Working visit: Shamsul Azri signing a guest book during his visit to MPKu headquarters in Kulai. Looking on is Azmi (third from right).
KULAI: The success of Kulai Fast Lane and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by the Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu) should be emulated by other local authorities to improve service delivery to stakeholders.
Chief Secretary to the Government Datuk Seri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar said the increasing use of automation was one of the reform initiatives that can be implemented to improve the delivery system to the people and also investors.
He said the work culture that leads to delays in processing applications would cause Malaysia to lag behind its neighbours such as Thailand and Singapore.
“The innovation and renewal implemented by MPKu through the Kulai Fast Lane programme should be an inspiration to other local authorities.
“I hope this effort will continue, and empowered with the latest technology such as Al, speed up the approval process to increase Malaysia’s competitiveness as an international investment destination,” said Shamsul Azri at a press conference after a working visit to MPKu headquarters here yesterday.
Also present during his visit was Johor State Secretary Tan Sri Dr Azmi Rohani.
Kulai Fast Lane is a fast and effective service delivery system for processing physical development applications, including the process before plan approval, Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), as well as the issuance of an operating licence.
During his visit, Shamsul Azri was briefed on the significant achievements of the programme credited with helping Kulai see increases in investment by 171%, which now amounts to RM45bil.
The investments have also successfully created 7,000 highly skilled job opportunities, contributing to local socio-economic development.
Shamsul Azri added that the Kulai Fast Lane had proven its effectiveness in speeding up the construction permit approval process and giving confidence to investors with the transparency and efficiency of its services.
“Actually, I am very impressed with MPKu’s achievements through the Kulai Fast Lane programme because the work process can be accelerated, and this will attract more investors to Johor.
“So, I will always promote the success of MPKu to other local councils so that we can improve our services as demanded by the Prime Minister,” he said.
Last June, data from the World Competitiveness Center by the International Institute for Management Development showed Malaysia falling to 34th from its 27th spot in 2023.
The ranking puts Malaysia in a lower position than Thailand (25th) and Indonesia (27th), though higher than the Philippines (52nd).
In the South-East Asia region, Malaysia has fallen four places to 10th place out of 14 Asia Pacific countries included in the ranking.
