PETALING JAYA: Applications for low-risk local authority licences will be processed within 24 hours starting next year.
Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said these licences included those for food courts and convenience stores.
"This move aligns with the prime minister's vision of improving the ease of doing business. Licences are divided into two categories — low-risk and high-risk.
"Low-risk licences cover small businesses like convenience shops and food stalls, for which we have set a quick processing time.
"Applications submitted in the morning can be approved by the evening — within 24 hours.
"This is part of the digital transformation the ministry is undertaking to create a one-stop centre for licencing.
"Applicants can check their documents online, and if everything is complete, they can print out their licence by the evening.
"The digital transformation in local authorities is essential to ensure that, by next year, licence applications can be approved within a day," he said to reporters after the opening ceremony of the 2024 Local Authorities Convention here today (Oct 26).
Nga said that for higher-risk licences, such as those for businesses including animal surgery rooms, mortuaries and nightclubs, the processing times have been shortened to 14 days, provided all requirements are met.
"For development approvals, which are crucial, we aim to speed up the process so that we are on par with, or even surpass, neighbouring countries," he said.