Ting (seated centre) chairing the SMC full board meeting.
Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) has become the first local authority in Sarawak to launch a pilot project aimed at simplifying the process of business licence registration and licensing.
This initiative, which began on Aug 1, is being carried out through the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC).
SMC chairman Clarence Ting said at the council’s full board meeting that the project involved collaboration among several agencies, including UTC, District Office and Treasury office.
Ting said the project introduced a streamlined process where business registration and licensing applications would now be channelled through the UTC, serving as a one-stop centre.
“SMC will coordinate the applications.
“Applicants need only fill up a single composite form at UTC,” Ting explained.
A trial run was carried out at UTC Sibu to train staff ahead of the official launch.
The pilot project also involves the Sibu Rural District Council and Kanowit District Council.
This initiative is a move by Sarawak government to enhance administrative efficiency, speed and investor-friendliness, thereby boosting the state’s competitiveness as a leading investment destination.
Sarawak Deputy Premier Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian was reported as saying that the pilot project targets a processing time, from application to licence collection, within 14 working days for low-risk businesses.
“High-risk business applications, such as gas sales, entertainment centres, and childcare centres, will be processed within 30 working days,” said Dr Sim. ― By ANDY CHUA
