THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has opened applications for 2027 Chinese New Year seasonal stall licences and temporary firework sales licences, with applications to be submitted online through the council’s licensing portal.
According to MBPP, the licence period for Chinese New Year seasonal stalls is from Jan 13, 2027 to Feb 20, 2027, while firework sales licences will be valid from Jan 13, 2027 to Feb 11, 2027, subject to regulations and directives issued by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
The council said licence charges remain unchanged, with a licensing fee of RM1 per day for every 40 square feet, a refuse collection fee of RM6 per 40-square-foot stall, and a RM100 canopy fee for a 20-foot by 20-foot canopy.
MBPP emphasised that a seasonal Chinese New Year stall licence and a firework sales licence are two separate approvals. Traders who intend to sell fireworks are required to submit a separate application specifically for firework sales and obtain the necessary approval from PDRM.
Approval for a Chinese New Year stall licence does not automatically authorise the sale of fireworks. The council noted that additional safety requirements have been introduced for the 2027 firework sales licensing exercise following an incident in Jawi last year.
MBPP and PDRM are treating safety matters seriously to prevent any recurrence of incidents that could endanger the public, particularly during festive periods when business areas attract large crowds.
Among the key conditions imposed on firework traders are obtaining prior approval for sales locations from MBPP, securing a valid firework sales permit from PDRM, providing suitable fire-fighting equipment and complying with all police directives concerning storage and handling of fireworks.
Firework sales activities are also prohibited near high-risk locations such as petrol stations and other unsuitable areas identified by the authorities. In addition, smoking, burning or testing fireworks at sales sites is strictly prohibited.
Traders must ensure that sales areas remain clean and free from unrelated flammable materials, while public safety must be maintained throughout the operating period.
For seasonal Chinese New Year stalls, traders and assistants handling food-related businesses are required to possess valid anti-typhoid vaccinations, practise proper hygiene and avoid direct hand contact with food.
Traders are also responsible for ensuring smooth traffic flow and maintaining safety around their operating sites. MBPP also reiterated that all business items, including tables and chairs, must remain within the approved stall area to prevent obstruction of public spaces.
Stall sizes will be subject to council approval. Foreign nationals are not permitted to apply for or manage businesses under either licensing category.
In support of Penang’s sustainability agenda, the council continues to encourage traders to adopt cashless transactions, practise the Bring Your Own Bag (BYOB) initiative and reduce the use of single-use plastics.
The use of polystyrene containers for business purposes remains prohibited, while traders are also urged to minimise plastic waste and avoid plastic drinking straws.
MBPP reminded applicants to submit their temporary permit applications within the stipulated period and prior to commencing business operations.
The council stressed that obtaining a licence should not be viewed as a reason to neglect safety responsibilities, adding that enforcement action, including licence cancellation, may be taken against traders operating without approval or those found breaching licence conditions.
The council said its position remains clear: while it supports economic activity and festive celebrations, public safety cannot be compromised. MBPP and PDRM will continue to work together to ensure compliance throughout the Chinese New Year festive period.
Meanwhile, MBPP revealed that 128 applications were approved in 2026, reflecting continued demand for seasonal trading opportunities during the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Photo caption: Applications for 2027 Chinese New Year seasonal stall licences and temporary firework sales licences are now open through MBPP’s online licensing portal at ulesen.mbpp.gov.my.
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