Factory Type and Layout
Detached factories offer the most flexibility, no shared walls, independent power, and usually larger land area for heavy vehicle access. Semi-D and cluster factories share party walls but offer lower capital cost. Terrace factories suit light assembly and trading; they are not suited to heavy machinery or high-vibration processes.
Power Supply for Manufacturing
Light assembly and trading: 100–200A. Medium manufacturing with multiple machines: 200–400A. Heavy or continuous production lines, injection moulding, or CNC machining banks: 400A and above. Always verify the actual TNB incoming supply at the meter, stated supply and actual supply sometimes differ on older units.
Zoning and Permitted Use
Industrial-zoned land in Malaysia falls under Light Industry (LI) or Medium Industry (MI) classifications. Your business activity must match the approved industrial scheme for that area. Chemical processing, food manufacturing, and certain heavy industries require additional approvals from MIDA, DOE, or DOSH regardless of the zoning class.
Floor Loading and Structural Clearance
Standard factory slabs handle 20–30 kN/m². Heavy CNC machines, hydraulic presses, or large storage racks may require 40–60 kN/m² or a structural assessment before installation. For purchase, confirm floor loading capacity and whether any existing tenants have modified the slab.
Key Industrial Estates
Sections 23, 26, 27, 32, and 33 house traditional factory clusters. Bukit Jelutong and Glenmarie Industrial Park cater to higher-spec logistics and light manufacturing. Hicom Industrial Estate hosts heavier-industry tenants with larger power allocation and wider access roads suited to heavy vehicles.
Rental and Sale Rates
Warehouse and factory rentals in Shah Alam range from RM 2.00–3.00 per sqft per month; newer high-spec logistics facilities run RM 3.00–4.50/sqft. For sale, terrace factories typically transact at RM 550–900 per sqft, semi-D units at RM 750–1,100 per sqft, and detached factories from RM 450–900 per sqft, depending on specification, section, and tenure.