A Quick Guide To DBKL Restaurant License Requirements

Opening an F&B outlet within the jurisdiction of Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) without a valid premise license is a bad idea.  

We know business owners have no patience for this sort of thing, so we’ve summarised the requirements to obtain your DBKL restaurant license and start operating as soon as possible.

If you prefer Bahasa Melayu, here’s a translated version of our DBKL restaurant license guide

Let’s begin!

Required documents

To apply for a business license, you must submit the following documents:

• copy of company / business registration (Form 9 & 49 or Form D) along with business and owner information
• copy of applicant’s identity card or passport
• two photographs of the exterior and two photographs of the interior of the premises from different angles

Premise and operating requirements

All restaurant premises and food outlets must comply with the following rules:

General

• premises must be located in a shop lot, office, or commercial complex
• no entertainment activities are allowed in 24-hour operating restaurants or food courts
• non-Halal food premises owned by non-Muslims are not allowed to display items or decorations that may confuse Muslims, such as Quranic verses or Islamic symbols
• 24-hour businesses must be situated in commercial or open areas with a Development Order (DO) approval and not within residential zones.
• selling alcohol is prohibited unless you have specific permission
• residential area-based restaurants may only operate until midnight
• food operators must obtain a typhoid injection from the DBKL Health Department or any clinic before starting the business
• premises should not be located next to print shops, motor workshops, or service centers (subject to existing licensed premises)
• no placement of chairs, tables, or stalls outside the premises on sidewalks, parking spaces, or road shoulders
• no disturbances such as noise, foul smells, or obstructions are allowed
• licensed premises must only be used for the activities stated in the license
• business licenses must be displayed in an easily visible location
• provide sufficient garbage bins as approved by the Kuala Lumpur City Hall. Waste should be bagged before disposal in bins
• pets are not allowed within business premises
• restaurants selling alcohol (not under excise license), it can only be sold/served until midnight
• do not sell items that could offend the sensitivities of Malaysian society (we’ll trust you to use common sense for this one!)

Dining area

• non-air-conditioned areas must have floors made of mosaic or slip-resistant quarry tiles.
• air-conditioned areas may use vinyl, carpet, or other suitable materials for flooring.
• dining area walls must be tiled up to 152.5 cm (5 feet) in height for non-air-conditioned spaces. Air-conditioned areas can use glazed tiles, wallpaper, or other smooth-surfaced materials.
• ceilings must be smooth and easy to clean.
• customer tables must be made of smooth, easy-to-clean materials.
• provide waste baskets and trash bins for customer use
• cleanliness of the dining area, furniture, and equipment must be kept at all times

Kitchen and food preparation area

• provide a kitchen/food preparation room with glazed tiles on walls up to 152.5 cm (5 feet) high.
• floor should be made of slip-resistant mosaic or quarry tiles and kept clean
• install public water supply for food preparation and sales
• dishwashing facilities must be sufficient for the number of dishes and kitchen utensils
• do not wash utensils on floors, sidewalks, or drains
• provide hot water supply
• counters and surfaces used for food preparation must be made from stainless steel, glazed cement, or aluminum for easy cleaning

Compliance with Food Handling Regulations

• comply with all provisions of the local food handling laws
• ensure proper hygiene practices for food handling and storage

General hygeine

• effective measures must be taken to prevent rodent, insect, and vermin infestation.
• maintain cleanliness of all building areas, equipment, and furniture.
• prevent conditions that may breed disease-carrying insects.
• do not litter within or around the premises.

Restroom facilities

• provide toilets (water closet or flush toilets), showers, and urinals
• toilet and shower walls must be tiled up to 152.5 cm (5 feet), and floors must be made of slip-resistant mosaic or quarry tiles
• provide hand washing basins, soap, and towels or hot air hand dryers
• maintain restroom cleanliness and display clear signage

Food stalls in dining areas

These rules apply to food outlets operating from kiosks or food stalls in shopping malls or indoor / outdoor food courts.

Middle lots

• maximum two (2) stalls allowed for every 55 m² (600 ft²) of floor space
• washing facilities:
  • one water tap or a sink with a drainage rack
  • a cement platform with drainage, at least 0.557 m² (6 ft²), or
  • a dishwasher machine

Corner lots

• maximum two (2) stalls allowed for every 46 m² (500 ft²) of floor space
• washing facilities:
  • one water tap with a sink and drainage rack
  • a cement platform with drainage, at least 0.557 m² (6 ft²), or
  • a dishwasher machine
• maintain cleanliness around each food stall
• food must be covered to protect against dust and insects

License fee rates

Business Type	Floor Area	Fee (RM) per Year
Restaurant, coffee shop, food outlet, etc.	Up to 90 m²	200
Restaurant, coffee shop, food outlet, etc.	Up to 120 m²	300
Restaurant, coffee shop, food outlet, etc.	Above 120 m²	400
Food court	Any area	200
Food stalls within licensed premises	Any area	100

Let MISHU help with your DBKL restaurant premise license

We’d be happy to prepare the documents for your DBKL restaurant application including all permits such as private parking or alcohol licenses. Get in touch and we’ll help where possible!