MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad (second from right) checking the new SMARTLicense system. On her left is MPAJ secretary Julaihah Jamaludin. — Courtesy photo
STARTING July 1, business operators will no longer be issued physical licences by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ).
In line with its vision to make Ampang Jaya a Liveable Digital City by 2025, MPAJ has introduced a SMARTLicense system, the first of its kind in Selangor.
The system, which includes a mobile app and device, is in collaboration with Gates IT Solutions Sdn Bhd.
The shift to digital business licences is to allow for easier business operations and increase enforcement efficiency.
According to MPAJ, SMARTLicense will tackle several issues, including licence forgery, overlaps and loss of licences, while also identifying unlicensed operations.
“Additionally, it offers more convenience for MPAJ licence holders by enabling digital business licence information checks, providing notifications for expired licence and improving communication channels between local authorities and owners of business premises,” MPAJ said in a statement to StarMetro.
Business proprietors will need to download the “MPAJ SMARTLicense” mobile app to hold a valid business licence.
“This shift also means that licence holders can manage their data and perform checks anytime, reducing the time previously spent on in-person transactions,” MPAJ stated.
It added that a smart device, using Internet of things (IoT) technology, would also be installed at all business premises at no extra cost to the owners.
“Devices provided to MPAJ officers will allow them to conduct faster patrols as they can access business operators’ details in real-time.
“All reports on locations, applicable Acts and the issuance of notices or fines will be handled on-site and via email.
“Patrol data and enforcement operations, including monitoring areas, active officers and the number of issued notices and fines, are updated to the headquarters’ database for comprehensive report generation and analysis,” said the local council.
Some 10,000 SMARTLicense devices are expected to be installed at business premises between June and December.
Prior to this, an engagement session with business premises licence holders on the implementation of the new system was held in early June.
“This digitalisation also brings financial benefits, such as increased annual revenue, reduced revenue leakage and licence losses, a 50% boost in inspection productivity and cost savings on petrol and vehicle maintenance for MPAJ,” the local council added.
A Pandan Indah sundry shop operator, who only wanted to be known as Janet, said she was not aware of the new system and the current renewal system was adequate as she could easily pay online and print out the licence.
“I do not want to have to download another mobile app just for this purpose.
“MPAJ sent out a notice early this month about a meeting but I did not understand what it was about,” she said.
When approached, several other business owners echoed similar sentiments.
