PETALING JAYA, June 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) and the Special Taskforce to Facilitate Business (PEMUDAH) laud the swift and proactive action by Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) in issuing a circular that allows deeming provision granting automatic clearance for newly completed building fire safety inspection. A circular dated 24 May 2021 stated that “if JBPM does not issue any comment or clearance letter within 14 days from the date of inspection and if during the closing of the inspection, no action needs to be taken by the Principal Submitting Person (PSP) or Submitting Person (SP), the clearance letter for the inspections of Passive Design (Form G8) and Active System (Form G9) deemed to have been issued for the purpose of the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC) issuance”.

The 14-day deeming clause by JBPM enhances business and government efficiency. JPBM’s action was responding to challenges caused by the impact of COVID-19 on the construction industry as voiced by the players through PEMUDAH. The decision improves the ease of doing business for the construction industry.

Dato’ Abdul Latif Haji Abu Seman, Director General of MPC, which serves as the Secretariat for PEMUDAH commented, “JBPM’s decision creates a positive domino effect in the process and improves the overall productivity and performance. During this difficult time when businesses are facing various challenges, regulators need to be flexible and fast to act to facilitate firms’ operations. I commend JPBM’s quick handling of the CCC matter. This helps construction companies to be more productive.”

PEMUDAH Co-chair, Dato’ Dr. Ir. Andy Seo Kian Haw echoed DG MPC’s statement, “PEMUDAH’s role is to improve the ease of doing business. We understand that COVID-19 has disrupted business operation in all sectors where challenges and issues are inevitable. When businesses concern regarding CCC was brought up to PEMUDAH, JBPM responded by issuing the deeming clause. This must be quoted as an exemplary effort in regulation being agile enough to navigate and adapt to challenges. Malaysia ranked second among 190 economies in dealing with construction permits according to World Bank’s Doing Business report 2020. I must emphasise that what happen on ground should reflect this standing and action by JBPM must be emulated.” Dato’ Andy said.

The construction business community welcomes JBPM’s timely action. Datuk Ezumi Harzani Ismail, President of Malaysian Institute of Architects (PAM) praised JPBM’s decision, “During this challenging period, we need agile and proactive approaches in our regulatory environment to be more responsive to the situation to help businesses to operate well by minimising regulatory challenges. The industry is grateful that the deeming provision indeed will accelerate the process in issuing CCC.”

On 24 May 2021, JBPM Director General issued the said circular to the local authorities and industry associations to abide by the decision. JPBM addressed recommendation made by PEMUDAH which which involve relevant government bodies, and representatives from the private sector, under PEMUDAH’s Technical Working Group on Dealing with Construction Permits (TWGDCP).

About Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC)
Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) is a statutory body under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). MPC promotes productivity, quality and competitiveness to the industries and organisations in Malaysia. MPC's vision is to be the leading organisation in productivity enhancement for global competitiveness and innovation.

Released by MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY CORPORATION

Source: MALAYSIA PRODUCTIVITY CORPORATION (MPC)

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--BERNAMA