KEPALA BATAS: The transformation of local authorities (PBT) will continue to be strengthened through digitalisation, smart technology and improved delivery systems, says Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.
He said this was to provide more efficient and impactful services for the people.
He said the transformation was being implemented through, among others, the Counterless City concept introduced in 2023, with the use of platforms such as PBTPay, iTegur or PBTCare, ePBT and OSC 3.0 Plus.
“The digital transformation of PBT services has contributed to an increase in revenue collection of more than RM1.5bil over the past five years, while also reducing operating costs and saving the people’s time,” he said at the PBT Convention and the 2026 World Environmental Health Day celebration here yesterday.
He said the use of technology, such as smart traffic lights, smart bin and integrated command centre, had also helped local authorities improve urban management efficiency, safety and their ability to respond to community needs.
Nga said that in terms of development approvals, the implementation of OSC 3.0 Plus Online, including mechanisms such as the Industrial Green Lane, Pre-Requisite, Self-Regulation, E10 Kulim and Kulai Fast Lane, had helped expedite the approval process based on the complexity of each development.
“As of July 2026, over 130 applications have gone through these mechanisms, and compliance with the client charter increased from 65% in 2025 to 95% this year, as of August,” he said, Bernama reported.
He said the ministry was also integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into OSC 3.0 Plus Online, an online submission and management system to process development and building plan applications, identify incomplete documents as well as match applications according to their categories and levels of complexity.
He added that this was aimed at making bureaucratic processes smarter and reducing processes that were no longer necessary.
Nga said the ministry also provided an annual allocation ceiling of around RM450mil for 151 local authorities to implement projects related to infrastructure, socio-economic infrastructure, public safety and public amenities.
“Emphasis is placed on Cost-Benefit Analysis and Return on Investment so that every allocation delivers tangible benefits to the people.”
Nga also urged local authorities to continue facilitating development while strengthening integrity, innovation, sustainability and service efficiency for the benefit of the people.
