By Lian Cheng
KUCHING, Jan 17: In an attempt to facilitate new food and beverage (F&B) business operators, Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has introduced a new policy to issue temporary licences for this category of applicants, effective immediately.
Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the new policy was introduced with the understanding that it takes three to four months for the operation permits to be issued by MBKS while shop owners give only one or the most two months for renovation of the premises.
Apart from new applicants, F&B operators who have been operating without licences are also urged to apply for temporary licences while waiting for permanent ones to be approved.
“The temporary licence is valid for six months from the date of issuance. Upon the expiry of the temporary licence, the applicant shall not be permitted to submit a fresh applicant.
“Applicant is required to comply with MBKS’s minimum health and licensing requirements within six months of the issuance of temporary license.
“Any non-compliance upon expiry of the six months temporary licence will be subjected to enforcement action,” said Wee during his “ShallWeeTalk” live session.
He said while holding a temporary licence, the operator has to pay a fee of RM25 per month, which means a total of RM150 for six months, compared to RM25 per quarter.
Meanwhile, for stall-holders within the business premises, the fee imposed under temporary licences is RM40 per month, but RM40 per quarter under permanent licences.
“The temporary license fee is set a higher rate as a measure to encourage applicants to fulfil all licensing conditions prior to the six-month expiry period,” said Wee.
He said in the event that the applicant obtains approval for the permanent food shop licence before the expiry of the six-month temporary license period, the fee for the temporary licence will be prorated and any excess amount paid will be adjusted accordingly.
“The temporary licence shall apply to new and existing food establishments that has not been issued food shop licence,” said Wee. —DayakDaily
