PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has approved the extension of operating hours for entertainment outlets until 3am, as part of a broader move to update licensing policies in the city.
The decision, following meetings with city councillors, department heads and industry stakeholders, particularly those from the hospitality, food and beverage sectors, is set to be formalised soon.
Petaling Jaya mayor Mohamad Zahri Samingon said the priority was to ensure that proper licensing regulations were in place.
“Alongside the extension, MBPJ has drawn up 13 new licensing guidelines related to entertainment and other business operations, including pet shops, crematoriums and various service providers,” he told a press conference at MBPJ headquarters after announcing that MBPJ would be the official host and co-organiser of Placemaker Week Asean (PWA) 2025, taking place from Aug 27 to 30 at the MBPJ Civic Hall.
Mohamad Zahri said more details on the guidelines would be made public once finalised and endorsed.
In November last year, StarMetro reported that Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ was considering extending the operating hours for entertainment outlets in the city, following stakeholders' requests during a recent tourism workshop.
In a workshop held earlier this year with relevant parties, the city council, among other things, discussed the feasibility of longer business hours for entertainment premises besides zoning matters.
There are 338 licensed entertainment joints in the city.
