Sarawak’s Billboard Fees the Highest In Nation
Removing Problem Billboards In Sabah
October 19, 2016
Diversity of West & East Malaysian Online Shoppers
September 13, 2017Sarawak’s Billboard Fees the Highest In Nation
Sarawak’s Billboard Fees the Highest In Nation
MIRI: The annual licence fee for billboards in the state remain the highest in the nation despite a reduction of RM250 to RM100 per square metre with the implementation of the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-Laws, 2012.
Honorary president for the Federation of Malaysia Advertising Manufactures Associations and the Association of Sarawak Advertising Companies, Kho Kheng Hee said the steep fee was a hindrance in the development of the advertising industry in the state.
“The advertisement licence fee in Sarawak is still the highest in Malaysia. For example, for 21 square metres of advertisement in Kuala Lumpur (KL), the fee is only RM400 whereas in Sarawak it is RM2,070.
“Sarawak also imposes a security deposit of RM5,000 while there is no such requirement elsewhere. However in Sarawak, there is a RM1,000,000 public liability insurance,” said Kho yesterday at a joint press conference with Miri mayor Lawrence Lai.
Also present were president of the association James Wee and councillors Bruce Chai and Jeffrey Phang.
Earlier, Kho and over 20 members from Kuching and Miri held a dialogue session chaired by Lai on the matter at the City Council.
Kho commended the city council for their keenness in helping to iron out issues and problems on the advertisement licence fee, hoping that the state government would solve the problem soon.
Meanwhile, Lai in acknowledging the great disparities in fees imposed by Sarawak compared with other states including in Kuala Lumpur, assured that the council would continue to work with the billboard companies.
“Although the council is only the implementing agency for the by-laws, we will forward to the ministry concerned, requests made during the dialogue, for further actions,” he said.
On advertisement for festive season, Lai said from now on political parties are allowed to apply for licences to erect billboards solely for the seasonal greetings and not for campaigning.
