Accelerated service: Anwar (third from left) perusing the iPayment system demonstration at its launch at the Finance Ministry. — Bernama
PUTRAJAYA: The use of the Federal Government Electronic Receipt System (iPayment) is to be expanded to all federal ministries and departments by next month, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The Prime Minister said the system’s implementation must be accelerated for the public to promptly benefit from its enhanced and streamlined services.
“It is important to remember that the true measure (of success) lies in how the majority of people experience benefits from the reforms.
“That is why I am calling for the implementation of the iPayment to be expedited, moving the projected timeline from the end of April to early March,” he said when launching the system’s expansion yesterday.
The iPayment system was developed in 2022, with Phase 1 introducing an online portal.
Phase 2, which began yesterday, expands its capabilities by adding payment channels at counters and through mobile applications.
The system offers government service users the option to make payments online using debit, credit and prepaid cards as well as Internet banking, QR code, and e-wallet.
“In my view, iPayment is a significant step forward, not only as a new initiative but also in delivering direct benefits to the people by enhancing efficiency and reducing bureaucratic delays,” Anwar said.
The Prime Minister said Malaysia must move at a faster pace to stay ahead and avoid falling behind in digital transformation.
He added the country’s progress in this field has remained relatively stagnant compared to several other nations such as Estonia, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
“When we look back to 10, 15, or even 20 years ago, we were far ahead with all the strengths we had, but various challenges arose, ultimately causing our progress to stagnate.
“Therefore, we must catch up. And when we talk about institutional reforms, including in the public service, extraordinary speed is essential,” he said.
On another matter, the Prime Minister said the proposal to streamline several government agencies to address the issue of overlapping functions will be presented to the Cabinet soon.
The Prime Minister said the matter needs to be brought to the Cabinet first before a decision can be made.
On Sept 3 last year, Anwar said the government has set up the rationalisation of federal statutory bodies secretariat to address the issue of overlapping functions and to save funds.
The Prime Minister also said that government agencies are not allowed to establish companies under them without approval from the highest level due to the existence of companies that have recorded losses.
“I have instructed that no company should be established under an agency without approval because thousands of these companies are incurring huge losses.
“However, deciding to cancel these (companies) is not easy. But if it must be done, we must do it. This reflects or gives meaning to what is called institutional reform,” he said.
