KUALA LUMPUR – State and local authorities have been told to expedite the approval process for development projects under their jurisdictions to ensure ease of doing business, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced today.
In a Facebook post, the prime minister said this effort will indirectly improve the country’s investment environment and competitiveness.
The decision was made during the 41st meeting of the National Physical Planning Council (MPFN) chaired by Anwar yesterday, and which featured relevant stakeholders, including federal and state government leaders.
Among those present include Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli, Transport Minister Anthony Loke, Local Government Development Minister Nga Kor Ming and heads of states from both the government and opposition.
Anwar’s announcement today comes just two weeks after he said he would chair a special meeting with the relevant cabinet members and state representatives to ensure swift follow-up action is taken by Malaysia on the investments pledged by major Chinese companies during his official visit to the republic recently.
He had noted then that a number of states, including Pahang, Perak, Johor and Terengganu, would be directly involved in the Chinese investments.
“I plead to the state and local governments to please expedite all processes so that no problems are caused for the companies,” he had said in a post-cabinet press conference on April 5.
Meanwhile, the Pakatan Harapan chairman said the MPFN meeting yesterday also agreed to improve the OSC 3.0 Plus procedure, a system that monitors developments from the submission of applications to their completion.
Anwar said now, approval processes need to be referred to only five government agencies, as opposed to 19 previously, while the approval period has been halved from 42 days to 21 days.
Separately, the meeting also discussed proposals to strengthen the agricultural sector, particularly on the need to determine the land area required for agricultural production and food resources.
“In this regard, emphasis should be placed on increasing agricultural productivity.”
Anwar added that MPFN is of the view that the regulatory aspects of the management and development of livestock farms need to be further strengthened.
He said the council is also concerned about the issue of flash floods across the country, and agreed that any land development must adhere to the Stormwater Management and Drainage Master Plan.
“MPFN will ensure that urban development planning will focus towards Madani townships to improve the rakyat's quality of life and to create a habitable environment.
“The federal government is committed to continuing its cooperation and development coordination with state governments in order to achieve our Madani development agenda.” – The Vibes, April 18, 2023
