A Complete Guide To MBPJ Business License Applications
To entrepreneurs planning to operate within the jurisdiction of Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya (MBPJ), this guide explains how to apply for a business license from them.
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- areas under MBPJ jurisdiction
- what an ‘MBPJ business licenses’ means
- required documents
- license fees
- where to apply
- validity periods and renewals
Note: For signage regulations, our guide to MBPJ signboard licenses offers a more concise read, as this post takes a broader look at MBPJ business licensing as a whole.
Also, if you prefer official sources, everything here (and more) can be found on MBPJ’s guide to composite licenses. Bear in mind they go into way more detail, and the document is only available in Bahasa Melayu.
Otherwise, let’s begin.
Areas under MBPJ jurisdiction
MBPJ is quite misleadingly named as it manages way more than Petaling Jaya itself 🙂
Its territory spans nearly 100 square kilometres across 24 zones; too many to list here but if your premises are located in:
- Damansara
- Petaling Jaya, or
- Sungai Buloh
It falls under MBPJ jurisdiction.
What’s an MBPJ business license?
MBPJ issues several types of business licenses and ‘applying for an MBPJ business license’ really means applying for all the licenses you need.
This will differ depending on business, but the two most common are:
- Premise license, and
- Signboard license
These allow you to operate and advertise within MBPJ jurisdiction, making them essential for nearly all businesses, and they are applied for together under an MBPJ composite license.
When you apply, you must show you meet MBPJ’s premise and signboard requirements.
Note: MBPJ also issues permits for alcohol sales, night entertainment, and a host of other activities–you’re welcome to ask us if you need clarification on your needs.
Signboard requirements
Here’s a sample of a signboard that complies with MBPJ’s requirements.
There are three main categories of requirements to keep in mind::
- content
- language, and
- technical specs
Content
- cannot contain offensive or suggestive content
- business activity must be stated in Bahasa Malaysia in upper left corner.
- company name and SSM number must be stated at bottom right corner
- MBPJ, account number, and approval year must be stated at the bottom left corner
Language
- must contain Malay language approved by Dewan Bahasa & Pustaka
- Malay can be used alone or alongside other languages, and
- if other languages are used, Malay text must be at least 30% larger
Technical specs
- must not cover entire windows or building façades
- signboards projecting outwards are only allowed from the 2nd floor and above
- no flashing lights
If your signboard extends up to the building’s roof, you’ll also need a permit from MBPJ’s Building Control Department.
Premise requirements
Certain business have additional premise restrictions, for example:
- entertainment businesses cannot be near religious institutions or residential areas
- business dealing with live animals cannot be next to restaurants or clinics and vice versa
- car and motorcycle workshops must be in light industrial areas
The list goes on and on, and for the most part, regardless of business type, all premises will be inspected for cleanliness and safety.
Required documents
All businesses will need to submit the following documents:
- copy of MyKad / Passport
- business registration documents
- front photo of the premises
- location map
- a copy of the floor plan
- coloured design of signboard with measurements
- copy of land title / Sale & Purchase Agreement / Tenancy Agreement
- copy of Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) / Renovation Completion
- copy of latest assessment tax payment
Depending on your business types, you’ll need to submit additional supporting documents from your respective governing bodies.
For a full list, see page 16 – 20 of MBPJ’s composite license guide.
Validity period, fees, and renewals
MBPJ composite licenses are valid for one year from date of issuance.
Premise license fees vary by business type and size, but in our experience, expect around:
- RM200 – RM500 for office / retail outlets
- RM500 for F&B outlets
- RM1,000 for businesses operating in factories and industrial sectors
Signboard license fees are also based on size, but also whether or not it is illuminated–here’s a table showing the differences.
| Type | Size | Annual Fee |
| Non-illuminated | a) Does not exceed eight square meters | RM 100.00 |
| b) Additional per square meter or part thereof | RM 10.00 | |
| Illuminated | a) Does not exceed eight square meters | RM 150.00 |
| b) Additional per square meter or part thereof | RM 15.00 |
Renewals are done though the same channels as the initial application, so let’s get to that part and send you on your way.
How to submit your application
Most businesses can choose between a physical and virtual submission.
Option 1: Physical submission
You can visit the MBPJ Licensing Department at their headquarters in PJ New Town where you can get all the relevant application forms and submit it with your supporting documents:
For those who value convenience, we recommend the digital option.
Option 2: Virtual submission
Most businesses can submit their license applications online via MBPJ’s eLesen portal
From here, you can do everything, including renewing your licenses once the time comes.
As it’s your first time, you’ll need to register a new account and if you’re comfortable with Bahasa Melayu, you’ll likely find their helpdesk handy.
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:
- registered an SSM Enterprise or Sdn Bhd
- secured the right supporting documents
- found a suitable premise
- designed a suitable signboard, and
- prepared floor plans and taken photos of your premises
All the best, and you know we’re here if you need help, right?
Let MISHU assist your MBPJ license application
The MISHU business license team has helped numerous businesses across industries with their MBPJ license applications, and we’d love to help you too