Establishing Well Functioning National Trade Facilitation Bodies (NTFBs)
In the OIC Member States
96
 Computerize all processes related to trade.129130
The main responsibilities of the Permanent Secretariat of PEMUDAH are to elaborate meeting
agendas, invite members, and organize meetings.131
PEMUDAH and FGTAB don’t have proper funding and are currently receiving a budget from the MITI
to fund the secretariat, organize meetings, and other day-to-day activities. Other income is provided
by members.132, 133
4.3.2.3. Analysis
In the Doing Business 2015 report, Trading Across Borders in Malaysia was ranked eleventh out of
189 economies, with a DTF score of 89.94.134
Some of the highlighted performances of FGTAB in 2015 are:
 The development of a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to improve inspection
systems and to expedite the import-export process, implemented nationwide on August 1,
2014. Initiative taken by the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD).
 The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Program, an initiative by RMCD allowing
companies which have fulfilled a set of criteria to enjoy benefits such as direct release from
Customs Control for importation, exportation, and movement of goods; self-assessed
declaration on import and export; periodical movement of goods, and deferred payment of
duties/taxes via Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT).135
 Customer-Centric Service Delivery (CCSD), the latest initiative by Customs, MPC, and
MAMPU, aims to reduce regulatory burdens with respect to customs clearance and control
and to improve customs service delivery and process capability.
 One of the outcomes of the CCSD initiative is the introduction of a selectivity program for
trustworthy customs brokers and forwarding agents. This is a joint initiative between
Customs and University Utara Malaysia (UUM).136
The Trade Facilitation Working Group raised the concern that SMEs were not sufficiently aware of
import and export procedures for their products. Therefore, the FGTAB developed a Guidebook on
Export and Import Procedures in Malaysia , published in 2013.
The main obstacles facing Malaysia are not receiving proposals on time; funding issues; assembling
all members of the Technical Committee at the regular meetings.
129 Ms. Suraya Wan, Senior Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Policy Department of MITI
31 Ms. Suraya Wan, Senior Director of Trade Facilitation and Investment Policy Department of MITI
131 Ms. Bahria Bt. Mohd Tamil, op. cit.
132 Ms. Bahria Bt. Mohd Tamil, op. cit.
13 op. cit.
134 DOING BUSINESS IN MALAYSIA 2015
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135 Ibid
136 Ms. Bahria Bt. Mohd Tamil, op. cit.