Kuala lumpur: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) will introduce the Certificate of the Auditor-General and the Public Service Corruption Rating by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission as two new indicators under the Local Authority Star Rating System (SPB-PBT) starting from 2026. Minister Nga Kor Ming highlighted that this initiative aligns with the MADANI Government's reform agenda, focusing on integrity, good governance, transparency, and effective service delivery across 156 local authorities nationwide.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the introduction of these two indicators reflects the government's commitment to ensuring local authority governance becomes more transparent, accountable, and free from corruption. This announcement followed the annual meeting with state housing and local government executive councillors (MEXCOPT) held recently.
Nga stated that each initiative is a testament to the government's dedication to enhancing public service delivery efficiently, with integrity, and prioritizing the well-being of the people. Discussions at the meeting included policies such as the implementation of electricity tariff rebates for streetlights in all local authorities in Peninsular Malaysia, effective from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.
The ministry is also advocating reforms in development control processes at the PBT level, aligning with the New Deal for Business under the Bureaucratic Red-Tape Reform Agenda. Key initiatives by the Local Government Department include the Industrial Green Lane, a fast-track mechanism for strategic investments supporting green economic growth and high-value industries.
A pre-requisite mechanism has been introduced to facilitate early online reviews by technical agencies before formal applications are submitted through the OSC 3.0 Plus Online system. The ministry has adopted a self-compliance approach, encouraging registered professionals to adhere to clear guidelines, with enforcement based on professional accountability. Of the 99 applications received so far, 62 complied with the charter, achieving an overall rate of 63 percent.
Furthermore, KPKT is finalizing enhancements to the 2018 Grease Trap Installation Guidelines, which will be rebranded as the Food Premises Grease Trap Management Guidelines. To reinforce urban infrastructure, RM200 million has been allocated this year for local authorities to upgrade urban drainage systems. State governments and local authorities are urged to prioritize ongoing maintenance to ensure drainage systems function effectively and meet current demands.
Nga concluded that these measures demonstrate KPKT's commitment to comprehensive administrative reforms, not only in integrity and governance but also in strengthening infrastructure and improving public well-being.