Aznan (sixth from left) with senior MBPJ councillors and participants of the one-day workshop in Petaling Jaya. — Courtesy photo
Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) will implement a 24-hour planning approval system for small-scale developments, starting next month.
With the Planning Approval within 24 Hours (PA24) initiative, the processing time will be shortened from the current 42 to 98 days to just one working day, provided eligible submissions are complete.
Deputy Petaling Jaya mayor Aznan Hassan said the fast-track system would initially apply to landed properties, including new constructions, demolish-and-rebuild projects as well as small-scale extensions.
He was speaking after launching the initiative at a hotel in Petaling Jaya, where a one-day workshop was held for 84 professionals to prepare them for the new system.
“We are ensuring our strategic partners understand the process so that every submission is complete and in order before the official rollout in November,” said Aznan.
Officers from MBPJ’s Planning Department briefed attendees on submission standards, neighbour notification requirements as well as the use of digital templates for the development proposal report and layout plans.
Aznan said PA24 was aligned with the Federal Government’s Public Service Reform Agenda, Selangor Delivery and Governance System Reform Framework and Speed Selangor policy to modernise local services.
He added that MBPJ planned to integrate an artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted system within six months to automatically verify zoning, plot ratio and planning compliance.
“Phase One of PA24 will still be manually done. But when we implement Phase Two at a later date, we will use AI to verify documents even before they reach us.
Aznan said MBPJ was working with Digital Ministry to develop the automation model, to ensure only completed and compliant applications would be accepted.
“Based on our records, there are about 100 small-scale planning applications a year.
“If this system runs smoothly, we expect more homeowners to apply since they no longer have to wait months for approval.”
He said the 24-hour process would serve as a key performance indicator for departments under MBPJ’s One-Stop Centre.
“MBPJ recently approved a large-scale planning application in 21 days, faster than the Selangor benchmark of 30 days.
“This is an indicator that we are ready for speedier processing,” added Aznan.
MBPJ Development Planning Department director Lee Lih Shyan said the PA24 idea came from MBPJ’s Creative and Innovative Team, which sought to reduce red tape through innovation and better governance.
“This initiative empowers consultants and professionals to take shared responsibility through self-regulation, similar to the Certificate of Completion and Compliance model in the building sector,” he said.
Lee added that consultation with neighbours would still be required under PA24, with applicants required to display notices and collect feedback from adjoining landowners before submission.
“This ensures development happens harmoniously and transparently,” he said.
