A Quick Guide To Premise Signboard Rules In Malaysia
In Malaysia, business premise signboards are regulated by the Local Council (also known as PBTs) of the area in which the premise is located.
This is granted by the Government Act 1976 which allows each PBT to set its own guidelines.
However, the MISHU team facilitates signboard applications from PBTs on a daily basis, and we can confidently say that in general, signboard rules across Malaysia boils down to four pillars:
- language
- content
- dimensions, and
- placement
Based on guidelines from multiple PBTs, below we break these down for businesses who want to handle their own signboard license applications (links to references at the end).
Of course, you’re welcome to skip the reading and get in touch directly!
Otherwise, let’s begin.
Language
Let’s start with the one that always causes the most controversy and misunderstandings!
- Other languages can be used but must be accompanied by Bahasa Melayu translations
- Text in the national language must be larger than any other used languages
- Proper grammar and spelling are mandatory for all languages used
- Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka (DBP) must approve the Bahasa Melayu on the signboard before an application can be approved
- Trademarks / company names do not need translation if registered in another language
Whenever you see businesses getting fined for improper use of language, what often happens is they’ve put up a signboard with a different design to what they submitted to DBP!
Signboards are absolutely allowed to display slogans and descriptions in multiple languages so long as more prominent Bahasa Melayu translations accompany them.
As the last point states, trademarked names in another language are exempted, which is why you’ll see foreign subsidiaries like Daiso displaying signboards without translations.
Content
This includes the obvious prohibition of offensive or inappropriate content (no alcohol and cigarettes), but also information about the business that must be displayed, including:
- the registered company or firm name as filed with SSM
- the SSM registration number,
- official license reference numbers issued by the PBT
- full address, contact number, and registration number from the relevant ministry for specialised premises such as kindergartens or childcare centers
Where it differs by PBT is where the pieces of information must be located on the signboard, so that’s something you’ll want to clarify with your signboard designer or the PBT itself.
Also, any ‘Halal’ logos and terms require approval from JAKIM before being displayed!
Dimensions
Specific dimension requirements will depend on the type of signboard (vertical projecting vs horizontal) and PBT, but as a general rule:
- horizontal signs should generally follow the width of the premise
- projecting signs must maintain a suitable ground clearance and thickness
- ideally text and graphics should not exceed 2/3 of the total height of the sign
While it can be tempting to make your signboard as big as allowed, measurements are the primary metric for calculating license fees, so you pay for that visibility!
Placement
This is related to the visual effect and structural integrity of your signboard attached to the premise, and as a general rule:
- windows, doors, ventilation openings, or emergency exits must not be blocked
- architectural features and facades cannot be covered, particularly on heritage buildings
- the roofline of the building must not be exceeded
- illuminated and LED signs cannot interfere with drivers’ vision or cause a public nuisance
- large-scale structures require structural safety certification from a registered engineer
- public liability Insurance is often mandatory for large signage
This is why all signboard license applications require you to submit photos of the installed signboard.
Example of a signboard compliant with PBT rules
This is our favourite example of a premise signboard that complies with language, content, dimension, and placement requirements:
Why we like it:
- It uses multiple languages but prioritises Bahasa Melayu
- The design is clear and straightforward
- It fills out the space where a signboard should be without covering building elements
To us, it is a textbook example of what premise signboards should look like, and the closer your design is to it, the better your chances of getting approved.
In fact, the same business also has a great example of a vertical signboard.
As promised, here are our references:
Just make sure the design that gets approved is the same one you end up displaying!
Let MISHU handle your signboard license application
The MISHU licensing team has handled hundreds of PBT signboard license applications and renewals across Malaysia and if you need help, we’d love to help you too!