Kuala Lumpur: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association (SAMENTA) Malaysia has announced that the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill 2025, known as Iltizam, is expected to significantly curb corrupt practices in the public sector while providing a substantial boost to the productivity, growth, and expansion of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, SAMENTA highlighted in a statement that the Iltizam Bill incorporates essential measures aimed at strengthening governance, transparency, and accountability within government entities. Key provisions of the bill focus on reducing bureaucratic red tape and promoting integrity within the public service, which are seen as crucial in the fight against corruption. The bill is anticipated to enhance efficiency and productivity, leading to increased profitability for businesses.

SAMENTA elaborated that the Iltizam Bill addresses issues faced by SMEs by introducing mechanisms to alleviate regulatory burdens and improve government service delivery, thereby promoting accountability and transparency across all government levels. The legislation seeks to curb duplicative procedures and corruption opportunities by mandating periodic regulatory reviews and imposing stricter reporting requirements. By setting clear performance benchmarks, the bill aims to foster an environment conducive to SME growth without the added costs or risks associated with corrupt practices.

Datuk William Ng, SAMENTA president, described the bill as a significant milestone in Malaysia’s quest to become a cleaner, more productive, and competitive nation. He noted that corruption disproportionately impacts SMEs, as they often lack the resources to navigate complex, bribery-driven processes. The new legislation aims to directly address these challenges by establishing stronger guidelines for accountability and transparency.

Ng emphasized SAMENTA’s support for the legislation and expressed readiness to collaborate with members to ensure successful implementation. He expressed confidence that improvements in service delivery and oversight will encourage SMEs to expand, innovate, and contribute more significantly to Malaysia’s economic growth.