THE government must be business-friendly to both big companies, and small and medium enterprises, said Segambut MP Hannah Yeoh.

She said there have been complaints that people find it difficult to start small businesses, like shops and clinics.

“I hear people saying that the new government must be business-friendly. This does not mean the focus is only on big-time developers.

“The government must provide the same experience to small-time traders and SMEs, like people who want to open, say, a clinic, pharmacy or shop,” she told reporters in Taman Tun Dr Ismail today.

Yeoh, who is also deputy women, family and community development minister, said “business-friendliness” must extend to customer experience.

“Business-friendliness must be felt at the counter when people go to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL). When people apply for a licence, they need to know how many departments they have to go to.

“We need a clear standard operating procedure and timeline for people to plan when they can start a business. They need to know exactly how long it would take to get a physical licence.”

Traders should not be “given the runaround” from one department to another, she said, adding that many find themselves “stuck” due to unclear procedures or the language barrier.

“People have to go to this and that department. Sometimes, you cannot find the officer. You don’t know who is in charge. We want to cut all of that.

“Make sure you can speak multiple languages. There are many investors who come to do business. Not everybody can converse in Bahasa Malaysia.”

Yeoh said DBKL should emulate the Subang Jaya Municipal Council (MPSJ), which provides language services.

“DBKL, as the leading council, has the capacity to provide improved services.

“I am quite sure this is not happening just at DBKL. This is happening at a lot of local councils across Malaysia… the Inland Revenue Board, Land Office and so on.”

She said she believes in Kuala Lumpur Mayor Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan’s ability to make things better, citing his good track record as former MPSJ president. – April 4, 2019.