What Is the MBPJ Restaurant License?
The MBPJ Food Establishment License is a mandatory permit required for restaurants and other food-related businesses operating in Petaling Jaya.
The license confirms that the restaurant premises comply with local regulations regarding hygiene, infrastructure, and food safety. Businesses typically required to obtain this license include:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Food courts and stalls
- Coffee shops and snack bars
- Catering businesses
- Grocery stores selling food products
In many cases, restaurant operators must also apply for a premise license and signboard license, which can be submitted together as a composite application through MBPJ’s licensing system.
MBPJ Restaurant License Application Process
Step 1: Submit Required Documents
Applicants must upload the required documents through the eLesen portal.
Step 2: Initial Review by MBPJ
MBPJ reviews the application and may approve or reject it within a short period, especially if documentation is incomplete
Step 3: Temporary License Issuance
If approved, the business may receive a temporary license valid for six months while waiting for inspection.
Step 4: Health Department Inspection
The State Health Department will inspect the restaurant to verify compliance with food safety and hygiene requirements.
Step 5: Permanent License Issuance
If the premises meet the required standards, a permanent Food Establishment License will be issued.
Required Documents for MBPJ Restaurant Licenses
Restaurant operators must prepare several documents before submitting their application.
Commonly required documents include:
- Copy of MyKad or passport of the owner
- Business registration documents from SSM
- Information about the company director or owner
- Copy of tenancy agreement or property ownership documents
- Floor plan sketch of the restaurant premises
- Photographs of the interior and exterior of the premises
- Photographs of kitchen equipment such as exhaust fans and grease traps
Additionally, restaurants must provide documentation showing that staff members have completed required health and safety training.
Premise and Hygiene Requirements
Restaurants applying for MBPJ licenses must comply with detailed hygiene and infrastructure standards.
Some of the key requirements include:
Drainage and Waste Management
Premises must maintain clean drains and ensure food waste does not block drainage systems.
Kitchen and Dining Area Standards
Floors must use non-slip materials, and walls should be tiled or covered with approved materials to maintain hygiene.
Exhaust and Ventilation Systems
Commercial kitchens must install proper exhaust systems with chimneys to release cooking fumes.
Grease Traps and Wastewater Control
Restaurants must install grease traps to prevent oil and waste from entering public drainage systems.
Clean Water Supply and Pest Control
Restaurants must use a safe water supply and maintain pest control programs to prevent contamination.
Food Handler Requirements
Food handlers working in restaurants must comply with health regulations to ensure food safety.
Typical requirements include:
- Completion of a Food Handling Course approved by the Ministry of Health
- A valid typhoid vaccination certificate
- Medical clearance confirming the worker is fit to handle food
Employees must also follow hygiene standards such as wearing clean uniforms, hair coverings, and maintaining personal cleanliness while handling food.
MBPJ Restaurant License Fees
Restaurant license fees vary depending on the size and type of the food establishment.
For example, under MBPJ by-laws:
- Restaurants below 90 square meters may pay around RM250 annually
- Restaurants between 91–120 square meters may pay RM500 annually
- Larger premises above 121 square meters may pay RM750 annually
First-time applicants may also need to pay processing and certificate printing fees in addition to the annual license fee.
MBPJ Restaurant License: Requirements, Application Process, and Compliance Guide