PETALING Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is updating and regulating licensing guidelines for nine business activities to meet changing industry trends.
The affected businesses are 24-hour gyms, pet cafes, hotels, aesthetic treatment centres, central kitchens, courier service operators, five-foot-way businesses, event halls in malls and sports simulator centres.
The new guidelines will take effect on Aug 1, Petaling Jaya mayor Datuk Mohamad Zahri Samingon said.
“The Licensing Enhancement Workshop 3.0, held from April 28 to 30 with MBPJ councillors and technical departments, resulted in the development and finalisation of new and revised licensing guidelines.
“MBPJ is creating a licensing regulatory system that is more modern, comprehensive and aligned with current needs.
“These improvements also take into account the growth of sunrise industries such as data centres, logistics and courier services, domestic tourism, e-commerce, pet care services and green economy,” he said.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ worked with the Veterinary Services Department, Health Ministry, Selangor State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN) and Selangor State Treasury as well as MBPJ Health and Environment Department, Enforcement Department, Town Planning Department, Building Control Department and its Legal Unit.
Industry representatives were also involved in engagement sessions and development of the guidelines, he added.
Mohamad Zahri said MBPJ has introduced clearer and more appropriate licensing mechanisms to support the growth of these sectors.
“Development of these guidelines was supported by reports, academic research and journals that refer to best practices in Japan, South Korea, China, Germany, Indonesia and India.
“This approach enables MBPJ to adopt licensing best practices relevant to current industry developments while ensuring implementation continues to meet local needs and safeguard public well-being,” he said.
The new guidelines are based on Small Trade, Business and Industry By-Laws (MBPJ) 2007, which provide that any business activity not listed in the schedule may be licensed, subject to approval by the local authority.
For activities governed under Entertainment and Places of Entertainment Enactment 1996, or matters falling under the jurisdiction of the Selangor government, MBPJ has sought guidance from the state.
The city council had also taken into account latest circulars to ensure compliance with existing laws and policies, he added.
Mohamad Zahri said this at a press conference following the city council’s full board meeting yesterday in the presence of several business operators.
Representing Wedge PJ, golf simulator operator Nicholas Ng said he hoped to be allowed to operate until 1am since current regulations required the business to close by midnight.
Spring Spring Cafe owner Nakata Teoh hoped the new guidelines would address the absence of a specific licence for pet cafes.
Councillor John Leong said he hoped the guidelines would position the city at the forefront as a business‑friendly hub.
Councillor Quratulain Atiqah Norzahirul Anuar called for tighter regulations on beauty centres, as some offered aesthetic treatments without approval from relevant authorities.
“Some are even providing aesthetic services through home‑based or door‑to‑door operations,” she added.
