KUALA LUMPUR: The ease of doing business in Malaysia remains a concern as some investors have to wait for a long period for approvals from the respective authorities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the cabinet would present updates on the major investments during its meeting tomorrow.

"I have asked for a report on five, six companies to find out when the approval in principle was issued, the time taken, reason given and the final approval.

"Despite all the economic policies, with the Madani (framework), some investors had to wait for two years for the EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) approval," he said when citing an example of this occurrence in his closing address at the 2023 Khazanah Megatrends Forum (KMF).

Anwar, who is also Khazanah chairman, however assured that matters such as environmental concerns would not be compromised in approval issuance.

Themed "Our Next Episode: Orchestrating A New Development Bargain for Sustainable Growth", the forum reaffirms its dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by giving importance to conscientious event management and gathering information regarding transportation emissions.

A total 29 speakers of diverse backgrounds shared their ideas and insights at the two-day event. There were four panel discussions examining the theme from the perspectives of markets, firms, society and people, in addition to other sessions.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/10/962653/ease-doing-business-still-concern-cabinet-update-progress-major