Mohd Haffiz: State curbing activities that may give rise to negative social implications.
Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) will stop issuing licences for new snooker centres, following a directive from the state government aimed at safeguarding community well-being.
Johor Baru mayor Datuk Mohd Haffiz Ahmad said the city council had received instructions from the State Secretary’s office (local government division) to reject all fresh applications for such businesses within its jurisdiction.
“This is in line with the current policy of the state government to curb activities that may give rise to negative social implications.
“However, existing snooker centres operating legally may still apply for licence renewals, subject to strict compliance with all conditions set by the local authority,” he said during MBJB’s full board meeting.
He added that the conditions included safety requirements, age controls and adherence to approved operating hours.
Mohd Haffiz said MBJB’s licensing committee had implemented the directive through a working paper, which resolved that only renewals of existing licences would be allowed, with no new approvals moving forward.
In a separate matter, Mohd Haffiz reminded business owners, particularly F&B operators, to ensure toilets in their premises were kept clean.
This, he elaborated, was now a requirement for business licence renewal.
He said the “Bersih, Menawan dan Wangi”, or “Clean, Attractive and Fragrant” initiative had been incorporated into MBJB’s business licensing guidelines.
“The toilet cleanliness standard has been set as an additional condition for business licences, especially for restaurants and other premises involved in selling food and drinks.”
The initiative, he added, was part of continuous effort by Housing and Local Government Ministry to improve hygiene standards, comfort and the image of public spaces.
Mohd Haffiz said MBJB’s Health Department would conduct advocacy sessions, provide advisory services and toilet grading in stages, while its Licensing Department would focus on monitoring compliance and continuous improvements.
“Only premises that achieve a minimum four-star rating and above will be considered eligible for annual business licence renewal,” he said.
He added that the city council appreciated operators who showed a high level of commitment in maintaining the cleanliness of their toilets.
