29-05-2025
DBKK enforces ad rules, urges compliance
KOTA KINABALU (May 29): Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has taken note of complaints from certain quarters regarding the enforcement actions on unlicensed advertisement installations within the city.
It assured the public in a statement on Thursday that all actions taken are based on existing regulations and carried out transparently, fairly, and in the interest of the community.
For public awareness, DBKK said all forms of advertisement installations such as banners, buntings, signboards on premises, or directional signs within DBKK's administrative area are subject to the Kota Kinabalu Municipal Council (Advertisement) By-laws, 1983, which have been in effect for the past 42 years and remain enforceable to this day. Therefore, any advertisement installation requires prior approval and a valid permit from DBKK.
DBKK would like to emphasize that although the law does not mandate the issuance of a notice before a compound (fine) is imposed, it is DBKK's usual practice to issue a reminder notice to traders and premises owners as an initial step towards compliance. This reflects DBKK's consistent effort to adopt a prudent and educational approach.
As a local authority, DBKK is merely fulfilling its responsibility to ensure that all parties comply with regulations transparently. This measure is crucial in maintaining an organized, clean, and advertisement-clutter-free city environment for the benefit of the entire community.
DBKK has also introduced several initiatives to assist traders in obtaining advertisement licenses more easily. These include sharing information via official social media platforms, providing briefings during business license application processes, and offering a dedicated hotline for any advertisement-related inquiries.
DBKK highly values the cooperation and contributions of business operators to the city's economic development. Therefore, DBKK urges all parties to continue working together by ensuring that any advertisement installation is carried out in accordance with legal procedures, so that Kota Kinabalu remains harmonious, tidy, and well-organized.
For further inquiries or to appeal advertisement license matters, please contact the Licensing Department (Advertisement Section), DBKK at 088-521800.
