Amirudin (right) trying out the Smartbox system during the launch event as PTGS director Yusri Zakariah looks on.
THE Selangor Lands and Mines Office (PTGS) managed to double revenue thanks to its digital platform called the Smartbox system that was introduced in 2020.
Revenue collection in the state increased from RM33.9mil between January and July 2021 to RM53mil this year during the same period.
The Smartbox system consists of a digital box where customers such as firms and individuals can drop off documents on land title transfer matters.
When launching the Smartbox system at PTGS in Shah Alam, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said a maximum 5,000 visitors carried out transactions at the land office in three months, but when the digital platform was introduced, the number increased to 12,000 transactions.
“The online platform was introduced to minimise close contact between PTGS staff and visitors during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“However, the platform gained popularity as it provided convenience to the public.
“In 2021 we had an increase in revenue of 17.47% and in 2022, revenue increased by 56.39%.”
Amirudin said the state gave importance to high-impact economic programmes.
“This Smartbox system has been so successful that even land offices from other states such as Johor and Negri Sembilan are interested in learning more about it, “ he said.
The use of digital technologies built trust as the public felt it had made the government sector more transparent, he said.
Amirudin said land premiums contributed about RM1bil towards state revenue, which was 45% of total revenue, while land tax contributed RM550mil to the state’s coffers.
“Understanding the importance of collecting this revenue, some RM2mil was allocated for PTGS to develop its digital operations,” he said.
He added the online system was also a smart one as those who had not paid their assessment taxes or land-related fees would not be able to continue with their online transactions until pending fees were paid in full.
