DBKL said signboards are not mere decorations but are regulated under the Advertisement (Federal Territory) By-laws 1982.

“From Jan 1 till Oct 16 this year, 20 fault notices and 10 enforcement notices were issued to shop owners who were ‘creative’ in using languages other than the national language in an excessive manner,” it said in a Facebook post today.

DBKL clarified that while registered brands do not need to be translated, other text on signboards must be presented in the national language with a larger font size.

By-law 3(1) mandates that all advertisements be primarily in Malay, while by-law 3(2) permits the inclusion of other languages.

It was recently reported that DBKL had issued enforcement notices to five premises in Bukit Bintang for failing to display the national language on their signboards. These premises were given 14 days to comply or face further action.

The crackdown on signboards has sparked mixed reactions from netizens, with some responding humorously and others expressing disappointment.

One user on X questioned the timing of DBKL’s actions: “That signboard was not even hidden but DBKL didn’t see it previously?

“Were the officers leisurely making their rounds that day and happened to see it? Only after it went viral did they decide to ‘refresh’ the shopkeepers’ memories.”

Another X user, KF Chan, criticised the licensing process, saying that it was ironic to fine premises after approving their signboard designs.

The incident also drew comments from MCA Youth deputy chief Mike Chong, who supported the enforcement but said the law must be applied equally.

Chong said many well-known shopping malls, fast-food chains and retail stores displayed only English names and questioned whether similar action would be taken against these larger businesses.

DBKL clarified in its statement that its enforcement is not selective. “No matter how ‘unique’ the signboard is, if it doesn’t comply with the requirements, DBKL will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”