full guide to mbjb business licenses

A Full Guide To MBJB Business License Applications

If you’re looking to set up a business in Johor Bahru, this guide provides an overview of business license applications from Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB).

mbjb logo
RAWR!

Here’s how we’ve broken it down:

  • What an MBJB ‘business license’ consists of
  • Required documents, and
  • Where to apply

Note: As license fees vary based on business type and size, it simply wouldn’t be practical to list them here, but you are most welcome to contact us for specific enquiries!

Otherwise, let’s begin.

What is an MBJB business license?

sample mbjb license

When we say MBJB business license, we really mean two separate licenses:

  1. MBJB premise license (lesen perniagaan)
  2. MBJB signboard license (lesen iklan)

Together, these licenses acknowledge that a business’ premises and signboard comply with MBJB guidelines.

Premise requirements

premises

Upon submitting an application, MBJB officers will inspect the premises to ensure compliance with the following requirements:

  • Complies with MBJB advertisement guidelines
  • A piped water supply for employees and customers
  • Enough bathrooms with separate facilities for men and women
  • Adequate lighting
  • Proper ventilation
  • Complete and functional fire prevention equipment
  • Premises are not used for residential purposes unless designated

Once received, the Business Premise License must be clearly displayed on premises, and can be renewed from 1st November to 31st December each year.

Signboard requirements

people (1)

The business signboard must comply with MBJB Advertisement By-Laws as follows:

  • Bahasa Malaysia must be used in all signs (in addition to other languages)
  • The Bahsa Melayu font size must be no smaller than other languages
  • The Bahasa Malaysia text should be more prominently displayed
  • Cannot obstruct window airflow or natural light

Required documents

to do list to show requirements to incorporate sdn bhd in malaysia

There are two types:

  1. general documents required for all applications, and 
  2. supporting documents which are industry specific

General documents

Regardless of what business you want to start, all applications must include these documents:

  • Business or company registration documents
  • Property tax receipt
  • Certificate of Occupancy
  • Lease agreement (if renting business premises)
  • Two (2) recent passport-sized photographs of applicant, and 
  • A sample design of the business premise signboard

This means you need to first:

  1. Register an SSM Enterprise / incorporate a Sdn Bhd
  2. Find and secure suitable premises

Supporting documents

Supporting documents come from government / technical agencies that handle industries or activities related to the sector your business belongs to.

Some have a fixed annual application window during which they review all applications for that year, while others are more flexible and allow continuous submissions. 

Business TypeRelevant Departments
Food processing (non-F&B)– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Occupational Safety and Health
– Department of Health
– Department of Veterinary Services (if applicable)
Materials processing– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Occupational Safety and Health
– Department of Environment
Light industry– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Occupational Safety and Health (if using heavy machinery)
Chemical/pesticide processing– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Occupational Safety and Health
– Department of Health
– Department of Chemistry
Printing– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Occupational Safety and Health
– Department of Environment
– Ministry of Home Affairs
F&BFood Handling Course Certificate
– Original Receipt for Oil Trap Installation
Cinemas– FINAS
– Johor Bahru District Office
Pharmacies– Pharmacy Department
Massage centres– Department of Health
Beauty centres– Department of Health
Tourism centres– Tourism Development Corporation (TDC)
Employment agencies– Department of Human Resources
Sales of used vehicles / second-hand goods– Royal Malaysia Police
Tuition centres / private schools– Department of Education
Kindergartens– Temporary Planning Permission
– Department of Social Welfare
Old folk’s homes– Temporary Planning Permission
– Approval for Changes from MBJB Building Control Division
Petrol stations– Fire and Rescue Department
Outdoor businesses– Temporary Planning Permission
Entertainment centres, pubs / bars, karaoke centres– Johor Bahru District Office
– Fire and Rescue Department
Vehicle workshops and storage– Fire and Rescue Department
Vehicle workshops with spray painting– Fire and Rescue Department
– Department of Environment
Security guard agencies– Ministry of Home Affairs
Foreign labour agencies– Department of Human Resources
– Ministry of Human Resources

If this feels overwhelming, the MISHU team has years of experience dealing with government agencies and we’d be happy to engage them on your behalf.

Where to submit your application

menara mbjb where business license applications can be submitted
Go to Menara MBJB if you’re an architecture buff!

You have two choices:

  1. Physically at one of MBJB’s counters
  2. Digitally via MBJB’s web or mobile eKhidmat portals

Personally, we’d recommend a physical submission, as both the online portals can be rather finicky. 

user of mbjb ekhidmat portal
RIP Azmee Jamburi.

That’s pretty much everything you need to know for now!

Pre-application checklist

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

Here are links to official MBJB documents you can fill in once you’re ready:

All the best with your application, 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 MBJB business license applications, and we’d love to add you to the list!

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