A Complete Guide To MPAJ Business License Applications
If you’re looking to set up a business in Ampang, our guide provides an overview of business license applications from Majlis Perbandaran Ampang Jaya (MPAJ).
Here’s how we’ve broken it down:
- What an MPAJ ‘business license’ consists of
- Required documents
- Signboard requirements
- Fees and validity periods, and
- Steps in the applications process
Note: As local councils frequently revise their license fees, please use the figures below as a reference point, and contact us for up-to-date information!
Now, let’s begin.
MPAJ premise, signboard, and composite licenses
Here’s an example of an MPAJ business license:
This business license consists of two separate licenses:
- Premise license (lesen premis)
- Signboard license (lesen iklan)
Both licenses are applied for together under what’s known as an MPAJ composite license or ‘lesen komposit’.
Now let’s see what documents are needed.
Required documents
There are three categories of documents:
- General documents required in all applications
- Additional documents for specific activities
- Supporting documents for specific industries
General documents
- Business registration documents
- Copy of applicant’s photograph
- Copy of the applicant’s MyKad or passport
- Location plan
- Floor plan (A4 with measurements in metres)
- Colour photographs of premise exterior, interior, and toilet
- Copy of lease agreement
- Latest paid assessment tax (cukai pintu) & land bill (cukai tanah)
- Coloured visual of business signboard in A4 size
- Verification from Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP)
- Letter of support from local Fire & Rescue Department
Additional documents for specific activities
These can be obtained from their respective government departments.
- Approval for Building Modifications from MPAJ Building & Architecture Department
- Planning Permission Approval from MPAJ Town Planning Department
- Temporary Occupation Licence (TOL) from the Selangor Land Office
Supporting documents for specific industries
While there are simply too many to provide a complete list, here are supporting documents needed for most popular businesses.
| Business Type | Supporting Documents |
| Food Establishments (Restaurants, Food Processing, etc.) | – Food Handling Course Certificate – TY2 Vaccination – Installation of Grease Traps- Registration Certificate with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (FOSIM) or State Health Department |
| Beauty Centres & Hair Salons | – Medical Certification for health check-up- Qualification Certificates for owners and employees |
| Health & Wellness Centres (e.g., Reflexology, Wellness Spas) | – Medical Certification for health check-up- Qualification Certificates for all business owners and employees- Police support letter (for reflexology centres) |
| Travel Agencies | – Travel Agency License from Ministry of Tourism and Culture (MOTAC) |
| Alcohol Sellers & Distributors | – Liquor Licence from Land & District Office |
| Childcare Centres | – Nursery Permit from Social Welfare Department (JKM) |
| Kindergartens, Tuition & Language Centres | – Education Permit from Selangor State Education Department- Approval from MPAJ Planning Department (if in residential building)- Food Handling Certificate & TY2 Vaccination (if serving food) |
Signboard requirements
Here’s MPAJ’s example of a signboard design that complies with their requirements:
Here are the requirements in detail:
- A4-sized, in colour, with measurements in square meters
- Bahasa Melayu text must be 30% larger and take priority over other languages
- Business activities must be stated in Bahasa Melayu
- The business licence number must be shown at the bottom right corner.
As mentioned before, the Bahasa Melayu text must receive approval from DBP, and naturally cannot contain any offensive content.
License fees & validity period
There are four types of fees:
- Processing fee
- Signboard fee
- Premise fee, and
- Printing fee
All applications have a processing fee of RM50.
Signboard license fees vary by measurement and whether or not the signboard is illuminated.
Non-illuminated:
- ≤ 5 sqm: RM100.00
- Each additional sqm: RM10.00
Illuminated:
- ≤ 8 sqm: RM150.00
- Each additional sqm: RM15.00
Premise license fees vary by type of business and floor size, and we’re afraid that again there are simply too many types to list them all here–we’ll use F&B outlets as an example.
| Restaurant Floor Area (Square Meters) | Annual License Fee (RM) |
| Below 90 | 250 |
| 91 – 120 | 500 |
| 121 and above | 750 |
Upon approval, there is a RM50 printing fee for a physical copy of the license for displaying on premise.
This license is valid for one year and can be renewed at the same rate.
Get in touch for a business you have in mind and we’ll share MPAJ current fee estimates!
License application and renewal
Most businesses can choose between a physical and virtual submission.
Option 1: Physical submission
Applications can be submitted in person at the MPAJ headquarters on level 4, with relevant forms and documents:
Unless you live close by, we’d recommend the second option.
Option 2: Virtual submission
Most businesses can submit their license applications and renewals online via MPAJ’s IComm platform.
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!
Pre-application checklist
For a smooth license application, ensure you’ve done the following five things:
- Registered an SSM Enterprise or Sdn Bhd
- Found a suitable premise
- Secured supporting documents
- Designed a signboard that complies with MPAJ guidelines, 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 help with your MPAJ license application
The MISHU business license team has helped both local and foreign business owners across multiple industries with their MPAJ business license applications and renewals, and we’d love to help you too!