MBKS mulls temporary trade licence for eateries

KUCHING (Jan 18): The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) is considering offering a temporary trade licence for eatery operators to commence their businesses prior to the official issuance of a trade licence.

Kuching South Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said this move will enable eatery operators to begin operations while waiting for the official document from the council.

“Because of the due process for the trade licence application and approval, some eatery operators may not be able to obtain the licence even though they are ready for operations.

“We are considering providing a temporary trade licence to allow them to operate legitimately while awaiting for the official approval,” he said during his Facebook live session ‘Shall WEE Talk’ on Saturday.

Wee said there were scenarios where eatery operators required time to carry out renovation works while simultaneously attending to the application and approval procedures.

He noted there may be delays in this process, resulting in some operators being unable to begin operations as scheduled with a valid licence.

He added that there were also cases which business operations had already begun but the operators concerned had yet to submit their applications.

Given this, the mayor said MBKS may issue a six-month temporary trade licence for eatery operators to address the matter.

Wee explained that once this temporary trade licence is issued, operators will not be permitted to apply for it a second time.

“In other words, eatery operators are given a grace period of six months to comply with the rules and regulations, which is to acquire a valid licence within the stipulated period.”

He emphasised that applicants must meet the hygiene and licensing requirements set by MBKS throughout the grace period.

If they fail to meet the requirements, he said, MBKS enforcement teams would not hesitate to take stern action against them.

“Do not try to challenge but do your best to adhere to the regulations, or face heavy penalities,” he warned.

On charges, Wee said eateries such as coffeeshops and food courts are expected to pay RM25 per month, amounting to RM150 for the grace period.

He added that the licensing fee would be reviewed to RM25 per quarter once eatery operators are issued a valid licence.

“MBKS will do the necessary adjustments on the temporary trade licence fee,” he said.

The mayor said the council would implement this temporary trade licence policy as soon as possible to facilitate eatery operators in their operations.

In addition, he invited those who are interested in operating at any of the MBKS markets or hawker centres to submit their applications.

Wee said application forms can be obtained from the MBKS One-Stop Counter and must be submitted by 4pm on Jan 20.