SIBU: The Sarawak government will launch a six-month pilot project starting Aug 1 in Sibu and Kanowit to fast track and simplify the business registration process.
The initiative aims to strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and attract more investors.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said the pilot project will run until the end of February 2026 in the two selected districts.
“This project aims to simplify business registration, which previously involved multiple agencies and processes that took more than 60 working days,” he said during a press conference in Sibu on Monday (July 21).
Dr Sim added that the pilot project will consolidate all application procedures, including business name registration, trade licences, and operating permits, under a single agency, the local authority.
“In Sibu, the facility will be located at the Sarawak Service Centre, UTC Sibu, involving the Sibu Municipal Council and the Sibu Rural District Council.
“In Kanowit, it will be handled by the Kanowit District Council at a dedicated service counter.
“Applicants will only need to fill out one form that covers all types of applications.”
He added that under this new approach, the approval period is expected to be much shorter, five working days for low-risk businesses (name and trade licence only), 14 working days for those requiring an operating licence, and 30 working days for high-risk categories (such as gas sales, entertainment outlets, elderly/childcare centres, and reflexology services).
“This initiative is also aligned with the Sarawak Digital Economy Master Plan 2030, which emphasises the digitalisation of government systems, including online business registration.
“Systems like e-R&DO and e-LA2 will also be enhanced to support this digital transformation.”
Dr Sim expressed hope that the pilot project would serve as a model for full-scale implementation across the region, ultimately positioning Sarawak as an investor-friendly and business-friendly destination by 2030.
“I urge all involved agencies to give their full commitment to the success of this project.”
This initiative is spearheaded by the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit under the Sarawak Premier’s Department, in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak, and the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC).
