The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has introduced new guidelines governing businesses operating on private land, effective August 21, 2026.

The Guidelines for New Applications and Management of Licences on Private Land (GTP) were approved by MBPP’s Public Health Standing Committee to regulate small-scale businesses, while addressing public nuisance, cleanliness and neighbourhood safety concerns.

MBPP Mayor Dato’ Ir. A. Rajendran said individuals operating businesses on their own residential properties, private land or the land in front of their homes are required to obtain a licence from MBPP.

Under the new guidelines, businesses must comply with several conditions:

• The business area is limited to 20ft by 20ft (400 sq ft).
• A maximum of two stalls is allowed at each site.
• Only food and beverage businesses are permitted.
• Tables and chairs are not allowed.
• The licence holder must be present at all times to supervise the business.

Rajendran said the guidelines are intended to ensure that businesses operating on private land remain small-scale and do not create problems for surrounding communities.

MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang said the guidelines would help ensure business locations remain conducive while minimising issues such as poor sanitation, traffic congestion and safety risks.

She noted that businesses operating on private land are becoming increasingly common in George Town, and are no longer limited to village areas.

Tan added that larger operations could generate significant waste and attract more traffic, potentially affecting the comfort and safety of neighbouring residents.

Meanwhile, MBPP has also approved new Guidelines for the Transfer of Development Rights for Buildings Located within the George Town World Heritage Site.

Rajendran said the new guidelines limit the transfer to a maximum of two plots, compared with no previous limit.

Owners and operators of Private Accommodation Premises (Tempat Inap Persendirian, or TIP) in Penang have been given a two-month grace period until November 1, 2026 to submit licence applications following the enforcement of the Private Accommodation Premises By-Laws (Penang State Local Authorities) 2026 (TIP By-Laws 2026) on August 1.

Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the grace period was introduced to give TIP operators sufficient time to prepare and submit their applications to the relevant local authorities.

She said enforcement action would be taken after the grace period based on the provisions of the new by-laws.

The new regulations aim to ensure the short-term accommodation industry develops in a more orderly manner while safeguarding the safety, peace and wellbeing of local communities.

According to H’ng, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) received 364 complaints involving public nuisance and health issues related to TIP operations between 2020 and March 2026, while the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) recorded 24 similar complaints.

Although TIPs contribute to the tourism sector and provide economic opportunities, operators must conduct their businesses responsibly and take into account the interests of nearby residents, she said.

The TIP By-Laws 2026, approved by the State Executive Council on June 10, also provide clearer enforcement powers compared with previous guidelines. These include powers to investigate, enter premises and close premises for non-compliance.

Penang is believed to be the first state in Malaysia to introduce specific by-laws governing TIP operations.

The fees include a RM50 application administration fee and an annual licence fee of RM1,000 for premises with up to three rooms. Premises with more than three rooms will incur an additional RM200 per year for each extra room, up to two additional rooms.

A separate TIP fee of RM1,800 per unit per year applies, while a RM5 fee is imposed for each notice issued for outstanding payments.

TIP operations are prohibited in government or statutory body premises, healthcare or childcare centres, workers’ hostels, private educational institutions, as well as low-cost, low-medium-cost, affordable housing and People’s Housing Projects.

Within MBPP’s jurisdiction, TIP operations may be considered in designated residential and commercial zones, subject to planning requirements. Landed individual-title properties such as detached, semi-detached and terrace houses may be considered, subject to an application to change the building’s use.

For stratified properties, the types of properties permitted to operate as TIPs vary between the MBPP (Penang Island) and MBSP (Seberang Perai) areas. In general, strata residential properties on Penang Island are not permitted to operate as TIPs, while a wider range of strata properties is allowed on the mainland. The permitted property types are as follows:

Penang Island (MBPP):

• Serviced apartments
• Small Office Home Office (SoHo)
• Small Office Flexible Office (SoFo)
• Small Office Virtual Office (SoVo)
• Suite offices
• Duplex offices

Seberang Perai (MBSP):

• Apartments
• Serviced apartments
• Condominiums
• Townhouses
• Small Office Home Office (SoHo)
• Small Office Flexible Office (SoFo)
• Small Office Virtual Office (SoVo)
• Suite offices
• Duplex offices
• Landed strata properties

Owners or operators must also obtain approval from the relevant Joint Management Body (JMB) or Management Corporation (MC) to use the property for TIP operations. The application is subject to approval at the relevant general meeting, with a special resolution requiring at least 75% of valid votes.

The state government said the new regulatory framework is intended to strike a balance between supporting tourism and protecting the wellbeing of local communities.

The Penang state government has launched ONEMAP+, a new digital platform that allows the public to locate closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations across the state.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow unveiled the platform during the Penang2030 Festival Lite KOMTAR 2026, describing it as a platform that brings together technology, public safety, healthcare and mobility information.

“One map, many uses. One platform, many benefits,” Chow said, adding that ONEMAP+ brings useful data closer to the public for everyday needs.

Developed by PLANMalaysia Penang and the state Information and Communications Technology Division, the platform incorporates data from the Penang Green Council, Penang Island City Council (MBPP), Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) and Penang Health Department.

The platform currently provides information on:

• 1,977 CCTV cameras across Penang
• 439 AED locations
• 494 EV charging stations

The CCTV mapping is intended to improve public awareness and support efforts to enhance safety across the island and mainland.

Meanwhile, the EV charging map allows motorists to identify nearby charging facilities as Penang continues to expand its green mobility infrastructure. Chow also launched a new EV charging station at McDonald’s in Batu Kawan, highlighting the need for more charging facilities to encourage EV adoption.

AED locations are also featured on the platform, providing potentially life-saving information during cardiac emergencies. Chow said more than 40 lives in Penang have been saved through the use of AEDs, and suggested that more devices should be installed at high-intensity recreational locations such as badminton courts.

ONEMAP+ is currently in its first phase, with the state government planning to expand and update the platform with additional information.

Future updates are expected to include locations of tourist attractions, eateries, clinics, hospitals and bus stations, according to Siti Mazrishah Mohamed Ibramsah, chief assistant secretary of the state Information and Communications Technology Division.

The public can access ONEMAP+ through the Penang Smart Parking app.

Chow said the initiative supports the Penang2030 vision by ensuring that technology delivers practical benefits to residents rather than simply increasing the amount of technology used in the state.

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Periodic partial lane closures along Jalan Tun Dr Awang and Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, from the Sri Relau Complex to the Penang Golf Club, near here, will be implemented from Aug 20 to Oct 31 to facilitate preliminary construction works of the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in the area.

Malaysia Rapid Transit Corporation Sdn Bhd (MRT Corp) said the 72-day closure, to be implemented from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm daily, was to facilitate drainage and road widening works under Package CMC1 of the Mutiara Line project.

“The closures involve several lanes, including the right lane of Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, in front of the Sri Relau Complex, heading towards Komtar, as well as the left lane of Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim, starting from shop lots near SJK (C) Min Sin to the Penang Golf Club heading towards Komtar.

“In addition, the left lane at the traffic light intersection of Jalan Dato Ismail Hashim and Jalan Tun Dr Awang heading towards Komtar, as well as the leftmost lane on Jalan Tun Dr Awang, near the Taman Melati Jaya residential area heading towards Bayan Lepas, will also be closed, while other lanes will remain open to traffic,” it said in a statement today.

It added that signboards, traffic cones and flagmen would be stationed at the affected locations to facilitate traffic control and ensure the safety of road users.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution and follow the directional signage provided when passing the areas during the closure period.

For enquiries regarding the closures, the public can contact the MRT Careline at 1-800-88-6782 or email feedback_pml@mymrt.com.my.

Source: Bernama