Kuala Lumpur: The Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) has urged the government to establish a Compliance Ombudsman, as a dedicated mechanism to address complaints from businesses facing administrative delays or inefficiencies, further strengthening the impact of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill 2025.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, SAMENTA president Datuk William Ng also called for the establishment of a one-stop digital platform for all business-related approvals, to ensure consistency and eliminate unnecessary delays. Ng emphasized the need for a permanent business-government task force to regularly monitor and review regulatory efficiency. He suggested that service ratings should also be extended to local authorities to ensure that local councils meet efficiency standards.
Ng highlighted that the passing of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill 2025 marks a significant milestone in reducing bureaucracy, improving government service delivery, and enhancing the ease of doing business in Malaysia. By mandating the reduction of regulatory burdens, introducing a service performance rating system, and promoting greater public sector transparency, this reform is seen as crucial for the growth of Malaysian SMEs.
Ng noted that SMEs are central to Malaysia’s economy, contributing nearly 40 percent of GDP and employing over seven million Malaysians. Despite their importance, small businesses often face challenges with inefficiencies in government processes, slow approvals, and inconsistent regulations. The Bill is considered a major step forward in reducing red tape and improving service quality.
The Government Service Efficiency Commitment Bill 2025, aimed at improving government service quality, efficiency, and effectiveness, was passed in the Dewan Rakyat on March 6. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Federal Territories), Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, stated that the bill seeks to resolve bureaucratic issues and eliminate unnecessary or outdated regulations, guidelines, and administrative directives to enhance government governance efficiency.