guide to majlis bandaraya ipoh bsuiness license applications

A Guide To MBI Business License Applications

If you’re looking to run a business in Ipoh Timor or Ipoh Barat, our guide provides an overview of business license applications from Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI) the Local Authority for both areas.

majlis bandaraya ipoh logo
Ipoh: Where tigers eat trees.

Here’s how we’ve broken it down:

  • Types of MBI ‘business licenses’
  • Required documents
  • License fees, and
  • Where to apply

Note: As license fees vary significantly by business activity, it would be impractical to list them here, but you’re welcome to contact us for specific enquiries!

Otherwise, let’s begin.

Types of MBI business licenses

sample ipoh business license

When we say MBI business license, we usually mean three types of licenses:

  1. Premise license
  2. Signboard license
  3. Composite license (premise + signboard)

If you don’t need a signboard, a premise license will suffice.

However, most businesses do, and both licenses can be applied for simultaneously as a composite license.

Composite licenses also allow applicants to register multiple activities under one premise, making it the better choice for most businesses.

Required documents

Depending on your nature of business, you may be asked for additional supporting documents from technical agencies like Fire or Police departments, but the folowing list is mandatory for all.

  • Copy of applicant’s photograph
  • Copy of the applicant’s MyKad or passport
  • Business registration documents 
  • Copy of lease agreement
  • Copy of location plan
  • Copy of floor plan
  • Copy of latest cleared assessment tax receipt
  • Copy of land grant or Temporary Occupation License
  • Copy of Certificate of Fitness for Occupation (if new building)

We’ve included samples of some of the required documents in the next section:

Sample documents

Sample location plan (A4 size):

sample of location plan for mbi business license application
Note: Plan clearly shows location.

Sample floor plan (A4 size):

sample floor plan
Note: Measurements true to scale.

Sample tax assessment document:

sample of cleared assessment tax receipt for mbi business license application
Note: Name of applicant must match name on rental agreement.

Sample photo of premise exterior:

sample of premise photograph from outside
Note: Clearly shows premise front view and premises on either side.

Sample photo of premise interior:

sample of intereior premise photograph
Note: Shows premise business activities (if already operating).

License fees and validity period

There are two types of fees:

  1. Processing fee: Paid upon application submission
  2. License fee: Paid upon license approval / renewal

As of January 2025, MBI imposes the following processing fees:

  1. RM30 for business premise licenses
  2. RM50 for business signboard licenses
  3. RM30 for composite licenses

The license fee depends on the business activity and premise floor size.

Premise, signboard, and composite licenses are valid for one year from the date of issuance, and if there are no issues, can be renewed for another year.

Where to submit your application

Most businesses can choose between a physical and virtual submission.

Option 1: Physical submission

Applications can be submitted in person at the Licensing Department, Level 2, Ipoh City Council Building, with relevant forms and documents:

bangunan mbi 22 8f9bf4d7

This option, though tedious, brings you within tasting range of the delicious chicken rice in the area 🙂

If you don’t care about chicken rice, we recommend the second option.

Option 2: Virtual submission 

Businesses engaging in these activities are considered non-risky businesses and can submit their license applications online via MBI’s MyNoRisk platform.

mynorisk for non risky business license applications in ipoh
mynorisk for non risky business license applications in ipoh

As it’s your first time, you’ll need to register a new account.

Here’s the official MyNoRisk user manual (unfortunately it’s only available in Bahasa Melayu).

And that’s pretty much all you need to know for now!

Pre-application checklist

For a smooth license application, ensure you’ve done the following five things:

All the best, and you know we’re here if you need help, right?

Let MISHU help with your license application

The MISHU business license team has helped both local and foreign business owners across multiple industries with their MBI business license applications, and we’d love to help you too!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

please include country code

Scroll to top