T
he Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) initiative has become a catalyst for transforming the nation’s administration and improving the efficiency of public services, driven by more efficient and effective governance.
According to Senator Dr Jufitri Joha, RKB has succeeded in reducing unnecessary costs and burdens, ultimately boosting economic growth and national competitiveness.
“When digitalisation and automation, including the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), are introduced alongside the removal of outdated requirements, approval processes for public services, licences and permits that once took a long time can now be completed much faster,” he told Bernama.
RKB was introduced by the government in November 2024 to address bureaucratic hurdles, including abolishing outdated rules and work practices across all government agencies, and it is expected to generate nearly RM1.5 billion in expenditure savings in 2025.
“For example, the approval process for warehouse goods that previously took three days can now be completed in just one minute, and the process is fully digital. This has resulted in annual compliance cost savings of RM210 million, helping local companies become more competitive globally,” he said.
NEW WORK CULTURE
Jufitri said the reforms are not just about speeding up processes, but also about creating a new culture within the public sector – one that is more open, efficient, responsive and user-friendly.
Senator Dr Jufitri Joha.
“RKB has brought a paradigm shift in the relationship between the government and the people, moving from a system previously seen as rigid to a government that is agile, accessible and results-oriented in its service delivery.
“Through the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA), we have shifted our focus towards digitalisation, streamlining procedures for faster service delivery, increasing productivity and contributing to Gross Domestic Product growth,” he said.
Sharing his views, public administration expert and Universiti Utara Malaysia Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs and Alumni) Prof Dr Ahmad Martadha Mohamed said the efficiency of public services is one of the key indicators for foreign investors when considering investment in a country, and in this regard, RKB has strengthened confidence in Malaysia’s increasingly efficient delivery system.
Pointing to the Kulai Fast Lane initiative by the Kulai Municipal Council in Johor to speed up the process of obtaining construction permits, he said it reflects the state’s commitment to building a more efficient and productivity-based public service delivery system.
Through its bureaucratic reforms, the council has reduced the processing period for construction permits from 24 months to 14 months, which helped attract RM40.7 billion in new investments and create 7,000 job opportunities in the district. This has also led to annual compliance cost savings of RM677,600.
BOOSTING RELIABILITY
“Through RKB, many processes that previously slowed down approvals, especially for project implementation and investment, can now be simplified and expedited. Our public service system is becoming more efficient, faster and more reliable. Reliability forms the basis of foreign investor confidence, which in turn benefits the national economy,” he said.
Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar presents a certificate of appreciation to Melaka Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association (REHDA) chairman Datuk Ngoh Chun How at the Certificate of Appreciation Presentation Ceremony for the Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) initiative held in conjunction with the MADANI Rakyat (PMR) 2025 Melaka programme at Politeknik Merlimau in October.
Ahmad Martadha added that RKB also enhances transparency in services through the e-procurement system, helping curb elements of power abuse, favouritism and cartel practices.
Meanwhile, Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia Youth Council chairman Hisham Abdul Hamid said RKB has had a significant impact on young entrepreneurs as the government has implemented over 160 projects or processes to reduce or abolish bureaucratic red tape.
The processes include shortening the approval period for securing, among others, business licences through digitalisation and better inter-agency coordination; and document standardisation and improved efficiency of digital application systems at ministries such as MOF and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry.
“Entrepreneurs now no longer need to submit the same documents repeatedly to multiple agencies, and application statuses can now be checked in real time. These changes make it easier to start a business, obtain financing, manage imports and exports, and participate in government programmes.
“RKB serves as a catalyst for innovation, digitalisation and large-scale economic growth and empowers young entrepreneurs through mentoring programmes, industry collaborations and market expansion,” he said.
