Govt urged to do its share

All set: Syuhaida Ariffin showing the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 book launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at Menara Miti. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Stakeholders are all in for the next seven years to see the National Industrial Master Plan 2030 (NIMP) come to fruition, but this needs commitment from the government in terms of good governance, infrastructure and funding, say business groups.

Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia treasurer-general Datuk Koong Lin Loong said the government must generate a friendlier business environment.

He said that at present, dealing with multiple agencies and bureaucracies is a hindrance.

“We need a more conducive environment, but we have to deal with many layers within agencies. This causes many people to hold on to their investments or go elsewhere. We also cannot be too slow – coordination between agencies should be done in an efficient manner to expedite business,” added Koong.

Even though the NIPM 2030 has potential to be a game-changer for the Malaysian economy, the Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia said it would like to see more details and quantitative targets so that it does not become merely “aspirational”.

Its president Norsyahrin Hamidon said that ideally, the carbon tax, carbon price mechanism and tax rate should already be declared instead of just setting mandates and guidelines.

As for the multi-tier levy towards rationalising the reliance on foreign low-skilled workforce, the levy amounts and tier thresholds should be set with a schedule showing the progressive reduction from the current six to seven million documented and undocumented foreign workers to another number by 2030, he added.

“We see strong and bold aspirations in the six goals of the NIMP 2030. Some of these goals are things that we have been advocating to the government for some time,” said Norsyahrin.

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) president Tan Sri Soh Thian Lai said the government must continue to commit to the highest level of efficiency and governance in ensuring the ease of doing business in the country.

“Providing a conducive business environment to attract high tech, high value-added investments would be key to transforming the entire manufacturing supply chain.

“Similar to the collaborative efforts of the government and the private sector in developing the NIMP 2030, it is important this collaborative effort continues and is strengthened to ensure that the plan is well executed and its targets achieved,” he said.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Nivas Ragavan said a new industrial master plan is needed to ensure the country continues to have a robust business environment.

“The NIMP 2030 serves a direction for the industry while building confidence for both players and investors as it lays the foundation for the next seven years.

“The roadmap also provides key challenges and competitive industry growth, thus enabling the creation of employment opportunities, and the elevation of social levels and Malaysia as a high-income nation.

“However, the government should look into elevating micro enterprises, which make up 70% of MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises).

“If this is done, we can expect more exports, which will translate into a higher contribution to the gross domestic product of the country,” said Nivas.

SMEs are in favour of the transformation to digitalisation and automation, but industry players need assistance from the government to ensure the shift can take place within the stipulated time, said SME Association president Ding Hong Sing.

“SMEs’ capital is usually low and their cash flow is tight; it will only be viable if the government helps with the funding for this purpose to propel SMEs’ manufacturing output.”