The Malaysian Institute of Chemistry was established in 1967 with a membership of 27 chemists. It has grown in tandem with the progressive development of the country and today with a membership of about 1800 enjoys a prominent place among the scientific non-governmental organisations in Malaysia.

The Institute was successful in getting an Act to be passed in Parliament in 1975 to regulate the practice and promote the interest of the profession of chemistry in Malaysia. This Act, the Chemists Act 1975, changed the whole scenario of the profession, as it gave recognition to the professional practice of chemistry.  The Institute carries out whole range of professional and social activities to promote Chemistry at various levels.

These include several Chemistry awards at school, universities and professional levels, promotion of laboratory safety and the holding of symposia and conferences. Such activities have become easier through the "Unifying" influence of the Chemists Act and the strength of the large membership.

Today, the Institute have its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur as well as six Branch Committees, namely in Penang (North Malaysia), Ipoh (in the state of Perak). Johore Bahru (South Malaysia), Kuala Terengganu (East Coast State), Kuching (Sarawak State) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah State). This has ensured that the activities of the Institute &e spread nation-wide.

The Institute holds a major chemical conference each year at national or regional level as well as several courses or workshops. The Regional Meetings held include:

• The Asian Chemical Congress (1984 & 1993)
• 2nd International Symposium on Technician Education (1991)
• Asian Network on Analytical and Inorganic Chemistry ANAIC) 
• International Conference(1989 &1993)
• Forth Eurasia Chemical Conference (1994)

is the Institute’s vision that Malaysian Chemists will play a key role not only in helping Malaysia achieve its 2020 objective, but will also play a leading role in the development of chemistry in the region as well as internationally.

Council Members for 2007/2008
The Institute is managed by a Council which comprises the Director-General of Chemistry as the Registrar and 13 elected members.  The President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer are elected annually by the Council from among its members.

Branches and its members 2007/2008
The Chairperson of IKM Branches are co-opted to serve in the Council.

Committees of IKM 2007/2008

Under the chemists Act 1975 only registered chemists of the Institut Kimia Malaysia (IKM) shall:

• practice or hold himself out as a person of any other like description;
• advertise by any means or in any manner as being engaged in practice as a registered chemist;
• adopt, use or exhibit the term "registered chemist" or its equivalent in any other language or any other term of like description in such circumstances as to indicate or to be likely to lead persons to infer that he is a registered chemists; and
• sign or certify any report or certificate of analysis intended for the public.

• To determine the qualification of persons for admission as members;

• To provide for the training, education and examination by the Institute of persons intending to be members and of members practising or intending to practise the profession of chemistry in Malaysia;

• To regulate the practice, by members, of the profession of chemistry in Malaysia;

• To promote the interest of the profession of chemistry in Malaysia; and

• To render such pecuniary or other assistance to members or their dependant as it thinks fit with a view to protecting or promoting their welfare.

Education Fund

• Provide Chemistry Awards at professional, university and school levels; and
• provide travel grants and research fellowship

Benevolent Fund

• Provide assistance to members and their dependants

The Institute carries out a range of professional, educational, social and promotional activities, including:

• Membership Examination
• Chemical Conferences including the Malaysian Chemical Conference (MCC), Seminars, Training Courses, Workshops and Talks
• Factory Visits
• Chemistry Publications
• Social functions such as the Annual Malam Kimia