The Malaysia Steel & Metal Distributors’ Association (MSMDA) was established in 1943. Formerly known as the Selangor Hardware & Scrap Traders’ Guild, it was founded by a group of Hokkien metal and hardware merchants from Anxi, Fujian, based in the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur regions. The association was formed with the goal of uniting industry peers and promoting mutual support. Although its early development was constrained during the Japanese occupation, the association swiftly regained vitality after the war and gradually became a key platform in Malaysia’s hardware and metal industry.

After the end of World War II in 1945, the association was reorganized and renamed the Selangor Hardware Association. Its operations gradually became more institutionalized, and it began collaborating with hardware organizations across the country to collectively address the challenges posed by new government policies. In 1950, the association was formally registered as a society, establishing its legal status within the industry.

After Malaysia gained independence in 1957, the association continued to expand in scale. Although efforts to acquire a premises initially encountered setbacks, a permanent headquarters was eventually established in 1976, marking a milestone in the organization’s stable development. During this period, member businesses also transitioned from secondhand goods trading to steel and metal distribution, in response to the nation’s growing infrastructure development needs.

Since the 1980s, the association has actively participated in Chinese community affairs, expanded its domestic and international networks, and promoted the integration and exchange of information within the hardware industry. In 1984, it was renamed the Kuala Lumpur & Selangor Hardware Traders’ Association. In 1989, the Steel and Economic Information Centre was established to enhance the industry's intelligence and data capabilities. In 1993, the association co-founded the Federation of Malaysia Hardware, Machinery & Building Materials Dealers’ Associations, laying the foundation for national-level collaboration across the industry.

Entering the 21st century, the association was honored with the “Top 10 Exemplary Societies” award by the Registrar of Societies Malaysia. In 2011, it was officially restructured as a national-level organization and renamed the Malaysia Steel & Metal Distributors’ Association, with members from all states across the country. Starting in 2013, the association expanded its international outreach by establishing a sisterhood relationship with the Kaohsiung Steel & Iron Industries Association in Taiwan.

In 2018, the association celebrated its 75th anniversary and inaugurated its new headquarters, marking a significant milestone in its journey. After 2019, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the association continued to operate through online platforms and remained committed to supporting industry members.

Today, the Malaysia Steel & Metal Distributors’ Association (MSMDA) has grown into a prominent national-level industry organization, with members engaged in various sectors including steel import and export, distribution, recycling, and trade. Upholding the mission of “Forging Partnerships to Unlock Opportunities, Collaborating for Mutual Success,” MSMDA continues to promote steady progress within the hardware industry and contributes actively to the nation’s economic development.