KUCHING – The Sarawak Government has introduced the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) pilot project in Sibu, aimed at simplifying and accelerating the business licensing process across the state.
Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil, explained that business registration in Sarawak currently involves multiple agencies at federal, state and local authority levels. This makes the process more complex, requiring compliance with several ordinances and regulations.
He noted that company name registration must be carried out with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for the Kuching area, alongside the Sarawak Treasury Office, in line with the Business Names Ordinance 1932 and the Business, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1955.
Operating licences, meanwhile, fall under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996, requiring approval from relevant local councils.
“The Sarawak Government is currently implementing the EODB pilot project in Sibu as an effort to coordinate and simplify the business registration and licensing process,” Dr Penguang said during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly sitting on Wednesday, in response to a question from Tebedu Assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to improving efficiency in public service delivery.
By streamlining procedures, the project is expected to create a more investor-friendly environment and encourage entrepreneurship across Sarawak.
The EODB pilot project is part of broader efforts to modernise administrative systems and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for businesses.
Analysts suggest that the move could significantly improve Sarawak’s competitiveness, making it easier for both local and foreign investors to establish operations in the state.
Business leaders have long highlighted the need for a more coordinated licensing framework, pointing out that overlapping requirements often delay approvals and increase costs.
The pilot project in Sibu is seen as a testing ground for reforms that could later be expanded statewide.
Observers believe that if successful, the initiative will not only benefit entrepreneurs but also strengthen Sarawak’s reputation as a progressive and business-friendly region.
The government’s focus on efficiency and transparency is expected to support economic growth, attract investment, and foster innovation.
