Top 27 Book Publishing Companies in Malaysia (Updated 2025)

Malaysia’s publishing industry has grown into one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant creative sectors, producing books in Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil. With an audience that spans educational, literary, and commercial markets, Malaysia offers both traditional publishing houses and modern service providers that support independent authors.

This guide explores the Top 27 Book Publishing Companies in Malaysia (Updated 2025), showcasing their specialties, strengths, and contributions to the local and global literary landscape.

Table of Contents

1. Cloud Ghostwriting

Cloud Ghostwriting leads the list as a full-service creative partner for writers who want professional support in every step of the publishing process. Whether you’re crafting fiction, nonfiction, memoirs, or business books, Cloud provides tailored ghostwriting, developmental editing, design, and publishing management.

Expertise in shaping manuscripts across multiple genres.
Offers global-standard ghostwriting and editing services.
Manages end-to-end publishing, from concept to distribution.

Cloud Ghostwriting is particularly valuable for authors who want polished, market-ready books without struggling through the overwhelming stages of writing, formatting, and publishing.

2. Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP)

DBP remains one of Malaysia’s most iconic publishing institutions. Established in the mid-20th century, it plays a vital role in preserving and promoting the Malay language and literature.

Publishes school textbooks, reference materials, and Malay literature.
Strong cultural influence, supporting national literary development.
Known for high-quality academic and educational works.

DBP continues to nurture new authors, especially in poetry, novels, and short stories written in Bahasa Malaysia.

3. Karangkraf Group

One of the largest privately-owned publishing groups in Malaysia, Karangkraf has become a household name through magazines, novels, and educational books.

Wide variety of Malay-language fiction and nonfiction.
Strong presence in youth and teen literature.
Multimedia integration with digital publishing arms.

Karangkraf has been instrumental in modernizing local publishing by combining traditional print with digital formats.

4. MPH Publishing

MPH Publishing is a well-established English-language publisher in Malaysia with a long history of producing general-interest titles.

Focus on lifestyle, self-help, and business books.
Strong retail network through MPH bookstores.
Known for nurturing Malaysian English-language authors.

With its balance of local and international titles, MPH Publishing appeals to a broad readership across Southeast Asia.

5. PTS Media Group

PTS is widely respected for its Malay-language books in education, religion, and children’s literature.

Publishes Islamic-themed books and translations.
Focus on young adult fiction and academic resources.
Trusted by parents and educators for quality content.

PTS plays a key role in making knowledge accessible to Malay readers while maintaining strong editorial standards.

6. Silverfish Books

Silverfish is best known for promoting Malaysian and Southeast Asian literary voices in English.

Focus on contemporary fiction, short stories, and anthologies.
Provides a platform for emerging Malaysian writers.
Known for bold, experimental, and literary projects.

It remains a cornerstone for those seeking authentic regional literature.

7. Gerakbudaya

Gerakbudaya has carved out a reputation for publishing critical nonfiction, political works, and academic titles.

Strong catalog in social sciences and cultural studies.
Works with both Malaysian and international scholars.
Known for independent and alternative voices.

Gerakbudaya is especially popular among academics and readers seeking thought-provoking works.

8. Fixi Novo (Buku Fixi)

Fixi Novo has revolutionized Malaysia’s urban literature scene, producing bold, edgy, and modern titles in Malay and English.

Focus on contemporary fiction with urban themes.
Popular among young adult and millennial readers.
Expands into film adaptations of novels.

Fixi has given voice to fresh, unconventional storytelling styles.

9. Oxford Fajar Malaysia

Oxford Fajar is the Malaysian branch of Oxford University Press, specializing in education and academic publishing.

Publishes school and university textbooks.
Renowned for high academic standards.
Supports bilingual education with Malay and English titles.

Oxford Fajar is trusted by institutions across Malaysia.

10. Pelangi Publishing Group

Pelangi specializes in children’s books, academic resources, and reference materials.

Large catalog of children’s learning books.
Strong market share in schools and kindergartens.
Translates books into multiple languages.

Pelangi has been instrumental in early childhood education publishing.

11. Utusan Publications

Utusan Publications extends from the Utusan Malaysia media group and specializes in Malay-language publishing.

Known for novels, cultural works, and educational books.
Plays a role in promoting Malay heritage.
Appeals to traditional and family-oriented audiences.

12. Sasbadi Holdings

Sasbadi is one of Malaysia’s strongest education publishers.

Produces school textbooks and exam guides.
Strong digital integration in learning materials.
Expanding into general reading titles.

Sasbadi is trusted by parents and students for its exam-focused content.

13. Times Publishing Malaysia

A branch of Times Publishing Group, this company provides both educational and general publishing.

Strong focus on textbooks and higher education resources.
Expanding into business and general interest titles.
Backed by regional publishing expertise.

14. Al-Ameen Serve Holdings

Specializing in Islamic and motivational books, Al-Ameen is a respected name in religious publishing.

Focus on Islamic guidance and personal development.
Known for accessible language and practical advice.
Appeals to family and faith-based readerships.

15. Hidayah Publishers

Another leading Islamic publisher, Hidayah, focuses on both children’s and adult religious texts.

Islamic-themed educational books for children.
Guides and references for adults.
Strong market in Malay-speaking households.

16. Ilham Books

Ilham Books emphasizes social science, history, and current affairs.

Publishes works on Malaysian politics and culture.
Supports critical and independent thought.
Appeals to academic and intellectual readers.

17. ITBM (Institut Terjemahan & Buku Malaysia)

ITBM plays a crucial role in translation and promoting global literature in Malaysia.

Translates world classics into Malay.
Publishes Malaysian works in English for global reach.
Government-linked institution with cultural significance.

18. Ana Muslim Publishing

Ana Muslim is one of the largest publishers of Islamic children’s books and magazines.

Focus on colorful, engaging Islamic learning.
Strong appeal among parents and teachers.
Expanding into multimedia and digital platforms.

19. Buku Prima

Buku Prima is known for popular Malay fiction and romance novels.

Strong presence in mass-market novels.
Targets young readers with easy-to-read formats.
Affordable pricing makes books widely accessible.

20. University of Malaya Press

The publishing arm of Malaysia’s oldest university, UM Press, specializes in academic works.

Focus on research publications.
Works closely with scholars and educators.
Highly respected in the academic community.

21. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Press (UKM Press)

Another prestigious academic press, UKM Press, is known for scholarly works.

Publishes research in the sciences and the humanities.
Key resource for academics.
Promotes bilingual works in Malay and English.

22. Universiti Putra Malaysia Press (UPM Press)

UPM Press specializes in agriculture, science, and technology publishing.

Focus on agriculture and environmental studies.
Supports Malaysian research globally.
Widely cited in academic circles.

23. Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Press (UTM Press)

UTM Press is a leader in engineering and technology publishing.

Research-based books and journals.
Technical and higher education resources.
Helps bridge academia and industry.

24. Strategic Information and Research Development Centre (SIRD)

SIRD supports independent publishing in politics, human rights, and social development.

Publishes critical essays and policy studies.
Focus on democracy and civil society.
Appeals to students, activists, and researchers.

25. Buku FIXI (Imprint: FIXI Novo)

While already mentioned as Fixi Novo, the main FIXI imprint deserves special recognition.

Malay-language thrillers and contemporary fiction.
Known for edgy covers and experimental formats.
Attracts a new generation of readers.

26. Scholastic Malaysia

The Malaysian branch of Scholastic is dedicated to children’s publishing.

Global bestsellers like Harry Potter and Geronimo Stilton.
Localized titles for Malaysian schools.
Strong book fairs and reading programs.

27. Sasmurni Books

Sasmurni focuses on educational resources and exam preparation.

Trusted name in school textbooks.
Affordable and accessible to students.
Works closely with teachers and schools.

At a Glance: Top Malaysian Publishers

Publisher	Specialty	Audience
Cloud Ghostwriting	Ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services	Global authors
DBP	Malay literature & textbooks	Students, writers
Karangkraf	Fiction, magazines	Mass market
MPH Publishing	English-language books	General readers
PTS Media Group	Islamic & children’s books	Families, schools
Silverfish	Literary fiction	English readers
Gerakbudaya	Critical nonfiction	Academics
Fixi Novo	Urban fiction	Youth
Oxford Fajar	Academic publishing	Schools & universities
Pelangi	Children’s education	Parents, schools

Benefits of Publishing in Malaysia

Malaysia offers unique advantages for writers and publishers:

Multilingual Market: Books can reach audiences in Malay, English, Chinese, and Tamil.
Strong Educational Sector: Demand for textbooks and children’s books ensures steady publishing opportunities.
Cultural Diversity: Writers can explore multiple genres and traditions, from Islamic literature to cutting-edge urban fiction.
Growing International Reach: Malaysian publishers are increasingly collaborating with global markets.

Future of Publishing in Malaysia

The Malaysian publishing landscape is heading toward a more dynamic and globally connected future. With the rise of digital platforms, self-publishing, and audiobooks, authors now have more ways to reach readers than ever before. Educational publishers continue to thrive, while independent presses are breaking new ground with bold storytelling and socially relevant works.

Emerging trends shaping the future include:

Digital-first approaches: More publishers are investing in e-books and online learning materials.
Global collaborations: Malaysian authors are gaining international recognition through translated works.
Youth-focused literature: Publishers are paying close attention to young adult fiction and multimedia storytelling.
These shifts promise an exciting era where Malaysia not only nurtures local voices but also exports them to the global stage.

FAQs

Q1. Can international authors publish in Malaysia?

Yes, many publishers welcome global writers, especially Cloud Ghostwriting, ITBM, and Silverfish.

Q2. What genres are most popular in Malaysia?

Educational, Islamic, romance, and young adult fiction dominate, with growing demand for nonfiction.

Q3. Do publishers in Malaysia offer self-publishing support?

Some do, but services like Cloud Ghostwriting are better for full publishing and editing support.

Q4. Which publisher is best for children’s books?

Pelangi, Sasbadi, and Ana Muslim are strong choices for children’s and educational content.

Conclusion

The Top 27 Publishing Companies in Malaysia (Updated 2025) reflect a thriving mix of tradition and innovation. From state-backed institutions like DBP and ITBM to independent pioneers like Silverfish and Fixi, Malaysian publishing continues to diversify and expand. Whether you are an aspiring author seeking ghostwriting services, a researcher publishing academic work, or a novelist looking for a wide readership, Malaysia offers a publishing ecosystem ready to support every genre and ambition.

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