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To run a factory in Johor you usually need a business premises licence from the local council, and before that the building’s CCC, a Bomba fire certificate, and for many industries approvals from the Department of Environment (DOE) and the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). Larger manufacturers also need a manufacturing licence from MIDA. Most of these depend on the factory itself, so check them before you buy or rent, not after.
This guide lists each approval, who issues it, and what to check on a factory before you sign.
The main approvals at a glance
| Approval | Issued by | When you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), or CF for older buildings | Professional architect or engineer (CF: local council) | Every factory building; it shows the building was built to approved plans |
| Business premises licence (lesen premis) | Local council (see the list below) | Every business operating from the factory |
| Fire certificate (Perakuan Bomba) | Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) | Designated premises, which include most factories; renewed every year |
| DOE approvals | Department of Environment, Johor | Depending on the industry: site suitability, emissions, wastewater and scheduled waste |
| Machinery registration | DOSH | Boilers, pressure vessels, cranes, lifts and other listed machinery |
| Manufacturing licence | MIDA | Manufacturers with shareholders’ funds of RM2.5 million or more, or 75 or more full-time employees |
Which local council?
The business licence comes from the council for the area where the factory is located. In the main industrial areas of southern Johor, these are:
- Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB): Johor Bahru city, Tampoi, Larkin, Tebrau. See factories in Johor Bahru.
- Majlis Bandaraya Iskandar Puteri (MBIP): Skudai, Gelang Patah, Nusajaya, SILC. See Gelang Patah and SILC.
- Majlis Bandaraya Pasir Gudang (MBPG): Pasir Gudang, Masai, Tanjung Langsat. See Pasir Gudang.
- Majlis Perbandaran Kulai (MPKu): Kulai, Senai, Seelong, Sedenak. See Senai and Kulai.
Each council has its own forms and fees. Most ask for the stamped SPA or tenancy agreement, the CCC, the building plan, the Bomba approval and the company registration. That is why the factory you choose decides how quickly you can get the licence.
Bomba fire certificate
Most factories are designated premises under the Fire Services Act 1988, so they need a fire certificate that is renewed every year. Bomba checks that the fire protection system matches the approved plan: sprinklers, hose reels, fire alarms, exits and access for fire engines. If you renovate, add a mezzanine, change the layout or store flammable goods, you may need new Bomba approval for the plans first.
👉 Ask the seller or landlord for the latest fire certificate and the Bomba-approved plans. A factory whose last occupant had a valid certificate for a similar use is usually much faster to licence.
Department of Environment
The DOE checks whether your industry suits the site, mainly by its distance from houses, schools and hospitals. Our guide to DOE buffer zone guidelines explains the five categories, from 50 metres for light industry to 1 km for high-risk industry. Depending on what you produce, you may also need approval for chimneys and fuel-burning equipment, wastewater treatment and the storage and disposal of scheduled waste.
DOSH and machinery
Certain machinery must be registered with DOSH and inspected before use and at regular intervals. This includes boilers, unfired pressure vessels such as air receivers, overhead cranes, hoists and passenger or goods lifts. If the factory comes with cranes, ask for their certificates of fitness and inspection records.
MIDA manufacturing licence
Under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975, a manufacturer with shareholders’ funds of RM2.5 million or more, or 75 or more full-time employees, needs a manufacturing licence from MIDA. Smaller companies can apply for an exemption. The licence is also linked to many investment incentives, including those in the JS-SEZ, so it is worth applying early.
Other approvals for some industries
- Food and beverage: Ministry of Health approvals, and JAKIM halal certification if you need it.
- Bonded or licensed warehouses: a licence from the Royal Malaysian Customs Department. See bonded warehouses in Johor.
- Hazardous chemicals and gas: approvals from DOSH and Bomba for storage, and from the Energy Commission for gas installations.
- Signboard licence: from the same local council.
Checklist before you buy or rent a factory
- The land title is for industrial use, and any express condition (light, medium or heavy industry) allows your work.
- The building has a CCC or CF, and any extensions have approved plans.
- The site is far enough from homes for your industry under the DOE guideline.
- The fire protection system works and matches the Bomba-approved plan.
- The power supply is enough for your machines. An upgrade from TNB can take months.
- The floor loading, ceiling height and crane capacity suit your production.
- The SPA or tenancy allows you enough time, or a rent-free fit-out period, to get the licences.
Our guide on how to buy a factory in Johor explains where these checks fit in the buying process.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a factory licence in Johor?
If the building already has a CCC and a valid fire certificate history, the council licence can take a few weeks. If renovations need new Bomba or council plan approvals, allow several months. The MIDA manufacturing licence interim approval is usually issued within about four weeks of a complete application.
Can I operate while my licence is being processed?
No. Operating without a business licence can lead to fines and the closure of the premises. Plan the approvals into your timeline before you sign.
Does the landlord or the tenant apply for the licence?
The business licence is in the name of the company that operates in the factory, so the tenant applies. The landlord should provide the CCC, approved plans and title documents, so ask for them before you sign the tenancy.
Need a factory that is ready to licence for your industry? Browse factories for sale in Johor and factories for rent in Johor, or contact Jimmy Toh and tell us what you will produce.
This article is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rates and rules change, so please confirm the details with your lawyer or tax agent before you sign.
