A Full Guide To MBI Signboard Licenses

In this quick guide, we walk you though the signboard license application process from Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh (MBI), and by the end, you will know:

signboard requirements
required documents
fees and validity periods, and
steps in the application process

Note: If you don’t have a MBI premise license, you need that first, so read our MBI premise license guide.

Let’s begin.

MBI signboard requirements
- Content
- Size
Required documents
Fees and renewals
Where to submit your application
- Option 1: Physical submission
- Option 2: Virtual submission
Use MISHU’s license runner services

MBI signboard requirements

All visuals must follow the following rules, and changes in size, location, design, or visuals must be approved before implementation.

Content

Business activities must be displayed in Bahasa Malaysia on the left and separated from other text.
The business activity description must be at least 75% the size of the company name.
Your license number must be displayed at the bottom right corner with a minimum size of 1.5 mm.
Content must not be offensive, sensitive, or inappropriate.
Non-Muslim-owned businesses cannot display Islamic elements.

The Bahasa Melayu content must receive approval from Dewan Bahsa dan Pustaka.

Size

In city centers & main roads, the allowed size is 20×4 meters.
In other areas, the allowed sizes are 20×6 meters and 20×8 meters.
No fully covering windows or building facades.

Required documents

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

Coloured design sample of the signboard
Business license or statutory declaration copy
Company registration certificate (SSM)
Site plan & marked photos of the installation location
Land or building owner’s approval letter
Latest assessment tax bill (paid)
Malay language approval from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka
RM500 deposit receipt for signboard installation

For more sample documents, see our MBI business premise license guide linked above.

Fees and renewals

MBI charges annual fees based on signboard illumation and measurements:

Non-illuminated signboard:

RM80 for the first square meter, RM10 for each additional sqm.

Illuminated signboard:

RM60 for the first square meter, RM10 for each additional sqm.

Licenses are valid for one year, and must be renewed 14 days before or after the expiration date.

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 application forms and documents:

Option 2: Virtual submission

You can also submit a virtual application via MBI’s elesen.

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

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

Use MISHU’s license runner services

The MISHU business lic e nse 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!