What Kumpulan Karangkraf does

Kumpulan Karangkraf is a privately held, family-controlled Malaysian media conglomerate founded in 1978 by Dato' (Dr.) Hussamuddin Bin Hj. Yaacub, headquartered in Shah Alam, Selangor. The group operates five principal business divisions: Sinar Karangkraf (newspaper and digital news publishing, anchored by Sinar Harian with 80,000 daily print circulation and 10 million monthly website visitors); Buku Karangkraf (book publishing through the Alaf 21, Buku Prima, and Karya Bestari imprints, with over 10,000 published titles); Percetakan Ultimate / Ultimate Print (commercial and security printing, serving as printer for NST, Berita Harian, Metro, Utusan Malaysia, and Kosmo); Nu Ideaktiv (a joint venture with Astro operating 40+ digital intellectual properties including Malaysia's No. 1 parenting, food, and women's portals); and Karangkraf Mall (e-commerce platform with Shopee and Lazada distribution). The portfolio also includes 13 active magazine titles, AR-enabled educational content, the TomKraf pet food brand, and event venue operations.

Revenue is generated through a hybrid model combining advertising and subscriptions (Sinar Harian, Sinar Daily, multiple magazine titles), one-time book sales (Buku Karangkraf), transaction-based e-commerce (Karangkraf Mall, marketplace listings), B2B commercial printing services (Ultimate Print), and advertising-supported digital content (Nu Ideaktiv portals). GTM motion is multi-channel: enterprise field sales to advertisers and printing clients, direct-to-consumer via retail and e-commerce, and large-scale community events (carnivals attracting 100,000-200,000 visitors) serving as brand engagement and product showcase platforms. Target audiences are Malay-speaking consumers across Malaysia, with expansion signal into the broader Southeast Asian / Nusantara region through the Astro joint venture.

The company is founder-owned and family-controlled, with second-generation leadership (Firdaus and Farah Binti Hussamuddin) as Chairman/CEO of book and news divisions respectively. No external private equity or venture capital backing is indicated. The group holds Malaysian Books of Records recognition for the most Bahasa Malaysia magazine titles published (30), and has accumulated international recognition including WAN-IFRA Asia Digital Media Awards (2024), Premier PRINT Awards (2021), and Asia Print Awards (2014). CSR activity is structurally significant, including #RasuahBusters (550+ partners), Biasiswa Karangkraf scholarship (3,000+ students), and Yayasan Nur Karangkraf for single mothers.

Name

Kumpulan Karangkraf

Legal name

Kumpulan Karangkraf Sdn Bhd

Website

https://karangkraf.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Short description

Kumpulan Karangkraf is a Malaysian, family-owned media conglomerate operating newspapers (Sinar Harian), book publishing (Buku Karangkraf/Alaf 21), commercial printing (Ultimate Print), digital content (Nu Ideaktiv JV with Astro), and e-commerce (Karangkraf Mall), serving Malay-speaking audiences across Malaysia and Southeast Asia.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Media & Publishing

NAICS

Book Publishers (51313), Book Publishers (513130), Periodical Publishers (513120), Periodical Publishers (51312), Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers (5131)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731), Newspapers: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2711), Periodicals: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2721), Commercial Printing (2750), Book Printing (2732)

akta.pro primary industry

Sacred Texts & Scripture Publishing (Bibles, Qur’ans, Vedas, Torah, Sutras) (MPAJAHAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Short-Run & Micro-Run Digital Printing Services (POD-adjacent) (MPAJANAI)

Keywords

• Media publishing
• Commercial printing
• Newspaper publishing
• Book publishing
• Digital content portals

Headquarters

HQ city

Selangor

HQ country

Malaysia

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. News Publishing and Advertising: Revenue from newspaper and magazine publishing including Sinar Harian (80,000 daily circulation), Sinar Daily, and 13 magazine titles. Income derived from advertising, sponsored content, and digital subscriptions.
2. Book Publishing: Revenue from book publishing through Buku Karangkraf group (merger of Alaf 21, Buku Prima, Karya Bestari) with over 10,000 books published. Includes educational materials, novels, reference works, and Al-Quran publications sold through multiple channels.
3. E-commerce Sales: Revenue from Karangkraf Mall e-commerce platform and third-party marketplace sales (Shopee, Lazada) offering books, novels, magazines, subscriptions, and Al-Quran products with 24/7 availability and promotional discounts.
4. Commercial Printing Services: Revenue from Ultimate Print providing book printing, packaging, digital printing, newspaper production, and security printing for external clients including NST, Berita Harian, Metro, Utusan Malaysia, and Kosmo. ISO 9001:2000 certified operations.
5. Digital Content and Media: Revenue from Nu Ideaktiv digital content including online portals, mobile apps, TV show production, and workshops across the Nusantara region. Multiple award-winning programs and innovative content delivery platforms.
6. Pet Food Sales: Revenue from TomKraf cat food brand, a 100% Malaysian-made pet food sold through retail channels under Karangkraf MediCare subsidiary.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kumpulan Karangkraf is a diversified Malay-language media and publishing conglomerate that publishes newspapers (Sinar Harian, Sinar Daily), magazines (13+ titles), and books (10,000+ titles via Buku Karangkraf imprints Alaf 21, Buku Prima, Karya Bestari). It also operates commercial and security printing services through Ultimate Print, digital content platforms via Nu Ideaktiv joint venture with Astro, and e-commerce through Karangkraf Mall. The group sells to both consumers (readers, book buyers) and enterprise clients (advertisers, newspaper publishers, corporate printing customers).

Product overview

Kumpulan Karangkraf is a diversified media and publishing conglomerate operating as a multi-platform media powerhouse. The company operates through distinct divisions: Sinar Karangkraf (newspaper and digital news publications including Sinar Harian with 10M monthly visitors, Sinar Daily, and multiple news portals), Buku Karangkraf (book publishing through Alaf 21, Buku Prima, and Karya Bestari imprints publishing over 10,000 titles), Percetakan Ultimate (commercial printing including Al-Quran printing and security documents), Nu Ideaktiv (digital content joint venture with Astro managing 13+ titles including Pa&Ma, Rasa, and Mingguan Wanita portals), Karangkraf Mall (e-commerce platform), and Event Space (venue rental). The portfolio includes 13 magazine titles, mobile apps for news and AR education, and a pet food brand TomKraf. The products range from traditional print (newspapers, magazines, books) to digital platforms (websites, mobile apps, e-commerce) and services (event venues, printing services), forming an interconnected media ecosystem covering news, publishing, digital content, and commercial services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Sinar Harian: Multi-award-winning newspaper publication with daily circulation of 80,000 copies and 10 million website visitors per month
• Sinar Daily
• Alaf 21
• Buku Prima
• Karya Bestari
• Nona Magazine
• Mingguan Kanak-Kanak
• Nu Ideaktiv
• Ultimate Print
• TomKraf
• Karangkraf Mall
• Sinar Bestari
• Sinar Plus
• Sinar Islam Plus
• Sinar Premium
• Pop Family

Products and services

• Sinar Harian Newspaper Multi-award-winning Malay-language newspaper with daily circulation of 80,000 copies and 10 million monthly website visitors, providing news across regional editions in Malaysia
• Sinar Daily English-language news website recognized by WAN-IFRA as best news website in small/medium media category in Asia (2024)
• Buku Karangkraf (GBK) Book Publishing Malaysia's largest Malay-owned book publisher formed through merger of Alaf 21, Buku Prima, and Karya Bestari, publishing over 10,000 titles across novels, educational materials, reference works, and Al-Quran publications
• Percetakan Ultimate (Ultimate Print) Leading one-stop commercial printing solution provider in Malaysia with 30+ years of experience, specializing in book printing, packaging, newspaper production, Al-Quran printing, and high-security document production; ISO 9001:2000 certified
• Nu Ideaktiv Digital Content Platforms Joint venture between Astro and Kumpulan Karangkraf, a prominent digital content company managing 40+ intellectual properties including Malaysia's No. 1 parenting portal (Pa&Ma), No. 1 food portal (Rasa), and No. 1 women's portal (Mingguan Wanita)
• Karangkraf Mall E-commerce Platform Dedicated e-commerce platform offering novels, books, magazines, and subscriptions from Karangkraf brands with 24/7 availability and promotional discounts up to 80% off
• Magazine Portfolio (13+ titles including Nona, Libur, Hijabista, Keluarga, Laman Impiana, Dapur Impiana, Pesona Pengantin) Active portfolio of 13+ Malay-language magazine titles across fashion, beauty, lifestyle, family, home decor, and leisure categories; recognized by Malaysian Books of Records for most Bahasa Malaysia magazine titles (30 titles)
• Event Space Venue Rental Event venue rental service offering Dewan Karangkraf, Studio F, Studio WUI, Training Room, Meeting Room, and Outdoor Venue for bazaars, carnivals, seminars, and other events
• TomKraf Cat Food 100% Malaysian-made cat food brand under Karangkraf MediCare, emphasizing quality, affordability, and nutritional excellence in feline diets

Quantifiable outcome

• 10 million monthly website visitors for Sinar Harian digital platform
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

37 partnerships are on record, tiered core, strategic, major and minor.

• AstrocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Joint venture between Astro and Kumpulan Karangkraf forming Nu Ideaktiv, a prominent digital content company in Malaysia and Southeast Asia. Manages 40+ intellectual properties including Malaysia's No. 1 parenting portal (Pa&Ma), No. 1 food portal (Rasa), and No. 1 women's portal (Mingguan Wanita). The JV enables content distribution across TV shows and digital platforms in the Nusantara region.
• Darphane (Turkish State Mint and Security Printing)strategicTechnology or IntegrationPartnership between Percetakan Ultimate and Darphane, the Turkish State Mint and Security Printing institution. Collaboration enhances capabilities in high-security printing and positions Ultimate Print as a technology printing hub in the region.
• RasuahBusters CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner#RasuahBusters anti-corruption initiative launched in February 2021 with over 550 strategic partners including media groups, individuals, organizations, and private companies working together to combat corruption in Malaysia.
• Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor (JPNS)majorGTM or Marketing PartnerKarnival Pendidikan Sinar Bestari organized by Sinar Harian and Sinar Bestari with cooperation from Jabatan Pendidikan Negeri Selangor for school participation and educational programs.
• Nu Ideaktiv Sdn BhdmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerNu Ideaktiv serves as official media partner for Karnival Pendidikan Sinar Bestari, contributing to event promotion and content delivery.
• Grup Buku KarangkrafminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGrup Buku Karangkraf participates as exhibitor in Karnival Pendidikan Sinar Bestari, showcasing publications and books at the educational carnival.
• KDEB Waste ManagementminorGTM or Marketing PartnerKDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) serves as sponsor for Festival TV PSS Sinar Bestari 2025 educational event.
• Talent Corp MalaysiaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTalent Corp Malaysia serves as client supporter for Festival TV PSS Sinar Bestari 2025.
• Sunshine BakeriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSunshine Bakeries provides sponsorship support for Festival TV PSS Sinar Bestari 2025.
• QSR Brands (M) Holding BhdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerQSR Brands (M) Holding Bhd (KFC Malaysia) provides sponsorship support for Festival TV PSS Sinar Bestari 2025.
• Jasmine Food Corporation Sdn BhdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerJasmine Food Corporation Sdn Bhd provides sponsorship support for Festival TV PSS Sinar Bestari 2025.
• AirAsia AcademyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAirAsia Academy participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf, showcasing educational offerings.
• PetrosainsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPetrosains participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf educational and cultural carnival.
• Farm In The CityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerFarm In The City (zoo mini) participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Planetarium NegaraminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPlanetarium Negara participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• AEON BiG Sdn BhdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAEON BiG Sdn Bhd participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Bank MuamalatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBank Muamalat participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Bank Simpanan NasionalminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBank Simpanan Nasional participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Co-opbank Pertama (CBP)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-opbank Pertama (CBP) participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerUniversiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Wardah (Pharmacore Technology & Innovation)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerWardah from Pharmacore Technology & Innovation participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• Able Perfect Sdn BhdminorGTM or Marketing PartnerAble Perfect Sdn Bhd participates as exhibitor in Karnival Rakyat Karangkraf.
• SEGI UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship program originally partnered with SEGI University for staff education support, later expanded to other institutions.
• Universiti Tun Abdul Raza (UNIRAZAK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• UNITARminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• UNISELminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• KUISminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• UNITENminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• RanacominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• InstedtminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• KLMU / CosmopintminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBiasiswa Karangkraf scholarship partner institution for higher education funding.
• New Straits Times (NST)majorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUltimate Print serves as printing partner for New Straits Times newspaper production.
• Berita HarianmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUltimate Print serves as printing partner for Berita Harian newspaper.
• MetrominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUltimate Print serves as printing partner for Metro newspaper.
• Utusan MalaysiamajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUltimate Print serves as printing partner for Utusan Malaysia newspaper.
• KosmominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUltimate Print serves as printing partner for Kosmo newspaper.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Rev Asia Group: Malaysian digital media company operating a portfolio of niche content sites. Comparable to Karangkraf's Nu Ideaktiv digital properties in targeting Malaysian audiences with verticalized content verticals and digital advertising.

Direct peers

• Astro Malaysia Holdings: Malaysia's leading pay-TV operator and Karangkraf's joint venture partner in Nu Ideaktiv. Comparable in content distribution and digital media reach, and directly entangled through the Nu Ideaktiv JV managing parenting, food, and women's digital portals.
• Utusan Melayu (M) Berhad: Malaysian Bahasa Malaysia newspaper publisher and broader media group. Comparable to Karangkraf's Sinar Harian and Bahasa Malaysia newspaper portfolio, targeting the same Malay-language readership.
• Media Prima Berhad: Malaysia's largest integrated media group operating newspapers (New Straits Times, Berita Harian), TV networks, radio, and digital platforms. Directly comparable to Karangkraf as a diversified Malay-language media conglomerate, though with a stronger broadcast and English-language portfolio.
• Star Media Group Berhad: Publisher of The Star, Malaysia's leading English-language daily, with radio and digital properties. Comparable to Karangkraf in operating national newspaper and digital news brands, though narrower in Bahasa Malaysia book and commercial printing exposure.

Regional players

• SPH Media Trust: Singapore-based publisher of The Straits Times and other newspapers, magazines, and digital media. Comparable to Karangkraf in operating a multi-platform news and publishing portfolio, though primarily English-language and Singapore-focused.

Broad incumbents

• RR Donnelley: Large global commercial printing and communications services company. Comparable to Ultimate Print in commercial printing services, though at far larger global scale and with broader communications services portfolio.
• Hachette Book Group: Major global trade book publisher across multiple imprints. Comparable to Karangkraf's Buku Karangkraf group in operating multi-imprint book publishing with diverse genres and religious titles.
• HarperCollins Publishers: Global book publisher with broad fiction, nonfiction, and religious catalogs. Comparable to Buku Karangkraf/Alaf 21 in book publishing operations, though at much larger global scale and primarily English-language.

Peers

• Genting Plantations / Star Media Group Printing:

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Karangkraf
• Facebookfacebook.com/KumpulanMediaKarangkraf
• Instagraminstagram.com/kumpulan_media_karangkraf
• TikToktiktok.com/@sinarharianonline?lang=en
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/SinarHarianWebTV
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kumpulan-karangkraf-sdn-bhd

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles9 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kumpulan Karangkraf