SIBU – The Sarawak Government is set to launch a pilot project aimed at centralising and streamlining the state’s business registration system. The initiative will begin on August 1, 2025, and run until the end of February 2026, initially covering Sibu and Kanowit.
The announcement was made by Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Prof Dr. Sim Kui Hian, who also serves as Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government, during a press conference held at the Tanahmas Hotel in Sibu on Monday.
This project, led by the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU) under the Sarawak Premier’s Department, is carried out in collaboration with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).
Dr. Sim highlighted that the current registration process is complicated, requiring business owners to engage with multiple agencies governed by different ordinances, including the Business Names Ordinance, Business Licensing Ordinance, and the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996.
For instance, business applicants in Sibu presently must coordinate with the District Office, Divisional Treasury, Sibu Municipal Council, and Sibu Rural District Council, alongside technical agencies such as the Fire Department, Health Department, and Land and Survey Department.
Under the pilot project, a One Facilitation Centre model will be adopted to streamline the process. Business name registration, licensing, and operation permits will be coordinated through one agency—the local authority (PBT).
In Sibu, services will be offered at UTC Sibu (Sarawak Service Centre), while Kanowit applicants will be served at the Kanowit District Council counter. The new system will introduce a single composite form for all applications.
Processing times will be significantly reduced:
- 5 working days for low-risk businesses (no operating licence),
- 14 working days for low-risk businesses requiring an operating licence,
- 30 working days for high-risk ventures (e.g., entertainment centres, gas sales, elderly/child care, and reflexology centres).
The project supports the Post-Covid Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030, with a vision to digitalise and modernise Sarawak’s business environment, making it more attractive to investors and SME operators.
Dr. Sim also announced that existing platforms like e-R&DO and e-LA2 would be upgraded to support full digital integration in future phases. He called on all relevant departments to ensure full cooperation for the success of the initiative, which may later be expanded across the state.
“This is the foundation for greater reforms to modernise the transaction system and make Sarawak a more pro-business and investor-friendly state,” he said.
