By Danial Dzulkifly
KAJANG, Jan 16 — The Selangor government is considering streamlining guidelines for home-operated businesses amid a surge in such enterprises, said state executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim.
Ng said the state had previously been lenient towards these businesses, such as cafes and eateries, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, to support residents in seeking alternative sources of income.
“It’s a somewhat similar situation today, but the issuance of temporary licences for home-operated businesses are at the discretion of local councils.
“They are responsible for assessing whether the business is suitable for the location,” he said during a press conference held after the Compliance Programme and Enforcement of Unauthorised Factories in Selangor 2025-2027 (Southern Zone) town hall at Dewan Seri Cempaka here today.
Ng said considerations for licence issuance depend on various factors, including the type and location of the property.
“Not all homes are the same. Some are corner lots or in sparsely populated neighbourhoods, while others are adjacent to high-rise buildings where such businesses could cause traffic congestion or discomfort among neighbours.
“It will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but we will hold a meeting to discuss proper guidelines for this issue,” he added.
During the pandemic, the state introduced temporary licensing for home-operated or “front of home” businesses as a means to support residents facing financial difficulties.
These temporary licences were discontinued in 2023, although then executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han clarified that extensions are at the discretion of local councils.
