KUALA LUMPUR: Online transactions can now be done with more than 88 government agencies.

The improved efficiency has been made possible by the Special Task Force to Facilitate Business in Malaysia (Pemudah), which implemented a new set of initiatives to make transactions with government agencies more efficient.

Pemudah co-chairman and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan said the online payment facilities did not mean that over-the-counter services would be done away with.

"Conventional counter services will still be available to those who prefer using them.

"Payments can be made through the various agency portals, the MyGovernment portal or bank portals.
"Other payment channels include agency counters, government-approved sites, bank and post office counters as well as kiosks," he said.

"The government is in tune with the development of society and we are ahead of many countries," said Mohd Sidek, citing Malaysia's one-of-a-kind biometrics-enabled passport as an example.

"The e-payment system will be a real saver in terms of time and cost because the transacting parties don't have to physically be in the government office or bank to get a transaction done," he said.

Mohd Sidek said almost all government agencies were already online, with only a few more to be added soon.

"Almost everything, including government payments to contractors, will be done online.

"This will also eliminate a lot of malpractice," he said.

State governments, even those under the Pakatan Rakyat administration, are also linked to the system.

Asked what the response from the business community had been like, Mohd Sidek said businesses were happy with Pemudah's achievements so far.

"They are happy that Pemudah is doing this. Scepticism was high at first, as were the expectations.

"But I think they can see we are doing and achieving something now," he said.

Among the numerous e-payment services available are driver's licence and road tax renewals, and settlement of summonses at the Road Transport Department branches.

The department also accepts credit card payments for renewal of road tax in 72 of its branches nationwide.

Payment through e-services is also accepted at 111 approved sites for the booking of theory tests, issuance and renewal of learner driving licences, renewal of competent driving licences and settling of traffic summonses.

The police also accept credit card payments for traffic summonses at their counters.

Other departments and ministries that have extended their online services include the Immigration Department, Land and Mines Department, Inland Revenue Board, Education Ministry, Finance Ministry and Public Service Department.

E-payment services in the private sector include the settling of Tenaga Nasional, Telekom Malaysia, Indah Water Konsortium and Syabas bills, and purchasing tickets from Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB).

Settlement of assessment dues through e-payment are also accepted for the local councils in Klang, Shah Alam, Selayang, Sepang, Nilai, Subang Jaya, Ampang Jaya, Kajang, Kuala Langat, Kuala Selangor and Petaling Jaya.