In a Facebook post, Anwar said expediting the approval process would indirectly improve Malaysia’s investment environment and increase its competitiveness.

He said the decision was made at the National Physical Planning Council’s (MPFN) 41st meeting yesterday, which was attended by stakeholders, including representatives from federal and state governments.

Anwar said the meeting also agreed to improve the OSC 3.0 Plus procedure, a system that monitors and coordinates developments, from the submission stage of applications to their completion.

At present, he said, only five agencies must be consulted for approvals compared to 19 previously. This shortens the approval period by half, from 42 days to 21 days.

On April 5, Anwar had urged the state governments and local authorities to ensure that the processes involving China’s investment projects here are expedited so as to not cause problems for the companies involved.

He said the regulations must be determined and complied with fully, and the necessary studies must be completed, “but don’t take too long (to approve them)”.

Today, Anwar said the meeting also discussed proposals to strengthen the agricultural sector, particularly the need to determine the land area required for agricultural production and food resources.

“In this matter, emphasis must be given on increasing agricultural productivity,” he said.

Anwar said MPFN is of the view that the regulatory aspects of the management and development of livestock farms need to be further strengthened through the implementation of guidelines.

He said the council is also concerned about the issue of flash floods across the country, and agreed that any land development must adhere to the Stormwater Management and Drainage Master Plan.