Latest news with #LocalAuthoritiesOrdinance1996
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Pilot project to smoothen business registration process to kick off Aug 1 in Sibu, Kanowit
(Seated, from left) Sempurai, Tiang, Dr Sim, Hii, Loh and others pose with the thumbs-up gesture during a photo-call. SIBU (July 22): A pilot project to reform the process of starting up a business in Sarawak will be implemented effective this Aug 1, in the districts of Sibu and Kanowit, and will be running for six months. According to Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, the project was spearheaded by the state government through the Sarawak Transformation and Innovation Unit in the Sarawak Premier's Department; Ministry of Public Health, Housing and Local Government; and Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC). He said under the pilot project, all business registrations involving business name, trade licence and operating licence applications would be coordinated by one agency, namely the local authorities in Sibu and Kanowit, via one facilitation centre. 'Applicants will only need to fill in one composite form that captures all necessary information for business name registration, trade licence and operating licence applications. 'The pilot project targets a processing time from application to licence collection within 14 working days for low-risk businesses, while high-risk business applications such as sales of gas, entertainment centres, elderly or childcare centres and reflexology centres will be processed within 30 working days,' he said in a press conference here yesterday. Dr Sim added that for applications requiring only the business name and trade licence, the licence could be collected within five working days, while licences for those requiring an operating licence could be collected within 14 working days. 'This means applicants only need to visit the counter a maximum of two times. Studies show that licence processing time for business registration may take up to 60 days or more. 'Through this project, the processing time will be reduced from over 60 working days to only 14 or up to 30 working days.' Earlier, Dr Sim said business registration in Sarawak typically involves three main components depending on the type of business, namely the business name registration, trade licence and operating licence. These are governed by Chapter 64 of the Business Names Ordinance 1958, Chapter 33 of the Businesses, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1958, Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and other various regulations and bylaws. 'At present, business registration in Sarawak involves various government departments and agencies such as Inland Revenue Board, District Offices, Divisional Treasury Department and Local Authorities. 'For instance, in Sibu District, the process involves the Sibu District Office, Sibu Divisional Treasury Department, and two local authorities namely the Sibu Municipal Council and Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC). 'On top of the agencies that I have mentioned, there is still approval from agencies that may be required, such as from the Fire and Rescue Department, Land and Survey Department and the Health Department. 'Due to this requirement, applicants are required to deal with multiple agencies at various locations, making the process inefficient and time-consuming. In addition, applicants are required to fill in multiple forms, depending on the business type and licenses applied for,' he said. According to the Deputy Premier, this effort was crucial to stimulate business activities in Sarawak and position the region as a more investor-friendly destination. 'Therefore, Sarawak must act swiftly to seize this opportunity by accelerating and streamlining the investment and business processes. This pilot project is a strategic step in that direction. 'We aim to ensure Sarawak remains competitive as an investment destination that offers administrative efficiency, process certainty, and strong governmental support to the business community. 'I urge all agencies involved to give their full commitment and support to ensure the success of this pilot project, which will serve as the foundation for statewide implementation across Sarawak,' he said. He added that under the Sarawak Digital Economy Blueprint 2030, the Sarawak government had been actively driving digitalisation initiatives for business registration to boost public confidence in transacting with the government via online platforms. 'Existing systems such as e-R&DO and e-LA2 will also be upgraded in the near term to support this digital initiative,' he said. Also present were Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Sarawak Datuk Michael Tiang, Deputy State Secretary Datu Hii Chang Kee, the ministry's permanent secretary Datu Elizabeth Loh and SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai. business registration Dr Sim Kui Hian lead start-up businesses
Borneo Post
26-05-2025
- Borneo Post
SMC chairman raises alarm over surge in dog bite cases in Sibu
A recent photo of dogs roaming in a commercial area in Sibu. – Photo by Peter Boon SIBU (May 26): Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) chairman Clarence Ting has voiced deep concern over the alarming number of dog bite incidents in the district, which reached approximately 300 cases last month. Quoting data from the Ministry of Health (KKM), Ting revealed that the majority of the dog bites were inflicted by pet dogs owned by individuals, not strays. 'According to KKM's data, there were 216 cases of dog bites involving pets owned by individuals, whereas stray dogs were responsible for 74 cases in April. 'I am deeply concerned with the high number of dog bites incidents here. These are recorded cases when victims sought treatments in hospital or clinics. 'What about those that did not seek treatment? So, the number of incidents may be higher,' Ting told reporters after SMC's full council meeting today. He further pointed out that the statistics translate to an average of 10 people bitten by dogs every day. 'On average, about 10 persons got bitten by dogs every single day. This is unacceptable. This is a very big concern,' he cautioned. In this regard, Ting urged the public to continue working with the council to reduce the number of dog bites. 'You should confine your pet dogs to your house compound. If you need to let it out, ensure your canine is on a leash.' Additionally, he explained that in Sarawak, the enforcement of responsible dog ownership is governed mainly by local authority by-laws under the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 and supported by public health regulations. 'The Sibu Municipal Council (Licensing of Dogs) By-Laws contains clauses that: limit number of dogs per household (especially in urban areas), require dogs to be confined within the owner's compound and penalize owners of dogs causing nuisance or injury.' Clarence Ting dog bites lead rabies sibu municipal council
Borneo Post
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Dr Sim: Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 to boost councillor numbers, improve local governance
Dr Sim opines that the Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 will allow for greater local representation at the grassroots level. – Ukas photo KUCHING (May 20): The Local Authorities (Amendment) Bill 2025 is a crucial step forward in strengthening local governance and ensuring that the voices of Sarawakians are better represented and heard, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian. Tabling the Bill for its second reading during the State Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting today, Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said the amendments were timely and necessary to address the growing and evolving needs of Sarawak's urban and rural communities. 'The latest amendment to the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996 (CAP 20) was made in 2020. It is now considered necessary to update the provisions in the Ordinance to keep up with current developments and meet the expectations of our time,' he said. He also revealed that currently, there are 27 local councils under the purview of his ministry, including the newly established Gedong District Council, Sebuyau District Council and Siburan District Council, all of which are governed through the councillorship system. He noted that with rapid population growth, especially in areas under major councils such as city and municipal councils, the demands of residents have become more complex and diverse. 'To address this, the Bill proposes amendments to Sections 10, 10A and 11 of the Ordinance to increase the number of councillors in five key councils such as Kuching South City Council, Miri City Council, Padawan Municipal Council, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council and Sibu Municipal Council, from 30 to 33, excluding the Mayor, Deputy Mayor, and Deputy Chairman. 'This increase will allow for greater local representation at the grassroots level and ensure that the needs of our communities are better served,' he said. Another key provision in the Bill he said is the proposed amendment to Section 172A, which will empower the Majlis Mesyuarat Kerajaan Negeri (State Cabinet) to amend all schedules in the Ordinance more efficiently. Dr Sim stressed that councillors have taken on significantly expanded roles in recent years, often working beyond normal hours to respond to local issues and public concerns. 'Currently, the city and municipal councils are overburdened by various ward laws, resulting in slow response times and public dissatisfaction with local services,' 'By increasing the number of councillors, we can improve responsiveness, strengthen community engagement, and enhance service delivery to the public,' he said. He emphasised that councillors are essential policymakers at the local level, responsible for ensuring that community priorities are reflected in council decisions, handling public complaints, advocating for improvements, and upholding service standards. 'The councillorship system promotes inclusive participation and good governance, ensuring that development in Sarawak is people-driven and locally relevant,' he said. Dr Sim concluded by urging members of the House to support the Bill, saying its passage would help fulfil public expectations for more efficient and effective local government services.
