More Than RM2.72 Billion Saved Through ARPA Reforms Since 2024 - KSN

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- Reforms implemented under the Public Service Reform Agenda (ARPA) have generated more than RM2.72 billion in regulatory cost savings since 2024 through 1,171 registered projects involving process improvements and bureaucratic reforms, according to Chief Secretary to the Government (KSN) Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

He said the achievements under ARPA clearly demonstrate that governance reform is not merely policy rhetoric but has produced tangible results through cost reduction, faster approvals, improved competitiveness and stronger public confidence and trust.

“The reforms introduced under ARPA have been identified as contributing factors through improved institutional efficiency, stronger service delivery, enhanced digitalisation and governance reforms. This sends a strong signal to investors that Malaysia is serious about reform and competitiveness. 

“Most importantly, these reforms are creating a more efficient, transparent, and investor-friendly Malaysia,” he said in his keynote address at the Roundtable Discussion (RTD) with the chambers of commerce here today. 

Among the notable initiatives introduced under ARPA, the KSN highlighted the e-Penghulu system, which reduced the registration process for disaster relief assistance and eKasih application from one hour to just five minutes. 

Shamsul Azri said reforms in construction permit management at the Kulim Municipal Council in Kedah had shortened approval timelines from 24 months to 10 months through the E10 system, while similar reforms at the Kulai Municipal Council in Johor reduced the process from 24 months to 14 months.

 “Both initiatives have contributed significantly towards increasing investment value, creating employment opportunities and enhancing revenue generation for their respective local authorities,” he said. 

He noted that the government had also introduced the Demerit Performance Evaluation (DEEP) system for all controlling officers and secretaries-general.

“As of December 2025, project implementation performance improved by 122 per cent, the number of sick projects declined by 45 per cent, delayed projects were reduced by 16 per cent, while issues related to lack of planning were resolved by as much as 98 per cent,” he said.

At the local government level, he said the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council had significantly improved the efficiency of plan processing by reducing approval time from 10 days to just four hours, while the Alor Gajah Municipal Council expedited the business licence renewal from one day to immediate approval. 

Shamsul Azri said good governance could not be achieved by the government alone, stressing that it required a whole-of-nation approach involving the public sector, private sector, business community, civil society, academia and the public.

He noted that countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Taiwan, New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom and Canada had successfully adopted integrated governance models to strengthen policy coordination, improve public service delivery and enhance institutional effectiveness in addressing increasingly complex national challenges.

“In Malaysia, this commitment is reflected through ARPA, which adopts whole-of-nation and integrated approaches as key pillars in strengthening governance, enhancing public service delivery, and reinforcing a more efficient, transparent, and people-centric public administration,” he said. 

He also called on the business community to play a greater role in shaping stronger governance and fostering positive perceptions of Malaysia, particularly in areas involving commercial dealings, compliance culture, corporate governance, and ethical business practices.

The KSN said the government welcomed constructive feedback and collaboration from chambers of commerce and industry players to further improve policies and implementation.

He added that Malaysia’s aspiration to become one of the top 25 nations in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 2030 was realistic and achievable as it recorded an improvement in the 2025 CPI, with its score rising by two points to 52 and its ranking improving three spots to 54th globally, reflecting the country’s continued commitment to reform.

-- BERNAMA