Putting up a shop signboard in Malaysia? Before you install it, you almost always need a signboard (advertisement) licence from your local council — Lesen Papan Tanda / Lesen Iklan. Putting up a sign without one can lead to fines or removal. Here is a clear, practical guide.
Who issues the signboard licence?
Your local council (Pihak Berkuasa Tempatan, PBT) — the authority for the area your business is in. For example:
| Area | Council |
|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | DBKL |
| Petaling Jaya | MBPJ |
| Shah Alam | MBSA |
| Subang Jaya | MBSJ |
| Klang | MBDK |
| Kajang / Seri Kembangan | MPKj |
The signboard licence is often applied for together with your business premises licence (Lesen Premis).
What you usually need to apply
- SSM business registration (Borang A/D or company profile)
- Tenancy agreement or proof you occupy the premises
- A signboard design / artwork showing exact wording, colours and dimensions
- A photo of the shopfront and a location plan
- Sometimes the landlord's consent
The language rules (don't skip this)
Most Malaysian councils require the business name to appear in Bahasa Malaysia, and it must usually be as large as, or larger than, any other language. Several councils (including DBKL) also require Jawi script on the signboard. Rules vary by council, so confirm before you print — getting the wording right the first time saves a reprint.
How fees work
The licence fee is typically charged per square foot, per year, and depends on:
- The size of the signboard
- Whether it is illuminated (lightbox / LED) or non-illuminated
- The location
You renew the licence annually.
The process, step by step
- Design your signboard with the correct BM (and Jawi if required) wording and final dimensions.
- Submit the application to your council's OneStop / licensing counter — many now accept online submissions.
- Pay the fee once approved.
- Install the signboard to match the approved design.
- Renew each year.
Print it right the first time
Once your design and dimensions are approved, you can order your signboard online from Tandaku — pick your material (weatherproof ACP for outdoor shopfronts, premium acrylic for indoor), enter the exact approved size, and get an instant price. We check your artwork before printing and deliver nationwide.
Note: Requirements, fees and language rules differ between councils and change over time. Always confirm the current requirements with your local council before submitting.
Where to check your council's rules
Requirements and fees are set by each local authority and change over time. Confirm against your own council before printing:
- DBKL — Kuala Lumpur
- MBPJ — Petaling Jaya
- MBSA — Shah Alam
- MPKj — Kajang / Seri Kembangan
- SSM — business registration documents you will need to attach
FAQ
Do I need a licence for a shop signboard in Malaysia?
Yes. Almost every local council requires an advertisement or signboard licence (Lesen Papan Tanda / Lesen Iklan) before a shop sign goes up, usually applied for alongside the business premises licence. Installing without one risks a fine or an order to remove the sign.
How much does a signboard licence cost in Malaysia?
Councils charge per square foot per year, and the rate depends on the sign's size, whether it is illuminated, and the location. Rates differ between councils and are revised periodically, so confirm the current schedule with your own PBT rather than relying on a figure quoted elsewhere.
Does my signboard need Bahasa Malaysia or Jawi?
Most councils require the business name in Bahasa Malaysia, at least as prominent as any other language. Several, including DBKL, also require Jawi script. The rules vary by council, so confirm the exact wording before printing — a rejected sign means paying for a full reprint.
How long does signboard licence approval take?
It depends on the council and on how complete your submission is. Applications that already include the artwork, exact dimensions, tenancy proof and SSM documents move fastest. Print only after approval, since the installed sign has to match the approved design.