The Malaysian Industrial Design Act 1996 (IDA '96) came into force on the 1st September 1999 to replace the United Kingdom Design (Protection) Act 1949 of West Malaysia, the United Kingdom Designs (Protection) Ordinance Chapter 152 of Sabah and the Designs (United Kingdom) Ordinance, Chapter 59 of Sarawak, for the registration of industrial designs in Malaysia.

The implementation of the IDA '96 is aimed at reducing the cost involved in registering industrial designs which previously had to be done in the UK.

The said act also aims at encouraging local industrial designers to design products which are innovative, appealing and functionally appropriate to compete in the world market.