Kuching: Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) Sarawak is driving efforts to accelerate and simplify the construction process for petrol stations in the state to support the Post-COVID-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030 and the Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform Programme (RKB).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, MPC Deputy Director-General Dr Mohammad Norjayadi Tamam stated that the move will reduce regulatory hurdles, encourage investment, and boost overall productivity. He emphasized that a more efficient and investor-friendly process will improve access to fuel, particularly in rural areas, while creating job opportunities and spurring local economic growth. These enhancements aim to strengthen a transparent and competitive investment environment.

MPC reported that, as part of this initiative, a two-day engagement session on mapping the petrol station construction process was held. This session aimed to identify overlapping or irrelevant procedures, streamline workflows between agencies, and draft high-impact improvements to speed up approvals.

The agency highlighted that greater efficiency in the approval process is expected to result in benefits such as faster energy infrastructure development, lower costs, and shorter waiting times for investors. It is also anticipated to increase fuel network coverage in strategic areas that support industries, tourism, and local communities.

The outcomes from this petrol station mapping project are set to serve as a reference for expansion to other development permits in Sarawak. This effort has the potential to attract more domestic and international investment to Sarawak, considering that a stable energy supply is a key factor in investment decisions.

MPC also hopes that the initiative will boost investor confidence and support Malaysia's goal of ranking among the world's 12 most competitive nations by 2030.