THE government is looking for a formula to improve governance of approved permits (AP) and import permits (IP) to increase the country’s competitiveness, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said.

Anwar said this is vital as it will not only benefit consumers but also local producers, especially in ensuring food supply security for the country.

He said this was among the matters discussed at the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) meeting today, its first this year.

“Apart from this, several other matters were also agreed upon, including asking the relevant regulatory agencies to submit improvement methods to the cabinet to boost efficiency and transparency in the import risk analysis process,” he said in a Facebook post after chairing the meeting.

He said it was also suggested that the auditor-general conduct audits for selected sectors to ensure the implementation of AP and IP achieves the set targets and objectives.

Apart from this, the Malaysia Productivity Corporation has been directed to carry out studies and assessments on governance and the import of halal products while the Malaysia Competition Commission has been asked to study the issue of cartels in the import of food-based products.

On the Central Database Hub (Padu) system launched on January 2, Anwar said the council discussed its progress and offered views on the steps to be taken by the relevant agencies, especially regarding data security and ways to increase the number of registrations.

He said the meeting also saw the review of the progress of the implementation of decisions taken by MTEN last year.

To enhance the effectiveness of discussions and decisions made, Anwar agreed to increase the number of permanent MTEN members to include Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Digital Minister Gobind Singh Deo and Finance Minister II Amir Hamzah Azizan. – Bernama, January 15, 2024.