Every neighbourhood and apartment complex in Kuala Lumpur needs at least one grocery store or sundry shop within walking distance.
if everyone wants to buy groceries, someone will start selling groceries.
If you want to be that person, all you’ll really need is a suitable space and a retail store premise license from the Kuala Lumpur City Council (DBKL).
If you’re fluent in Malay, go ahead and read DBKL’s guide.
If you failed BM in your SPM, we’ve translated the guide into English just for you!
Here’s how we’ll break it down:
- Required documents
- General premise license requirements
- Grocery store premise requirements, and
- License fees
Let’s begin.
Required documents
It doesn’t get any simpler – all you need are three documents:
- Application Form via DBKL eLesen portal (you’ll need to register for an account)
- Copy of company/business/organization registration (Form 9 & 49 or Form D with business and owner information)
- Copy of applicant’s identity card/passport.
This does mean that you’ll need to either register an Enterprise or incorporate a Sdn Bhd before applying.
Not sure which is right for you? Our Enterprise vs Sdn Bhd guide can help you decide.
General premise license conditions
These are requirements that all premises under DBKL’s authority must meet to keep their license and be eligible for renewal.
- Can ONLY be used for business activities stated in the license.
- The license must always be displayed in a visible place.
- Business activities must be conducted within the premises only.
- It is prohibited to use the sidewalk or open areas around the premises as part of business activities.
- No premise modifications without permission.
- The exterior and interior of the building must always be kept clean.
- The business must not cause any disturbance or pollution to the environment.
- Adequate trash bins, approved by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, must be provided, and trash should be placed in plastic bags before being disposed of in the bins.
- The keeping of any animals is prohibited within the business premises.
Ever seen grocery stores with stray cats sleeping at the counter and being fed by staff?
Not a good look!
DBKL officers routinely conduct surprise premise inspections, and should your business be found in violation of its license requirements, your license could be revoked without renewal.
Keep stray animals outside the shop!
Requirements for grocery store premise
These are conditions that grocery and sundry shops must meet, and basically, if you use the average 99 Speedmart’s interior as a standard, you’ll never go wrong.
In total, there are five categories.
1. Premises and facilities
- Walls and floors must be made from easy-to-clean materials.
- Separate areas for storage and display of:
- Human food items
- Non-food items
- Animal food items, and
- Toxic materials
- Cleanliness of all areas, including toilets and equipment.
2. Storage and display
- Items must be stored in a neat and clean condition.
- Items should be stored/displayed at least 20cm above the floor.
- Protection of unpackaged food from dirt and insects.
- Prohibition of storage/display on sidewalks.
3. Health and safety
- Proper disposal of waste (coconut water, shells, etc.).
- Sealing of packaging for toxic materials.
- Prohibition of packaging food items with potentially contaminating materials.
4. Equipment standards
- Requirements for coconut grating machines (installation height, covers, cleaning).
- Cleanliness and maintenance of equipment at all times.
5. Environmental considerations
- Maintaining a clean environment.
- Prohibition of selling items that disturb community sensitivities.
License fees
DBKL grocery store premise licenses are valid for one year upon issuance, and rates are based on the floor space of the shop.
| Floor Area | License Fee |
| < 50 square meters | RM100 |
| > 50 square meters but < 70 square meters | RM200 |
| > 70 square meters | RM300 |
We wish you all the best with your upcoming business, and we’re happy to help where we can.
Bonus: Alcohol licenses
If you want to sell alcohol in your grocery store, you’ll need to apply for a separate permit known as an alcohol retail license, also issued by DBKL.
Different localities have different fees and conditions, but in summary:
- It can’t be near religious institutions, schools, residential areas, community centers, or crime hotspots.
- It requires approval letters are required from the Police Department, Customs Department, Health Department, and Local Council, with the possibility of inspections and interviews.
- Muslim individuals are prohibited from applying for this license.
- All partners must be at least 21 years old.
It’s something you should apply for simultaneously with your premise license, and we go into more detail in our FAQs about alcohol licenses in Malaysia.
Let MISHU help with your DBKL store license application
If you dread dealing with red tape and filling in forms, the MISHU team can help apply for your DBKL premise license on your behalf.