By Adrian Lim
KUCHING, Nov 23 : The Sarawak government is looking at creating a database for local businesses through local authorities.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg said the database will be established by Sarawak Information Systems Sdn Bhd (SAINS) and Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) aimed at facilitating work processes between businesses in Sarawak and state agencies.
“I have asked the local authorities to have what we called basic data. It will be done digitally.
“In other words, online just like what we do to our Land and Survey now where you can register and get your (land) title within one or two days through online transactions with Land and Survey.
“And we call it business data and that will be stored in one main data which we are going to establish and call it the Sarawak Identity data where all your information is going to be merged into one platform.
“I hope when we deliver this data system, we can solve the problem of trading licences within the Sarawak government agencies,” he said when responding to a question by a member of Sarawak Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Anne Kung during a webinar hosted by Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) through Microsoft Zoom today.
Abang Johari believed that it is important to trace the business community in Sarawak through an efficient online system.
Earlier, Kung who is also SCCI treasurer, had raised the issue on the difficulties faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sarawak to apply and renew trade licences during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She said currently, online services were not available for the application and renewal of trade licences with the Inland Revenue Board (LHDN).
She noted that businesses which need to apply and renew trade licences were required to be done in person at LHDN’s office although the amount is small, approximately RM25.
Kung observed that there were long queues at the LHDN’s office when it came to the renewal of trade licences especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On another note, Abang Johari said there were two aspects for the application and renewal of business trade licences.
One was the LHDN which collected information on the types of businesses and the other, local authorities which supervise local businesses. —DayakDaily
