A Must-Read for Chain Stores: Why Malls Reject Your Signage and 10 Key Reasons Approval Fails in Malaysia

In Malaysia, whether you’re opening a chain store in KL, Selangor, Penang, JB, or any other state, all storefront signage must be approved by the mall management before installation. Signage rejection can cause delays in your store opening and increase design, production, and installation costs.

To help chain stores, franchises, and new brands minimize risks before opening, this article breaks down the 10 most common reasons mall signage gets rejected, along with practical approval tips and preventive strategies—helping you get fast approval, reduce risks, and maintain consistent branding across all your outlets.
 

Top 10 Reasons Your Mall Signage Gets Rejected

1 Logo or Font Proportions Incorrect

Most common reason for rejection

Malls strictly check logo and font proportions by comparing the supplier’s design with the original AI/PDF files. Any deviation almost guarantees rejection. Common mistakes suppliers make to make the signage “stand out” include:

• Stretching the logo
• Elongating letters
• Compressing proportions
• Adjusting spacing between letters and logo

How to avoid rejection:

1. Provide original AI files + brand guidelines for mall review
2. Do not allow suppliers to adjust logo or font proportions
3. Establish a unified signage guideline to maintain consistency across all outlets

2 Inconsistent Colors or LED Color Temperature

Common rejection reason

Malls pay close attention to color consistency, especially under LED lighting. Signs that deviate from brand colors are often rejected. Typical issues:

• Red appears too orange, losing brand red
• Blue looks purple, color distortion
• White light too cool (7000K) or too warm (3000K)
• LED brightness unstable, flickering

How to avoid rejection:

1. Standardize LED color temperature (recommended 4000K or 6000K)
2. Use high-quality LED modules
3. Provide Pantone/RAL color codes and physical samples to match design with reality

3 Installation Method Doesn’t Meet Mall Standards

Common rejection reason

Non-compliant installation methods can easily cause rejection. Typical issues include:

• Screws drilled too deep, damaging walls
• Damaging marble, wood, or aluminum panels
• Exposed wires, creating safety hazards
• Using substandard power supply or unsafe materials

How to avoid rejection:

1. Confirm mall installation requirements in advance
2. Submit detailed shopfront drawings and section details
3. Use compliant materials and certified power supplies

4 Signage Size Exceeds Allowed Limits

Common rejection reason

Signs exceeding the allowed dimensions or outside the designated signage zone are often rejected. Typical issues:

• Letter height too high (350mm / 400mm)
• Logo or backing board exceeds signage zone
• Sign touches ceiling or crosses glass borders

How to avoid rejection:

1. Strictly follow mall size limits
2. Adjust design proportions accordingly
3. Submit floor plans and elevation drawings for approval

5 Using Unauthorized or Low-Quality Materials

Common rejection reason

Using substandard or non-compliant materials can lead to rejection, especially in premium malls like Pavilion, The Gardens, or Mid Valley. Common materials to avoid:

• Foam boards / PVC
• Flammable or easily deformed materials
• Low-quality acrylic
• Rough spray-painted surfaces

Recommended materials:

1. Powder-coated aluminum letters: durable, attractive, and corrosion-resistant
2. High-quality LED modules: stable brightness and consistent color temperature
3. 10–20mm acrylic sheets: sturdy with even light transmission
4. Stainless steel 304 / 316: suitable for outdoor and premium mall signage

6 Lighting Brightness Not Meeting Requirements

Common reason for rejection

In Malaysian malls, signage that is too dim or too bright can be rejected:

• Too dim → logo or text unclear

• Too bright → glaring, affecting neighboring stores

  Some malls also specify brightness ranges (cd/m²); signs outside the range will not pass approval
   

How to avoid rejection:

1. Use high-quality LED modules consistently
2. Control brightness and light diffusion evenly
3. Conduct mock-up lighting tests in advance to ensure compliance

7 Power Position & Safety Non-Compliant

Common reason for rejection

Power safety is one of the most sensitive approval items. Common issues include:

• Incorrect power location
• Messy or exposed wiring
• Non-SIRIM certified power supply
• Missing independent switch
• Blocking fire safety equipment

How to avoid rejection:

1. Submit electrical diagrams in advance
2. Use certified power supply and proper wiring
3. Ensure compliance with fire safety rules, avoiding obstruction of sprinklers, smoke detectors, or emergency routes

8 Frame or Structure Fails Safety Standards

Common reason for rejection

Malls pay close attention to the safety of large signage. Common problems include:

• Frame too thin, insufficient load-bearing
• Inadequate or poor-quality welds
• Unstable installation or insufficient support
• Risk of falling or loosening

How to avoid rejection:

1. Submit structural drawings or obtain PE endorsement
2. Use standard materials and welding techniques
3. Conduct professional inspection before installation

9 Signage Impacts Neighboring Stores or Public Space

Common reason for rejection

Signs that don’t consider surrounding environment can be rejected. Issues include:

• Too close to neighboring stores
• Light reflecting onto other shops
• Overly bold or exaggerated design
• Construction noise or damage to partitions

How to avoid rejection:

1. Coordinate position with mall and neighbors in advance
2. Control light direction and brightness
3. Keep design consistent with mall aesthetics
4. Follow construction guidelines to minimize noise and damage

Missing or Incorrect Documentation

Common reason for rejection

Malls are strict about documentation completeness. Common issues include missing files, incomplete submissions, or incorrect formats.
 

Required documents usually include:

• Elevation drawings
• Structural drawings
• Material specifications
• Electrical diagrams
• Construction insurance
• 3D mock-ups
• Brand guidelines

Summary: 70% of signage rejections are not due to design flaws, but because they don’t comply with mall regulations.

Common pain points for chain brands:

• Different suppliers for each branch → inconsistent quality
• Multiple rejections → delayed store openings
• Poor customer experience → weakened brand image

Effective solutions:

Establish a unified Signage Guideline

Work with a long-term, trusted manufacturer to ensure consistent materials and LED color temperature

Centralized HQ review of drawings and lighting mock-ups

Ensure all branches nationwide follow the same style and standards

FAQ

1. How long does mall signage approval take?

Typically 1–4 weeks. Incomplete submissions or lighting mock-ups that don’t match the design can extend the approval process.
 

2. Do malls require energy-efficient and eco-friendly signage?

High-end malls are increasingly focused on sustainability. LED strips must be energy-efficient, and high-power lightboxes are often restricted.
 

3. How can a new chain store get approval quickly?

Ensure HQ centrally manages design, suppliers, lighting, and materials. Prepare complete documents in advance: AI files, 3D mock-ups, material specifications, and lighting tests.
 

4. What are the fire and waterproof requirements for signage?

Signage must meet fire safety standards (MS ISO 9705 / BS 476). LED strips and power supplies should be waterproof and moisture-resistant (IP65).
 

5. Does signage replacement or upgrade require re-approval?

Yes. Any changes in materials, colors, LEDs, or dimensions require resubmission of drawings and mock-ups for approval.
 

Avoid mall rejection – let the professionals handle it from day one

Choose Great Sign Advertising (M) Sdn Bhd and get:

Deep familiarity with malls – years of experience navigating different regulations

Chain brand expertise – 100+ nationwide clients

One-stop service – design → drawings → approval → production → installation

Ensure first-time approval and avoid store opening delays

Contact us today to get your signage approved smoothly and light up your store on schedule!