DBKK: Kota Kinabalu City Hall Services
What does DBKK do?
Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) is the city hall for Kota Kinabalu. It issues business licences, approves building plans, collects assessment tax (cukai pintu), manages hawker and market permits, and runs city services like roads, drainage and solid waste.
DBKK at a glance
Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) is the local authority — the city hall — for Kota Kinabalu. Where federal departments handle national matters, DBKK manages the day-to-day running of the city: licensing businesses, approving buildings, collecting local taxes, and keeping streets, drains and rubbish collection working.
For anyone opening a shop, renovating a home, or running a stall in the city, DBKK is the office you will deal with. It operates from Menara DBKK on Jalan Padang and can be reached on 088-211 111.
DBKK's authority covers the Kota Kinabalu city area. Properties and businesses outside the city boundary may fall under a different local authority or District Council, so confirm which body covers your location.
Business licences
Most businesses operating in the city need a business licence (Lesen Perniagaan) from DBKK. The licence ties to the premises and the type of trade, and certain categories — food and beverage, entertainment, and some regulated services — carry additional conditions such as health or safety requirements.
Because conditions vary by business type, it is wise to confirm requirements with DBKK before committing to a tenancy or fit-out. Operating without the correct licence can result in enforcement action.
Building plans and renovation permits
DBKK reviews and approves building plans and renovation permits within the city. Whether you are constructing new premises or altering an existing structure, plans typically must be submitted — often through a qualified professional — and approved before work begins.
This process protects safety and ensures development follows the city's planning rules. Unapproved structural work is a common cause of enforcement notices, so it pays to obtain the permit first.
Assessment tax (cukai pintu)
Property owners in the city pay assessment tax, known locally as cukai pintu, to DBKK. This local property tax is billed periodically and funds city services such as street cleaning, drainage maintenance and road upkeep.
The amount is based on the property's assessed value. Owners should keep their billing details current and pay on time, as outstanding assessment can attract penalties. Queries about a bill are handled by DBKK's assessment department.
Hawker, market and event permits
DBKK manages a range of permits for trade and public activity in the city. These include hawker licences, pasar malam (night market) permits, and licences for stalls in DBKK-managed food courts and pasar tamu. Public events held on city land usually need an event permit as well.
These permits keep markets and events orderly and safe. Applicants should approach DBKK early, as some permits are tied to specific sites or schedules with limited slots.
City services and contacting DBKK
Beyond licensing and tax, DBKK runs core city services: road maintenance, drainage, solid waste collection, and enforcement of parking, cleanliness and illegal structures within Kota Kinabalu. It also manages city markets and food courts.
DBKK is based at Menara DBKK, Jalan Padang, Kota Kinabalu, on 088-211 111, with the website dbkk.sabah.gov.my. Different services sit under different DBKK departments, so it helps to identify the right unit before visiting. Confirm current procedures and fees online or by phone.