JOHOR BARU: The approval process for non-risk business licences in Johor could be reduced from seven working days to just 24 hours, while licence renewals are targeted to take only one hour under a proposed local government reform.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor (pic) said the initiatives were among 10 key focuses under the proposed Local Government Agenda for 2027 to 2031.
“The reforms are aimed at making local authorities faster, more responsive, business-friendly and efficient in dealing with the public.
“If the approval process for non-risk business licences could take up to seven working days, the new commitment is to speed this up to 24 hours,” he said yesterday.
Mohd Jafni said licence renewals would also be simplified through digital processing, with the state targeting the process to be completed within one hour.
Both initiatives had been identified as quick wins to be implemented within the first 100 days of the new local government agenda, with preparations including a dry run scheduled for December, he said.
Mohd Jafni said the implementation is targeted for the first quarter of next year, adding that the reforms were part of efforts to ease dealings between residents, businesses and local councils.
“The state government is also working to expand the Johor Super Lane initiative to all local councils to expedite development and investment-related processes,” he added.
Mohd Jafni said the transformation of local authorities would also involve the expansion of Smart CCTV and integrated Smart Traffic Lights to all 16 local councils in Johor.
“The first phase of the study involves 25 junctions, with the aim of helping to manage traffic more intelligently, improve safety and enable monitoring and action to be taken more quickly based on actual data.”
Mohd Jafni said the state government would expand the Medan Niaga Bangsa Johor model, aimed at creating cleaner, more organised and comfortable local economic centres for traders and small and medium enterprises.
The state was also planning to introduce the Taman Komuniti Bangsa Johor concept, combining education, recreation and technology, while a mini water theme park in each of Johor’s 16 local councils areas was also being considered.
He spoke about plans to gradually expand the Johor Complaint Management System to all local councils, adding that the system had recorded 17,195 complaints, of which 11,668, or 84%, had been resolved.
Mohd Jafni said the proposed Dewan Muda PBT Johor would provide a platform for youth leadership, volunteerism and community participation, allowing young people to gain exposure to local government administration.
The overall objective was to ensure that manifesto promises were not merely made during elections but translated into action through clear timelines and implementation.
“We want every local council in Johor to work faster, more efficiently and to be closer to the people,” he said.
