Guide to MBSJ Signboard requirements

A Guide To MBSJ Signboard License Requirements

To operate a business in Subang Jaya, you will likely need a signboard license from Majlis Bandaraya Subang Jaya (MBSJ), though of course there are always exceptions.

man in coat selling illegal stuff to show a business that doesn't need a signboard license
We all gotta start somewhere.

In this guide, we explain the essentials of MBSJ signboard licenses, including:

  • requirements
  • application and renewals, and
  • fees involved

Note: Our guide summarises relevant details from the MBSJ Advertisement Bylaws 2007, so we encourage you to refer to it or get in touch for more details.

Finally, please note that MBSJ recognises many types of signboards and our guide only covers those for business premises!

Now let’s begin.

MBSJ signboard requirements

sample of mandatory signboard measurements to apply for MBSJ signboard license

As seen from the example above, signboards must clearly state the business:

  • name
  • purpose
  • SSM registration number
  • registered SSM entity name, and
  • MBSJ license number

Additionally, there are rules on language and advertising liquor or Halal status.

  • Advertisements must use Bahasa Malaysia, which must be 30% larger and more prominently displayed if other languages are included
  • Advertisements for alcohol must be inside premises and smaller than the main advertisement
  • The world ‘Halal’ and the Halal logo requires certification from Islamic authorities

The Bahasa Melayu usage must be approved by Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka.

Prohibitions

MBSJ does not allow the following the following signboards:

  • Flashing lights, moving images, or lasers that may cause traffic hazards
  • Anything resembling road signs, traffic advertisements, or signals
  • Reflective materials that cause visual interference or excessive glare
  • Content that is unrelated to the premise to which they are attached
  • Insufficient horizontal or vertical clearance from communication or electrical lines
  • Advertisements on or forming part of a roof that exceeds the rooflines
  • Content that does not reflect the culture of the Malaysian community
  • Political content

Ongoing requirements

Once you have your license, ensure:

  • The signboard is kept in good, clean, and satisfactory condition
  • The license is clearly displayed on premises
  • There are no changes to the signboard without MBSJ approval

MBSJ officers routinely do inspections, and if you fail to comply with these requirements, you can be fined and your license could even be revoked!

License applications

Applications and renewals for a signboard license are done online via MBSJ’s Elesen portal.

mbsj portal
mbsj portal

As you’re a first timer, you’ll need to register an account – here’s MBSJ’s official user guide.

For now, let’s cover the documents you should compile beforehand.

  • two copies of a sketch with full details of the advertisement
  • a site or location plan at a 1:750 scale, showing the advertisement’s location
  • a structural plan certified by a registered architect or structural engineer

There’s a small chance you get asked to attend the licence issuance, but this is usually where MBSJ suspects a business owner has been illegally subletting their premises.

man in coat selling illegal stuff to show a business that doesn't need a signboard license
Don’t be this guy and you’ll do fine.

MBSJ signboard fees

There are two major fees:

  • a deposit and
  • annual license fee

The deposit is used as security for fines or fees incurred if you break MBSJ rules, and is at MBSJ’s discretion though it cannot exceed ten thousand ringgit.

The annual license fee depends on the signboard measurements and whether it’s illuminated.

It’s calculated by MBSJ on a per case basis, and we don’t know the exact formula they use.

However, from our experience dealing with MBSJ the annual fee has been RM100 – RM300. 

We hope you understand that government fees are often updated faster than their documentation, so for the most up to date information, get in touch with us!  🙂

Let MISHU handle your MBSJ license application

We’d be happy to prepare the documents for your MBSJ signboard license application. Get in touch and we’ll help where possible!

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