Running a restaurant or café in Kuala Lumpur could soon become easier following three new business-friendly improvements introduced by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). The changes include a RM30 monthly permit for outdoor tables and chairs, a simpler process for minor renovation works, and the possibility for food premises closed over hygiene issues to reopen within 24 hours.
According to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories) Hannah Yeoh, the DBKL measures are open to all traders who meet the required conditions, regardless of their background or type of business.
DBKL Sets RM30 Monthly Fee For Outdoor Tables And Chairs
Under the first improvement, restaurants and cafés may apply for permission to place tables and chairs along five-foot ways outside their premises.
The permit will cost RM30 per month for each set of table and chairs.
Applications can be submitted at DBKL branch offices according to the business location’s parliamentary constituency. However, approval will depend on the suitability of the location and the width of the five-foot way.
Businesses must ensure that their outdoor seating does not obstruct:
- Pedestrian pathways
- Access for wheelchair users
- Routes required for emergency operations
The new arrangement could reduce the financial burden on some food operators.
Under the previous rules, restaurant and café owners had to pay between RM20 and RM50 per table each month. Depending on the number of tables, they could also be required to provide a security deposit of up to RM10,000.
Only licensed businesses with approved permits were allowed to place tables and chairs in designated areas. They also had to comply with limits involving the size, placement and operating hours of the outdoor seating.
DBKL Simplifies Applications For Minor Renovation Works
The second improvement involves minor works at business premises that do not affect the building’s structure.
For low-risk works such as replacing floor tiles or ceilings, business owners will only need to complete a form and notify DBKL. The relevant branch office can then issue the permit directly.
“This improvement aims to expedite the application process for low-risk works without compromising compliance and safety requirements,” Yeoh said.
The simplified process is expected to help businesses complete basic renovation and maintenance works more quickly, without going through unnecessary procedures meant for larger structural projects.
DBKL May Allow Closed Premises To Reopen Within 24 Hours
The third measure concerns food premises that have been ordered to close because of hygiene-related offences.
Affected businesses may now be considered for reopening as early as 24 hours after completing a thorough cleaning.
However, reopening is not automatic.
DBKL officers must first inspect the premises and confirm that all food hygiene and safety requirements have been fulfilled. Businesses will only be allowed to resume operations after receiving clearance.
This gives food operators an opportunity to address hygiene problems quickly while ensuring that public health requirements remain in place.
Changes Introduced After Discussions With Business Operators
The three improvements were introduced following engagement sessions involving Yeoh, Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Fadlun Mak Ujud and representatives from the Selangor and Kuala Lumpur Chinese Coffee Shop and Tea Shop Owners’ Association.
A separate discussion was also held with the Malaysia Muslim Restaurant Operators Association, better known as Presma. Issues raised included the process of reopening food premises following enforcement action.
The engagement sessions allowed business operators to explain the challenges they faced and identify procedures that could be improved.
Yeoh said the new measures are part of DBKL’s efforts to streamline its services, reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and create a more conducive business environment in Kuala Lumpur.
At the same time, the improvements will not remove existing requirements involving public safety, hygiene, accessibility and emergency access. Businesses must still meet all relevant conditions before receiving approval.
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