Publishing Companies in Malaysia: Top Publishers
A publishing company is a business that produces and distributes books, magazines, newspapers, or other printed materials. Publishing companies handle editing, design, printing, marketing, and sales. They work with authors, editors, and designers to create publications for specific audiences. In Malaysia, the publishing industry serves a multilingual market across Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil readerships.
Malaysia’s publishing sector includes large corporations like Karangkraf Media Group and smaller independent houses like Silverfish Books. Publishers range from academic presses to commercial fiction imprints. The industry is regulated by the National Book Council of Malaysia (Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia) and supported by government grants from the Ministry of Education.
List of Publishing Companies in Malaysia
The Malaysian publishing industry includes traditional publishers, academic presses, and independent houses. Below is a directory of the main publishers operating in the country, with details on their focus areas.
- MPH Group Publishing - A leading Malaysian publisher with an extensive range of books, magazines, and digital content. MPH publishes fiction, non-fiction, children’s books, cookbooks, and travel guides. The company also runs a chain of bookstores across Malaysia.
- Karangkraf Media Group - One of Malaysia’s largest media companies. Karangkraf publishes magazines, newspapers, and books in Malay. Titles include Utusan Malaysia and various lifestyle magazines.
- PTS Media Group - A Malay-language publisher based in Kuala Lumpur. PTS produces books on religion, motivation, business, and fiction. The company also operates a bookstore chain and digital publishing arm.
- Gerakbudaya - A Malaysian publisher focused on social, political, and cultural issues in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Gerakbudaya also distributes books from other publishers and supports independent writers and researchers.
- Silverfish Books - An independent publisher in Kuala Lumpur known for high-quality literature, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. Silverfish operates a bookstore that hosts events and writing workshops.
- Fixi Novo - A publisher of contemporary urban fiction that promotes new and emerging Malaysian authors. Fixi Novo publishes in both English and Malay, with stories exploring modern Malaysian life.
- Buku Fixi - A Malaysian publisher of novels, short stories, and graphic novels in Malay and English. Buku Fixi targets readers looking for alternative and contemporary content.
- University of Malaya Press - The publishing arm of the University of Malaya. It publishes academic books, journals, and monographs in social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.
- Pelangi Publishing Group - Established in 1979, Pelangi is a leading educational publisher in Malaysia. The company produces textbooks, workbooks, storybooks, and digital resources for preschool through secondary levels.
- Oyez! Books - A Malaysian publisher specialising in children’s books. Oyez! focuses on high-quality, engaging content that promotes Malaysian culture and heritage to young readers.
- The Inspire Series - A publisher of self-help, motivational, and personal development books. Their catalogue aims to help readers improve their lives and reach personal goals.
Other publishers in Malaysia include Kualiti Books Sdn Bhd, Penerbitan Fajar Bakti Sdn Bhd, Penerbitan Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad, and Penerbitan Karya Seni Sdn Bhd.
How to Publish a Book in Malaysia
Authors in Malaysia have several paths to publication. The right option depends on budget, timeline, and the level of control the author wants over the process.
Traditional publishing houses such as Silverfish Books, Gerakbudaya, Buku Fixi, and The Inspire Series accept manuscript submissions. The process is competitive. Authors submit manuscripts, and publishers handle editing, design, printing, and distribution. Royalty rates typically range from 8% to 15% of the retail price.
Self-publishing platforms let authors publish independently with higher royalty rates. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), IngramSpark, and Lulu are available to Malaysian authors. These platforms handle printing on demand and global digital distribution.
Hybrid publishers combine elements of traditional and self-publishing. Companies like Partridge Publishing and BookBaby provide professional editing, design, and marketing support. Authors typically contribute to publishing costs upfront.
Local print-on-demand services such as Art Printing Works and CzipLee Printing handle book production and distribution within Malaysia. These services suit authors targeting the domestic market.
How to Sell a Book in Malaysia
Once published, authors need distribution and marketing strategies to reach Malaysian readers. Multiple sales channels exist for both print and digital formats.
Online platforms like Lazada, Shopee, Amazon, and Book Depository provide access to Malaysian and international buyers. Local bookstores, especially independent shops, often support local authors and may stock titles on consignment.
E-book distribution through Kindle, Kobo, Google Play Books, and Apple Books reaches digital readers. Book fairs and literary festivals in Malaysia, such as the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair, offer direct selling opportunities and networking with other authors.
Social media marketing on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok helps authors build an audience. Collaboration with Malaysian influencers, book bloggers, and book clubs can drive sales. Authors should also approach libraries and book distributors like MPH Distributors for wider retail placement.
How to Choose a Publishing Company in Malaysia
Selecting the right publisher affects the success of a book in the Malaysian market. Authors should evaluate several factors before signing a publishing agreement.
Genre fit matters. Each publisher has strengths in specific categories. Pelangi focuses on education. Fixi Novo targets urban fiction. University of Malaya Press handles academic titles. Authors should match their manuscript to a publisher’s catalogue.
Distribution reach determines how many readers can access the book. Publishers with bookstore chains like MPH or partnerships with major distributors offer wider placement. Contract terms should be read carefully, paying attention to royalty rates, rights retention, and reversion clauses.
Track record is worth checking. Established publishers like Karangkraf and Gerakbudaya have decades of industry presence. Author support through editing, marketing, and launch events varies between publishers. Smaller houses may offer more personal attention.
Traits of Strong Publishing Companies in Malaysia
The best publishers in Malaysia share several characteristics that set them apart from weaker operators. These traits apply across traditional, hybrid, and educational publishing.
Content quality comes first. Strong publishers invest in professional editing, proofreading, and cover design. Distribution networks are wide, covering physical bookstores, online platforms, and institutional channels like schools and universities.
Marketing capability is a differentiator. Good publishers run launch campaigns, arrange media coverage, and maintain active social media presence. Fair author contracts with transparent royalty reporting build trust and attract better manuscripts.
Innovation in digital publishing helps publishers stay relevant. This includes e-book production, audiobook distribution, and online sales channels. Publishers that adapt to changing reader habits maintain market share.
Why Publish in Malaysia
Malaysia offers several advantages for authors and publishers looking to reach Southeast Asian readers. The country’s publishing infrastructure supports both local and international titles. Graduates entering the publishing industry can check fresh graduate salary benchmarks to set realistic expectations for editorial and marketing roles.
Multilingual market - Malaysia’s population reads in Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. This creates opportunities for publishers serving different language communities. Affordable production costs keep book printing and distribution prices competitive compared to other markets.
Government support through grants and tax incentives from the National Book Council encourages local publishing. A skilled workforce of writers, editors, translators, and designers supports high production standards. Malaysia’s location in Southeast Asia provides access to regional markets in Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, and beyond.