KUCHING: The Sarawak Government is initiating reforms to streamline the business registration process as part of its commitment to improving governance and enhancing the state’s investment climate.
The Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit (STIU), in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government (MPHLG) and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), is spearheading the reform to address lengthy approval periods and process inefficiencies.
A statement released on Wednesday revealed that a typical business registration in Sarawak involves three key steps: business name registration, trade licence application, and operating licence application — processes that typically span multiple agencies.
“In Sri Aman, Sibu, and Miri, for example, business registration currently involves the District Office, Divisional Treasury, and local councils, in addition to technical departments such as BOMBA, Land and Survey, and the Health Department,” the statement explained.
Studies found that approval waiting times in Sarawak can stretch beyond 60 days, with applicants often facing inconsistent procedures across districts. This has led the government to review and restructure the registration process.
As part of the reform, a pilot project will be launched in Sibu Division in early August 2025. Business registration applications will be handled centrally by the Local Authorities at UTC Sibu and the Kanowit District Council, with the goal of reducing approval timelines and simplifying workflows through digital solutions.
Deputy State Secretary (Operations), Datu Hii Chang Kee, who is also the advisor to the pilot project, described the initiative as aligning with Sarawak’s Post COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS 2030), particularly the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) strategic thrust.
“This is a highly strategic initiative to make Sarawak more investor-friendly. I call on all involved agencies to work in unison to ensure its success,” he said.
STIU, MPHLG and MPC, the coordinating agencies, assured that more information about the pilot project will be shared with the public in the lead-up to its implementation.
