Dr Sim (centre), flanked by Hii (on his left) and Tiang, speaks during the press conference.
SIBU: The Sarawak Government will implement a pilot project to reform the process of starting a business in Sarawak, starting from August 1 until end of February next year.
Announcing this, Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, said the pilot project would take place in both Sibu and Kanowit Districts for a duration of six months.
“This initiative is spearheaded by the Sarawak Government through Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit, Premier’s Department in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation.
“At present, business registration in Sarawak involves various government departments and agencies such as LHDN, District Offices, Divisional Treasury Department and Local Authorities.
“For instance, in Sibu District, the process involves Sibu District Office, Sibu Divisional Treasury Department and two Local Authorities (Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC),” he told a press conference held at a hotel here on Monday.
On top of the agencies mentioned, Dr Sim, who is also Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, stated that there were still agencies’ approval that might be required such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department, and the Health Department.
Due to this requirement, he said that applicants had to deal with multiple agencies at various locations, making the process inefficient and time-consuming.
In addition, he said, applicants were required to fill multiple forms, depending on the business type and licences applied for.
He pointed out that studies showed that the licence processing time for business registration in Sarawak might take up to 60 days or more.
“Therefore, starting August 1 (next Friday), the pilot project for business registration commences in both Sibu and Kanowit Districts.
“All business registrations (Business Name, Trade Licence and Operating Licence applications) will be coordinated by one agency only – Local Authorities in Sibu and Kanowit Districts via one facilitation centre.
“In Sibu District, for the two local authorities, namely, SMC and SRDC, the facilitation centre is at Sarawak Service Centre at UTC Sibu.
“For Kanowit District, it is at the Kanowit District Council’s service counter.
“Applicants will only need to fill in one composite form that captures all necessary information for Business Name Registration, Trade Licence, and Operating Licence applications,” he added.
Dr Sim explained that the pilot project targeted a processing time (from application to licence collection) within 14 working days for low-risk businesses, and for businesses requiring only Business Name and Trade Licence, the licence could be collected within five working days.
Adding on, he said for businesses, which also required an Operating Licence, the licence could be collected within 14 working days.
This meant the applicants only needed to visit the counter a maximum of two times.
However, the timeline, he stressed, was subject to applications with complete supporting documents.
On the other hand, he said, high-risk businesses application (e.g. sales of gas, entertainment centres, elderly or childcare centres, reflexology centres) would be processed within 30 working days.
In summary, he pointed out the timeline had been reduced from over 60 working days to only 14 or up to 30 working days.
Additionally, Dr Sim stated that under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the Sarawak Government was actively driving digitalisation registration initiatives for business to boost public confidence in transacting with government via online platform.
Existing systems such as e-R&DO and e-LA2 would also be upgraded in the near term to support this digital initiative, he said, adding, this effort was crucial to stimulate business activities in Sarawak and position the region as a more investor-friendly destination.
“Therefore, Sarawak must act swiftly to seize this opportunity by accelerating and streamlining the investment and business processes. This pilot project is a strategic step in that direction.
“We aim to ensure Sarawak remains competitive as an investment destination that offers administrative efficiency, process certainty and strong governmental support to the business community.
“I urge all agencies involved to give their full commitment and support to ensure the success of this pilot project, which will serve as the foundation for statewide implementation across Sarawak,” Dr Sim added.
Among those present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Michael Tiang Ming Tee, and Deputy State Secretary, Datuk Hii Chang Kee.
