Kangar: The approval process for investments in Perlis is set to be restructured, aiming to shorten the waiting period that previously spanned between two and three months. Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah emphasized the state government's commitment to expedite decision-making, either by granting approval or notifying investors of their ineligibility.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Abu Bakar highlighted that the selection of investors will be conducted meticulously, prioritizing companies with robust financial standings and clear strategic plans. He shared these insights during his New Year's address to Perlis civil servants at Dewan 2020.

The Menteri Besar reiterated the state government's dedication to maintaining investor-friendly and business-friendly policies, recognizing investors and traders as essential partners in Perlis' development. He also called for a progressive, professional, and solution-oriented change in attitude and approach across the state government machinery to foster economic growth.

Abu Bakar urged for prompt and decisive action, stressing the need for a disciplined, efficient, and integrated working mechanism to support the development of Perlis. He underscored the importance of strengthening the discipline of civil servants, including curbing practices such as leaving office premises for drinks during working hours.

In addition, Abu Bakar announced that the state government had secured an allocation of RM657.58 million for the current year under the 13th Malaysia Plan (MP13).