Royal Selangor, KL was founded by Yong Koon who came over to Malaya from China in 1885. During that time, the workforce was about 600 skilled workers and the product usually incense burners and candle holders was sold under brand name of Selangor Pewter. It grew tremendously in the early 20th century partly because Malaya and then Malaysia had a large tin ore deposit and was the largest tin ore exporter in the world. It was said that the Straits Refine Tin used in Malaysia Pewter was 99% pure. Later in 1970s, the company entered its business to Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. In the 1980s, the company expanded to Europe and then Japan.

In 1992, the company changed its name to Royal Selangor to reflect its royal endorsement from His Royal Highness, the late Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj ibni Hisamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj. Malaysia pewter is made from 97% tin mixed with 3% copper and antimony to harden it. It is safe to drink from pewter products of Royal Selangor as it does not contain lead and follows international standards. Now, Royal Selangor has a Visitor Centre which was opened in April 2004 at Setapak Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. It has a wide range of products. The world's largest pewter tankard was made in 1985 to commemorate its centenary. The tankard which is at Royal Selangor headquarters has a height of 1.987 m, weighs 1,557kg and has a capacity of 2,796 litres.

Royal Selangor is now a well known brand throughout the world with products extends beyond pertwer and has received numerous international awards for design. An example is its Wine Celebration funnel which won 1) the Red Dot Award from Germany's Design Zentrum, 2) IDEA2002 Bronze from the Industrial Designers Society of America and 3) Good Design Award 2002 from the Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization

Royal Selangor was the Official Supplier of Medals and Official License for Pewter for the Kuala Lumpur 98 XVI Commonwealth Games. Apart from this, Royal Selangor was also licensed for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Millennium Collection to commemorate the XXVII Olympic Games.