Starting a Self Service Laundry Business in Sabah
Starting a Self Service Laundry Business in Sabah
If you are looking to start a self service laundry business in Sabah, the first thing worth knowing is that myDobi is already here. We operate in Kota Kinabalu and across Sarawak, backed by more than 150 projects and over 2,000 machine installations across three countries. A new owner in Sabah is not a pioneer carrying all the risk. You are joining an established brand with a support team that already knows how to run laundromats in Borneo.
This page explains the investment packages, what each one includes, and why myDobi uses a license model rather than a franchise.
Is myDobi a franchise?
No. myDobi operates on a license ownership model. This is the core difference between joining myDobi and buying a laundry franchise. Under a franchise, you typically pay ongoing fees or a share of revenue for the life of the agreement.
myDobi investment packages
myDobi offers three package sizes so you can match the investment to your budget and your shoplot. Every package includes the chemical dosing pump, token changer, water pump, water heater, water tank, myDobi tokens and the smart gateway, along with full installation, testing and commissioning.
| Package | Shoplot size | Starting from | Washers | Dryer units |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| myDobi 20x39 | 20 x 39 feet | RM500,000 | 5 (two 14kg, two 20kg, one 28kg) | 5 |
| myDobi 20x50 | 20 x 50 feet | RM550,000 | 6 (two 14kg, two 20kg, two 28kg) | 6 |
| myDobi 27x42 | 27 x 42 feet | RM750,000 | 9 (four 14kg, three 20kg, two 28kg) | 9 |
Renovation is estimated separately at around RM150,000 for the larger format and covers the construction works: water piping, electrical wiring, the gas piping and safety system, lighting and fans, plus shop furniture and decor to create a comfortable space for your customers.
Roughly eighty percent of your capital goes into the laundry equipment itself, which is a long term asset you own, not a fee you lose.
License model versus laundry franchise
Many people in Sabah begin by searching for a laundry franchise, because franchise is the word the market uses for any branded outlet opportunity. The practical difference matters before you commit.
| What you care about | Laundry franchise | myDobi license model |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership of the outlet | Operated under franchisor terms | You own it |
| Ongoing royalties | Common | None |
| Revenue sharing | Common | None |
| Brand and system access | Yes | Yes |
| Equipment and setup support | Yes | Yes |
| Who keeps the profit | Shared in part | You keep it all |
You get the strength of an established brand and a proven system, without signing away a slice of every wash for years to come.
Why Sabah, and why now
Self service laundry demand in Sabah keeps growing, driven by apartment living, working households, tourism in Kota Kinabalu, and the simple fact that a good 24 hour laundromat saves people time. The Kota Kinabalu market already supports several operators, which tells you the demand is real. What it lacks is enough outlets backed by a brand that can support owners properly from within Borneo.
Why a Borneo operator matters
This is the point that separates myDobi from laundry brands run out of the Peninsula. When a machine needs a part, when a token changer fails, or when an outlet needs a service visit, response time depends on whether the brand actually operates in East Malaysia. myDobi does. Our Sarawak network in Kuching and Miri, and our presence in Kota Kinabalu, mean parts, know how and support are already on this side of the South China Sea.
For a Sabah investor, that is the difference between an outlet that runs smoothly and one that sits idle waiting for help to arrive from far away.
What returns can you expect?
Existing myDobi owners see returns in the region of 20 to 35 percent, depending on location, foot traffic and how the outlet is run. The numbers for your specific site come from the market analysis we run before you commit, not from a generic promise. A strong location with the right machine mix is what drives a healthy return, which is why site selection is the first thing we work on with you.
What support do you actually get?
You are not handed a brand name and left alone. The myDobi setup covers location analysis, where we assess demographics, target customers and accessibility before settling on the site, equipment installation and outlet fit out, the smart kiosk and coin operated system, the Hiro App for managing daily operations, halal certified laundry chemicals for consistent wash quality, and free 24 hour customer service careline support.
Equipment parts carry a 24 month warranty, with shorter cover on wear items such as coin acceptors and dryer roller bearings. A gas room is required for safety and must meet local construction and compliance standards before the authorities approve it.
How much capital do I need, and can I finance it?
Plan for a minimum capital expenditure of RM500,000 for the entry package, rising with the larger formats. Financing is available. Commercial loan rates in Malaysia generally sit between three point five and five percent a year depending on your profile and the bank, and myDobi can help with guidance and supporting documents for your application.
How long does setup take?
Most outlets are ready within about one month once the site is confirmed. Local permits, utility connections and equipment shipment can shift that timeline, which is exactly why working with an operator that already moves equipment into Borneo matters.
How do I start?
The first step is a conversation about your location. We will look at a few options with you, run the market analysis, and map the numbers for your specific site in Sabah. From there we handle setup so your outlet opens ready to operate 24 hours a day under the myDobi brand.
To enquire about opening a myDobi outlet in Kota Kinabalu or elsewhere in Sabah, contact the myDobi investment team through the website.
Frequently asked questions
Is myDobi a franchise? No. myDobi runs on a license ownership model.
How much does it cost to open a myDobi laundry outlet in Sabah? Packages start from RM500,000 for the 20x39 format, RM550,000 for 20x50, and RM750,000 for 27x42, with around eighty percent going into the equipment you own. Renovation is estimated separately at around RM150,000 for the larger format.
Does myDobi already operate in Sabah? Yes. myDobi operates in Kota Kinabalu and across Sarawak, with more than 150 projects and over 2,000 machine installations across three countries.
What return on investment can I expect? Existing owners see returns in the region of 20 to 35 percent, depending on location, foot traffic and operation. Your specific projection comes from the site market analysis.
Can I choose my own outlet location? Yes. Owners propose potential locations, and myDobi runs a market analysis on demographics, target customers and accessibility to confirm the best site.
Is financing available? Yes. Commercial loans are commonly used, and myDobi can provide guidance and supporting documents for your application.
How long does setup take? Typically about one month once the site is confirmed, subject to permits, utilities and shipment timing.
