DBKK: Kota Kinabalu City Hall Services
What does DBKK do?
Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) is the city hall for Kota Kinabalu. It issues trade licences, approves building plans, collects property rates (cukai kadaran), issues hawker 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. Its headquarters is at No. 1, Jalan Bandaran, 88675 Kota Kinabalu, on 088-521 800 (DBKK, checked 6 October 2026).
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 trade licence (Lesen Berniaga) from DBKK, issued under the Trade Licensing Ordinance 1948. Certain categories need their own licence as well, including food premises, hair salons, laundries, pubs and bar lounges, hotels and lodging houses, advertisements, public entertainment, and beauty centres and health businesses (DBKK Licensing Department, checked 7 October 2026).
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.
Property rates (cukai kadaran)
Property owners in the city pay a local property tax to DBKK, which DBKK calls Cukai Kadaran (rates). It funds city services such as street cleaning, drainage maintenance and road upkeep.
Owners can check and pay their bill through DBKK e-Services or the Sabah Pay app. Queries about a bill go to the Tax Unit of DBKK's Finance and Budget Department on 088-521 757, 088-521 758 or 088-521 759 (DBKK FAQ, checked 6 October 2026).
Hawker, market and event permits
DBKK manages a range of permits for trade and public activity in the city. These include hawker licences (Lesen Penjaja), footway and open-space permits (Permit Kakilima dan ruang legar), and public entertainment licences (DBKK Licensing Department, checked 6 October 2026).
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 No. 1, Jalan Bandaran, 88675 Kota Kinabalu, on 088-521 800, and takes complaints by email at aduan.dbkk@sabah.gov.my (DBKK, checked 6 October 2026). 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.