KUCHING: The business licensing system will continue to be enhanced through the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business (EODB) pilot project in Sibu to simplify and expedite the business registration process in the state.

Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Dr Penguang Manggil said the process of applying for business licences in Sarawak involves several related agencies at the federal, state and local authority levels, making it more detailed in terms of regulatory compliance.

According to him, business registration involves company name registration with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) for the Kuching area as well as the Sarawak Treasury Office in accordance with the Business Names Ordinance 1932 and the Business, Professions and Trades Licensing Ordinance 1955.

“Operating licences are also subject to the Local Authorities Ordinance 1996, which requires approval from the relevant local authorities.

“The Sarawak Government is currently implementing the EODB pilot project in Sibu as an effort to coordinate and simplify the business registration and licensing process,” he said when responding to a question from Tebedu Assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada during the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) sitting on Wednesday.

He added that the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to improving the efficiency of public service delivery while creating a more investor and entrepreneur-friendly business environment in Sarawak. -UKASnews