ePermit Speeds up processing

Published by The Star

IMPORTERS and exporters can now expedite their permit applications through Dagang Net Technologies Sdn Bhd's web-based portal, ePermit.

The recently-launched RM1.5mi1 ePermit is now hooked up to 24 permit issuing agencies (PIAs).

The online permit application system enables its users to seek for import and export permit from PIAs and obtain their approval via the Internet.

Dagang Net general manager Yong Voon Choon said the auto­mated web-based system would be much faster that the manual proce­dure of filling up paper forms and submitting them at the counter desk for approval.

"Usually it takes two to three days to go through the whole process but ePermit allows importers and exporters to do that in half an hour.

"Permit applications for con­trolled items such as coffee beans and certain kinds of pesticides is just a click away.

"Furthermore, approved permits can be transmitted to the Sistem Maklumat Kastam (SMK) electroni­cally for validation and cross refer­ence purposes against Customs' import and export declarations," he said.

To use the ePermit system, Yong said users needed a personal com­puter, web browser and an Internet connection.

"Users have to adhere to each PIA's specific requirements such as consigment details, quota details, grading summary and product databases.

"For that, the system has three main modules; - each designed for

exporters, forwarding agents and PIAs;" he said.

Yong said as the gateway that linked 24 PIAs - Customs, importers, exporters and forward­ing agents - ePermit facilitated a more effective and responsive trade declaration and permit issuance system.

"The Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry is the first min­istry that has successfully imple­mented the system in all of its eight agencies namely the Federal Agricultural and Marketing Agency (FAMA), Pesticide Board, Pineapple Industry Board, Department of Veterinary Services, Crop Protection and Plant Quarantine Division, Department of Fisheries and Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia.

"Following similar successes, ePermit will soon be linked to other agencies in other ministries such as Department of Environment, Department of Wildlife and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board;" he said.

Dagang Net chairman Datuk Dr Syed Muhammad Syed Abdul Kadir said they were confident that the system could expose Malaysia's agricultural market to international trade.

"Upon its full implementation, we anticipate an average of 150,000 permit applications will be processed on a yearly basis and at least 5,000 importers and exporters will find it easier and faster via ePermit.

"Since agriculture is one of the most important industries in Malaysia, we have designed and tailor-made the ePermit as a cost effective trade facilitation tool," he said at the launch of ePermit in col­laboration with the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry