documents

DocumentPurposeFormat RequirementsFactory detailsBasic information about your operationComplete all fields in MyKKP formSector informationClassification of your industrySelect from DOSH categoriesOSH informationSafety arrangements and appointed personnelInclude SHO or Coordinator detailsMachinery listAll machinery at premisesComplete inventory with specificationsJKJ 101 display informationStatutory notice requirementsConfirm display arrangementsWork type descriptionActivities to be carried outDetailed operational descriptionGovernment permitsExisting approvals from other agenciesCopies of all relevant permits

Layout Plans and Drawings

Plan TypeWhat to IncludeWorkplace position planLocation of premises, surrounding area, access pointsMachinery layout planMachine-to-machine distances, machine-to-wall clearancesArea planFence-to-fence dimensions including upper and lower floorsSide view planFloor-to-ceiling height, lowest beam clearancesProcess flow chartWorkflow sequence through the facility

Supporting Documents

DocumentWhen RequiredLocal authority letterFactory site approval, building license, business licenseFire department letterBOMBA certification or approvalSSM registrationCompany registration documentsSafety and Health Officer registrationIf SHO appointment is requiredOSH Coordinator appointmentFor workplaces with 5+ employees not requiring SHO

Step-by-Step MyKKP Registration Process

All factory registrations are submitted through the MyKKP portal. Paper submissions are no longer accepted for standard applications.

Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• Company registration documents (SSM)
• Authorized signatory details
• All layout plans in digital format (PDF or image)
• Complete machinery inventory
• Safety personnel appointments confirmed

Registration Steps

1. Create MyKKP Account
   Visit mykkp.dosh.gov.my. Register as a new user with your IC number. Verify your email and phone number. Complete your profile information.
2. Select Application Type
   Choose "Pendaftaran Kilang" (Factory Registration). Select your state DOSH office based on factory location. Confirm application category.
3. Complete Factory Details
   Enter company information and SSM details. Provide factory address and contact information. Specify working floor area in square metres. Indicate number of employees (male and female).
4. Enter Sector Information
   Select primary industry classification. Specify manufacturing processes or activities. Indicate hazardous materials if applicable.
5. Provide OSH Information
   Enter Safety and Health Officer details (if required). Enter OSH Coordinator details (if applicable). Confirm Safety Committee establishment (if required).
6. List All Machinery
   Enter each machine with manufacturer, model, capacity. Specify which machines require Certificate of Fitness. Indicate installation status.
7. Upload Documents
   Attach all layout plans. Upload supporting documents. Ensure file sizes meet system requirements.
8. Submit and Pay
   Review all information for accuracy. Submit application. Pay inspection fee (RM193) through the portal.
9. Await Inspection
   DOSH officer will contact you to schedule inspection. Prepare premises for physical inspection. Have all documentation available on-site.
10. Receive Registration
    Upon successful inspection, registration is confirmed. Download registration confirmation from MyKKP. Display JKJ 101 notice at workplace.

Certificate of Fitness Process for Plants

If your factory operates steam boilers, pressure vessels, or lifting equipment, you need separate Certificate of Fitness applications for each regulated plant.

CF Application Timeline

StageTimeframeAction RequiredDesign approvalBefore procurementSubmit design drawings to DOSHPermit to Install (PTI)Before installationSubmit JKJ 105 and JKJ 106 formsInstallationAfter PTI approvalInstall according to approved designInitial inspectionAfter installationRequest inspection from DOSH or licensed personCF issuanceAfter passing inspectionPay fees and receive CFRenewalBefore 15-month expirySchedule periodic inspection

Documents for CF Application

DocumentPlant TypeDesign drawings (GA drawings)All plantsDesign calculationsPressure vessels, boilersMaterial certificatesAll plantsWelding procedure specificationsFabricated vesselsNDT reports (UT, RT, MPI, DPI)As required by design codeHydrostatic test certificatesPressure vessels, boilersLoad test certificatesLifting equipmentSafety valve certificatesPressure vessels, boilers

Inspection by Licensed Persons

Since June 2024, the Minister can authorize licensed persons to conduct plant inspections and issue Certificates of Fitness. This supplements DOSH officer inspections and can speed up the process.

Inspection TypeWho ConductsCF Issued ByDOSH inspectionDOSH officerDOSHLicensed person inspectionAuthorized inspection bodyLicensed person (confirmed by DOSH)Special scheme inspectionOwner's inspection teamDOSH (based on risk assessment)

DOSH Registration and Inspection Fees

Fees are set by the Factories and Machinery (Notification, Certificate of Fitness and Inspection) (Amendment) Regulations 2004 and subsequent updates.

Factory Registration Fees

Fee TypeAmount (RM)When PayableInitial factory inspection193One-time, upon registrationChange of occupier notificationNo feeWhen ownership changesAmendment to registrationVariesWhen details change

Certificate of Fitness Fees

Fees vary by plant type and capacity. These are indicative ranges:

Plant TypeFee Range (RM)BasisSteam boiler (PMD)500 - 2,500Heating surface areaUnfired pressure vessel (PMT)350 - 1,500Cubic capacityLifting machinery (PMA)350 - 2,000Safe working loadPassenger liftBased on capacityNumber of personsCraneBased on SWLSafe working load in tonnes

Periodic Inspection Fees

Inspection TypeFrequencyFee BasisRegular CF renewalEvery 15 monthsSame as initial CFSpecial scheme inspectionRisk-based (up to 60 months)Application fee + audit costs

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The 2022 amendments dramatically increased penalties. Non-compliance is expensive and can result in imprisonment.

OffenceMaximum Fine (RM)ImprisonmentDaily PenaltyOperating without registration500,0002 yearsRM2,000/dayOperating plant without CF500,0002 yearsRM2,000/dayFailure to notify accidents500,0002 yearsRM2,000/dayObstruction of DOSH officer100,0001 year-Failure to display notices50,0006 months-

Personal liability extends to directors, managers, compliance officers, and other senior personnel. If an offence is committed with their knowledge or consent, they can be charged alongside the company.

Common Mistakes That Delay Registration

These errors account for most registration delays. Avoid them to get your approval faster.

MistakeConsequenceHow to AvoidIncomplete layout plansApplication rejectedUse DOSH template requirementsMissing machine-to-wall distancesMust resubmit drawingsMeasure and include all clearancesWrong working floor area calculationIncorrect fee assessmentInclude all floors, precincts, yardsNo SHO or Coordinator appointedCannot complete OSH sectionAppoint before applyingMachinery list incompleteInspection delaysAudit all equipment before submissionInstalling before PTI approvalIllegal installationWait for written Permit to InstallExpired CF on existing equipmentPenalties during inspectionCheck all CF dates before applyingUsing old terminology (PMA)Confusion in documentationUse "Certificate of Fitness" or "Perakuan Kelayakan"

Document Preparation Errors

ErrorImpactLow-resolution layout plansCannot assess complianceMissing process flow arrowsWorkflow unclearInconsistent measurementsVerification impossibleUnsigned drawingsNot accepted as officialMissing legend or scaleDimensions unverifiable

DOSH Registration Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist before submitting your application:

CategoryItemStatusCompany DocumentsSSM registration current☐Business license valid☐BOMBA certificate obtained☐Local authority approvals in place☐Safety PersonnelSHO appointed (if required)☐SHO registered with DOSH☐OSH Coordinator appointed (if required)☐OSH Coordinator training completed☐Safety Committee established (if required)☐Layout PlansPosition plan prepared☐Machinery layout with distances☐Area plan with dimensions☐Side view with heights☐Process flow chart completed☐MachineryComplete inventory documented☐CF status checked for all regulated plants☐Design approvals obtained (new plants)☐PTI obtained before installation☐MyKKPAccount created and verified☐All documents digitized☐Payment method ready☐

FAQ

Do I need to re-register my factory after the June 2024 changes?

No. Existing registrations under the Factories and Machinery Act 1967 remain valid and are now managed under OSHA 1994. You don't need to submit a new application unless you're making significant changes to your operations, relocating, or changing ownership.

What's the difference between factory registration and Certificate of Fitness?

Factory registration (Pendaftaran Kilang) covers your premises as a workplace. Certificate of Fitness is a separate requirement for specific plants like boilers, pressure vessels, and lifting equipment. You need both if you operate regulated plants. The factory registration is about the workplace; the CF is about individual pieces of equipment.

How long does DOSH factory registration take?

The typical timeline is 4-8 weeks from submission to approval, assuming your documents are complete and no corrections are needed. Delays usually result from incomplete layout plans or missing supporting documents. DOSH will contact you within 2 weeks if additional information is required.

Can I operate my factory while waiting for registration?

Technically, you should have notified DOSH within 3 months of commencing operations. Operating without registration exposes you to penalties. If you've already started operations, submit your registration immediately and ensure all safety measures are in place. DOSH may allow continued operation pending inspection if you demonstrate compliance.

What happens if my Certificate of Fitness expires?

You must stop operating that plant immediately. Operating equipment with an expired CF is illegal and can result in fines up to RM500,000. Schedule your renewal inspection at least 30 days before expiry through MyKKP. The CF is valid for 15 months, so mark your calendar for renewal 2 months before expiry.

Is the RM193 factory inspection fee a one-time payment?

Yes, the RM193 fee is a one-time payment for the initial factory inspection. If you install new regulated machinery requiring Certificate of Fitness, you'll pay separate inspection fees for each plant. Periodic CF renewals also incur fees based on equipment type and capacity.

Do I need a Safety and Health Officer for factory registration?

It depends on your industry and workforce size. The Occupational Safety and Health (Safety and Health Officer) Order 1997 specifies which industries require an SHO. If you're not in a specified industry but have 5 or more employees, you must appoint an OSH Coordinator instead under the 2022 amendments. For more details, see our complete SHO guide.

What if I'm taking over an existing registered factory?

Submit a change of occupier notification through MyKKP. You'll need to confirm that operations remain the same as previously registered. If you're changing the nature of work or installing new machinery, additional approvals may be required. Ensure all existing Certificates of Fitness are transferred to your name.

Can a third party handle my DOSH registration?

Yes. Many companies use HSE consultants or compliance service providers to manage DOSH registrations. The consultant submits on your behalf through MyKKP, but you remain legally responsible for compliance. Ensure your consultant is familiar with current requirements, especially the post-June 2024 changes.

What's the Special Scheme of Inspection mentioned in the 2025 regulations?

The Special Scheme of Inspection (SSI) under P.U.(A) 2025 allows larger operations to conduct risk-based inspections instead of the standard 15-month CF cycle. If approved, your CF validity can extend up to 60 months based on your risk assessment. This is typically for facilities with multiple boilers or pressure vessels and robust in-house inspection capabilities.

Foundation Conclusion

DOSH registration is one compliance requirement. Protecting your registered assets and operations is another consideration entirely.

Factory fires, machinery breakdowns, and third-party liability claims can occur even in fully compliant facilities. Standard insurance policies often exclude specific industrial risks or impose conditions that factory operators overlook. Understanding the full scope of OSHA 1994 penalties reinforces why getting both compliance and coverage right matters.

Foundation specialises in industrial and engineering insurance for Malaysian manufacturers and facility operators. Our team understands DOSH compliance requirements and can structure coverage that accounts for your specific operations, machinery, and risk profile.

Get a risk assessment for your facility