All contractors in Malaysia need to register with CIDB and hold a contractor registration certificate (PPK) under the CIDB Act 1994 (Act 520). For a new contractor, the order is simple: register your business first, then apply to CIDB online through CIMS, CIDB’s Construction Industry Management System. This guide walks through what to check before you start, so you apply for the right thing the first time.
Check these before you apply
Who needs CIDB registration?
CIDB’s contractor guide states that all contractors need to register with CIDB and hold a PPK. That includes house renovation work.
Register your business first
CIDB’s guide lists business registration as the first step. In Peninsular Malaysia this is with SSM under the Companies Act 2016 (Act 777). In Sabah, registration can be made at the district office or local authority. In Sarawak, it is made at the district office, except in the Kuching city area, where LHDN handles it.
Choose your category and specialisation codes
CIDB groups registered contractors by grade, from G1 to G7, and by category: Building, Civil Engineering, Mechanical & Electrical Engineering, and Facility Management. Within these, you apply for specialisation codes. For example, CIDB lists B04 for house building work and B28 for house renovation work, applied for through CIMS. For how the grades and categories fit together, see our CIDB registration guide.
Applying on CIMS
The application is made in your company’s name, and you usually submit it yourself through your own CIMS account. We never ask for your password.
Set up your CIMS account
CIMS’s official How To Use page has guides on signing up and logging in.
Complete the new PPK application
CIMS splits its official walkthrough of a new PPK application into two parts: Part 1 covers the prerequisites (Pra-syarat), and Part 2 covers the registration process (Proses Mendaftar). It also has a guide to the conditions attached to the PPK (Syarat-syarat Perakuan Pendaftaran Kontraktor). Go through Part 1 before you start filling in the form.
After you submit
You can check a contractor’s registration, including whether it is valid or expired, on CIMS’s public contractor search. If CIDB asks for more information, reply through CIMS.
After G1: PPK, SPKK and STB
- PPK is your CIDB contractor registration certificate.
- SPKK is the certificate for government works procurement, and is a separate application. CIDB states that you need to hold a PPK before your company can apply for an SPKK.
- STB is the Bumiputera status certificate, also a separate application on CIMS.
Which ones you need depends on the work you plan to take on. Our CIDB registration guide explains the differences in more detail.
Application support and follow-up
Our team helps you work out what to apply for before you start, then supports the application itself:
- checking which category and specialisation codes fit the work you do;
- preparing and organising your documents;
- reviewing your application before you submit it;
- following up on CIDB’s requests until the application is closed.
To see how we work with clients, read how it works.
A note on approval
Approval, grade and specialisations are decided by CIDB. We help you prepare a complete, accurate application; the decision rests with CIDB.
FAQ
Who needs CIDB registration in Malaysia?
CIDB’s contractor guide states that all contractors need to register with CIDB and hold a PPK under Act 520, including those doing house renovation work.
What is the first step?
Register your business. CIDB’s guide lists this as the first step: with SSM in Peninsular Malaysia, and through the district office (or local authority in Sabah) in Sabah and Sarawak.
Where do I apply?
Online, through CIMS, using your company’s own account.
What is the difference between PPK and SPKK?
PPK is your CIDB registration certificate. SPKK is for government works procurement, and you need a PPK before applying for it.
How do I check my registration?
Use CIMS’s public contractor search, which shows a contractor’s grade, category and whether the registration is valid or expired.
Not sure where to start?
Tell us what work you do and we’ll help you work out the next step.
Approval rests with the relevant authority.
Our information is compiled from official government websites for reference only. The final outcome is always subject to the decision of the relevant statutory authority.
Official sources (accessed 26 October 2026)
- CIDB Jom Bina Sempurna, Contractor Guide: Pematuhan Peraturan: https://www.cidb.gov.my/jombinasempurna/panduan-kontraktor/pematuhan-peraturan/
- CIDB CIMS, public contractor search: https://cims.cidb.gov.my/smis/regcontractor/reglocalsearchcontractor.vbhtml
- CIDB CIMS, How To Use: https://cims.cidb.gov.my/SMIS/regcontractor/HowToUse.vbhtml?language=1
- CIDB, Pendaftaran Kontraktor: https://www.cidb.gov.my/pendaftaran-kontraktor/