58910 Malaysia © 2010 The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank 1818 H Street NW Washington, DC 20433 Telephone 202-473-1000 Internet www.worldbank.org All rights reserved. 1 2 3 4 08 07 06 05 A copublication of The World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. This volume is a product of the staff of the World Bank Group. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of the Executive Directors of the World Bank or the governments they represent. The World Bank does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this work. Rights and Permissions The material in this publication is copyrighted. Copying and/or transmitting portions or all of this work without permission may be a violation of applicable law. The World Bank encourages dissemination of its work and will normally grant permission to reproduce portions of the work promptly. For permission to photocopy or reprint any part of this work, please send a request with complete information to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923, USA; telephone 978-750-8400; fax 978-750-4470; Internet www.copyright.com. All other queries on rights and licenses, including subsidiary rights, should be addressed to the Office of the Publisher,The World Bank, 1818 H Street NW, Washington, DC 20433, USA; fax 202-522-2422; e-mail pubrights@worldbank.org. Additional copies of Doing Business 2011: Making a Difference for Entrepreneurs, Doing Business 2010: Reforming through Difficult Times, Doing Business 2009, Doing Business 2008, Doing Business 2007: How to Reform, Doing Business in 2006: Creating Jobs, Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth and Doing Business in 2004:Understanding Regulations may be purchased at www.doingbusiness.org. ISBN: 978-0-8213-7960-8 E-ISBN: 978-0-8213-8630-9 DOI: 10.1596/978-0-8213-7960-8 ISSN: 1729-2638 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication data has been applied for. Printed in the United States Current features News on the Doing Business project http://www.doingbusiness.org Rankings How economies rank-from 1 to 183 http://www.doingbusiness.org/rankings/ Contents Reformers Short summaries of DB2011 reforms, lists of reformers since DB2004 Introduction and a ranking simulation tool and Aggregate Rankings http://www.doingbusiness.org/reforms/ 5 - Year Measure of Historical data Cumulative Change Customized data sets since DB2004 http://www.doingbusiness.org/custom-query/ Starting a Business Methodology and research Dealing with The methodologies and research papers underlying Doing Business Construction Permits http://www.doingbusiness.org/Methodology/ Registering Property Download reports Access to Doing Business reports as well as subnational and regional Getting Credit reports, reform case studies and customized country and regional profiles Protecting Investors http://www.doingbusiness.org/reports/ Paying Taxes Subnational and regional projects Differences in business regulations at the subnational and regional Trading Across Borders level http://www.doingbusiness.org/subnational-reports/ Enforcing Contracts Law Library Closing a Business Online collection of business laws and regulations relating to business and gender issues Doing Business 2011 http://www.doingbusiness.org/law-library/ Business Reforms http://wbl.worldbank.org/ Local partners More than 8,200 specialists in 183 economies who participate in Doing Business http://www.doingbusiness.org/Local-Partners/Doing-Business/ Business Planet Interactive map on the ease of doing business http://rru.worldbank.org/businessplanet Doing Business 2011 : Making a Difference for Entrepreneurs is the eighth in a series of annual reports investigating regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. Doing Business presents quantitative indicators on business regulations and the protection of property rights that can be compared across 183 economies, from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, over time. A set of regulations affecting 9 stages of a business's life are measured: starting a business, dealing with construction permits, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and closing a business. Data in Doing Business 2011 are current as of June 1, 2010*. The indicators are used to analyze economic outcomes and identify what reforms have worked, where, and why. The Doing Business methodology has limitations. Other areas important to business such as an economy 's proximity to large markets, the quality of its infrastructure services (other than those related to trading across borders), the security of property from theft and looting, the transparency of government procurement, macroeconomic conditions or the underlying strength of institutions, are not studied directly by Doing Business. To make the data comparable across economies, the indicators refer to a specific type of business, generally a local limited liability company operating in the largest business city. Because standard assumptions are used in the data collection, comparisons and benchmarks are valid across economies. The data not only highlight the extent of obstacles to doing business; they also help identify the source of those obstacles, supporting policymakers in designing reform. The data set covers 183 economies: 46 in Sub-Saharan Africa, 32 in Latin America and the Caribbean, 25 in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, 24 in East Asia and Pacific, 18 in the Middle East and North Africa and 8 in South Asia, as well as 30 OECD high-income economies. The following pages present the summary Doing Business indicators for Malaysia. The data used for this economy profile come from the Doing Business database and are summarized in graphs. These graphs allow a comparison of the economies in each region not only with one another but also with the "good practice" economy for each indicator. The good-practice economies are identified by their position in each indicator as well as their overall ranking and by their capacity to provide good examples of business regulation to other countries. These good -practice economies do not necessarily rank number 1 in the topic or indicator, but they are in the top 10. More information is available in the full report. Doing Business 2011 : Making a Difference for Entrepreneurs presents the indicators, analyzes their relationship with economic outcomes and recommends reforms. The data, along with information on ordering the report, are available on the Doing Business website (www.doingbusiness.org). * Except for the Paying Taxes indicator that refers to the period January to December of 2009. Note: 2008-2010 Doing Business data and rankings have been recalculated to reflect changes to the methodology and the addition of new economies (in the case of the rankings). 1 Economy Rankings - Ease of Doing Business Malaysia is ranked 21 out of 183 economies. Singapore is the top ranked economy in the Ease of Doing Business. Malaysia - Compared to global good practice economy as well as selected economies: Malaysia's ranking in Doing Business 2011 Rank Doing Business 2011 Ease of Doing Business 21 Starting a Business 113 Dealing with Construction Permits 108 Registering Property 60 Getting Credit 1 Protecting Investors 4 Paying Taxes 23 Trading Across Borders 37 Enforcing Contracts 59 Closing a Business 55 2 Summary of Indicators - Malaysia Starting a Business Procedures (number) 9 Time (days) 17 Cost (% of income per capita) 17.5 Min. capital (% of income per capita) 0.0 Dealing with Construction Permits Procedures (number) 25 Time (days) 261 Cost (% of income per capita) 7.9 Registering Property Procedures (number) 5 Time (days) 56 Cost (% of property value) 2.5 Getting Credit Strength of legal rights index (0-10) 10 Depth of credit information index (0-6) 6 Public registry coverage (% of adults) 62.0 Private bureau coverage (% of adults) 100.0 Protecting Investors Extent of disclosure index (0-10) 10 Extent of director liability index (0-10) 9 Ease of shareholder suits index (0-10) 7 Strength of investor protection index (0-10) 8.7 Paying Taxes Payments (number per year) 12 Time (hours per year) 145 Profit tax (%) 16.7 Labor tax and contributions (%) 15.6 Other taxes (%) 1.4 Total tax rate (% profit) 33.7 Trading Across Borders Documents to export (number) 7 Time to export (days) 18 Cost to export (US$ per container) 450 Documents to import (number) 7 Time to import (days) 14 Cost to import (US$ per container) 450 3 Enforcing Contracts Procedures (number) 30 Time (days) 585 Cost (% of claim) 27.5 Closing a Business Recovery rate (cents on the dollar) 39.8 Time (years) 2.3 Cost (% of estate) 15 The 5 year measure of cumulative change illustrates how the business regulatory environment has changed in 174 economies from Doing Business 2006 to Doing Business 2011. Instead of highlighting which countries currently have the most business friendly environment, this new approach shows the extent to which an economy's regulatory environment for business has changed compared with 5 years ago. This snapshot reflects all cumulative changes in an economy's business regulation as measured by the Doing Business indicators-such as a reduction in the time to start a business thanks to a one-stop shop or an increase in the strength of investor protection index thanks to new stock exchange rules that tighten disclosure requirements for related -party transactions. This figure shows the distribution of cumulative change across the 9 indicators and time between Doing Business 2006 and Doing Business 2011 0.24 0.20 Doing business has 0.16 become easier (DB change 0.12 score) 0.08 0.04 0.00 China Hong Kong Korea, Rep. Taiwan, Malaysia Japan SAR, China China 6 1. Benchmarking Starting a Business Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 113 overall for Starting a Business. Ranking of Malaysia in Starting a Business - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 7 The following table shows Starting a Business data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Procedures Time (days) Cost (% of Min. capital (number) income per (% of income Economies capita) per capita) Denmark* 0.0 New Zealand* 1 1 0.0 Selected Economy Malaysia 9 17 17.5 0.0 Comparator Economies China 14 38 4.5 118.3 Hong Kong SAR, China 3 6 2.0 0.0 Japan 8 23 7.5 0.0 Korea, Rep. 8 14 14.7 0.0 Taiwan, China 6 15 4.1 0.0 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Procedures (number): Canada Cost (% of income per capita): Slovenia 8 2. Historical data: Starting a Business in Malaysia Starting a Business data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 116 113 Procedures (number) 10 10 10 9 Time (days) 31 20 18 17 Cost (% of income per capita) 23.1 18.9 15.6 17.5 Min. capital (% of income per capita) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3. The following graphs illustrate the Starting a Business sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 9 Starting a Business Summary - Malaysia This table summarizes the procedures and costs associated with setting up a business in Malaysia. STANDARDIZED COMPANY Legal Form: Sendirian Berhad (Sdn. Bhd.) - Private Limited Company City: Kuala Lumpur Registration Requirements: No: Procedure Time to complete Cost to complete 1 Application to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) on the 1 MYR 30 prescribed form (13A) to ensure the availability of the proposed company's name 2 Company Secretary prepares company incorporation documents 3 MYR 1,000 3 File necessary documents with the Companies Commission of 2 MYR 2,770 Malaysia and obtain stamps 4 Make a company seal 1 MYR 150 5 Purchase statutory books and share certificates books 2 MYR 200 6 Register with the Income Tax Department 5 no charge 7 Register for Employment Provident Fund (EPF) 1 no charge 10 8 Register with Social Security Organization 1 no charge 9 Notify the Director General of the Inland Revenue Board of the 1 no charge employment of workers 11 Starting a Business Details - Malaysia Procedure 1 Application to the Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) on the prescribed form (13A) to ensure the availability of the proposed company's name Time to complete: 1 Cost to complete: MYR 30 Comment: name search can be conducted online and payment can be made online Procedure 2 Company Secretary prepares company incorporation documents Time to complete: 3 Cost to complete: MYR 1,000 Comment: A company secretary is required to prepare the incorporation documents and provide a statutory declaration of compliance (Companies Act 1965). Procedure 3 File necessary documents with the Companies Commission of Malaysia and obtain stamps Time to complete: 2 Cost to complete: MYR 2,770 Comment: Comment: Promoters must pay the registration fee and file the following incorporation documents with the Companies Commission within 3 months of name reservation: - The memorandum and articles of association and the statutory declaration of compliance (Form 48A) (prepared by a lawyer or the company secretary). - The particulars of (a) two subscribers holding a minimum of one share of MYR 1 each and (b) At least two directors who have their principal or sole place of residence in Malaysia. - The original Form 13A and a copy of the letter from the CCM approving the name of the company have to be attached as well. - The address or location of the registered office. - Form 6 (statutory declaration of compliance) upholding compliance with the requirements of the Companies Act 1965 and the Companies Regulations on matters precedent and incidental to the company's registration. This form must be filed by the company secretary. After the submission of the incorporation papers, the CCM issues Form 9 (certificate of incorporation) in 1-2 working days upon lodgement of the relevant documents. The registration fee for the authorized share capital is charged the following scale and is payable to the Companies Commission: Capital up to MYR 100, 000: MYR 900; 100,001 to 500,000: MYR 2550; 500,001 to MYR 1 million: MYR 4250; 1,000,0001 to 5 million: MYR 6800; 5,000,001 to 10, 000,000: MYR 8500; 10,000,001 to MYR 25 Million: MYR 17,000; 25,000,001 to 50 Million: MYR 34,000; 50,000,001 to 100 Million: MYR 42,500; over 100 Million: MYR 59,500 Since April 01, 2010 the authority for stamping of documents has been delegated to the CCM and entrepreneurs no longer have to go to the Inland Revenue Board (IRB). The stamp cost is RM100 for the Memorandum and RM100 for the Articles with a 2nd set stamped at RM10 each 12 Procedure 4 Make a company seal Time to complete: 1 Cost to complete: MYR 150 Comment: Alternatively, the seal can be ready in 3 days for RM100. Procedure 5 Purchase statutory books and share certificates books Time to complete: 2 Cost to complete: MYR 200 Comment: The statutory and share certificate books can be purchased from certain specialized stationery shops. Procedure 6 Register with the Income Tax Department Time to complete: 5 Cost to complete: no charge Comment: Registration of the company with the Inland Revenue Board (IRB) as a tax payer can be done at the IRB counter or online at this link: http://ekl.hasil.gov.my/. Form 9 (Certificate of Incorporation) and Form 49 (Return Giving Particulars in Register of Directors, Managers and Secretaries and Changes of Particulars) can be uploaded at the same address. If the registration is done online, the tax reference number will be given in 4 working days. If the registration is done at the IRB counter, in addition to Form 49 and Form 9 copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association and Form 24 must be provided. The tax reference number is usually given within 5 working days. Procedure 7 Register for Employment Provident Fund (EPF) Time to complete: 1 Cost to complete: no charge Comment: Promoters must register with any branch of the Employment Provident Fund by completing the applicable form and submitting the relevant documents. Although registration with the EPF cannot be done online, the registration form (Form KWSP 1) can be downloaded online at this link: http://www.kwsp.gov.my/index.php?hdl=bin&rp=321. If the information submitted for registration is complete and there is no problem with the EPF system, the registration number will be given immediately upon registration. Companies can now use their single company ID (myCoID) to register with all government agencies. Procedure 8 Register with Social Security Organization Time to complete: 1 Cost to complete: no charge Comment: The employer must compulsorily register any employee whose monthly wages is less than RM 3,000 with and contribute to the Social Security Organization (SOCSO) regardless of whether such employees' employment status is permanent, temporary, or casual. The promoter must complete the form and submit the relevant documents. Registration with the SOCSO cannot be done online, Form 1 (Employers' Registration Form) can be downloaded at http://www.perkeso.gov.my/1a.pdf and Form 2 (Employees' Registration Form) can be downloaded at http://www.perkeso.gov.my/1c.pdf. and then the registration number will be given immediately upon registration at the counter. Companies can now use their single company ID (myCoID) to 13 register with all government agencies. Procedure 9 Notify the Director General of the Inland Revenue Board of the employment of workers Time to complete: 1 Cost to complete: no charge Comment: The employer will need to provide the Inland Revenue Board with the list of taxable employees when the employer registers with the IRB as an employer and to update the list where necessary. 14 15 1. Benchmarking Dealing with Construction Permits Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 108 overall for Dealing with Construction Permits. Ranking of Malaysia in Dealing with Construction Permits - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 16 The following table shows Dealing with Construction Permits data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Procedures Time (days) Cost (% of (number) income per Economies capita) Denmark 6 Qatar 0.8 Singapore 25 Selected Economy Malaysia 25 261 7.9 Comparator Economies China 37 336 523.4 Hong Kong SAR, China 7 67 19.4 Japan 15 187 20.8 Korea, Rep. 13 34 131.2 Taiwan, China 28 142 100.9 17 2. Historical data: Dealing with Construction Permits in Malaysia Dealing with Construction Permits data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 109 108 Procedures (number) 25 25 25 25 Time (days) 285 261 261 261 Cost (% of income per capita) 10.0 7.9 7.1 7.9 3. The following graphs illustrate the Dealing with Construction Permits sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 18 Dealing with Construction Permits in Malaysia The table below summarizes the procedures, time, and costs to build a warehouse in Malaysia. BUILDING A WAREHOUSE City: Kuala Lumpur Registration Requirements: No: Procedure Time to complete Cost to complete 1 Request and obtain planning permission 50 days MYR 480 2 Request and obtain building plan approval 90 days MYR 1,301 3 * Request and obtain approvals of earthworks and structural drawings 90 days MYR 100 4 Request and obtain approval from the Planning Department (local 90 days no charge authority) 5 * Request and obtain approval from the Engineering Department (local 90 days no charge authority) 6 * Request and obtain approval from the Town Services Department (local 90 days no charge authority) 7 * Request and obtain approval from the Building Control Department (local 90 days no charge authority) 19 8 * Request and obtain approval from the Public Works Department 90 days no charge 9 * Receive a drainage inspection by the Drainage and Irrigation Department 1 day no charge 10 * Obtain approval from the Drainage and Irrigation Department 90 days no charge 11 * Receive a sanitary inspection by the Sewerage Services Department 1 day no charge 12 * Obtain approval from the Sewerage Services Department 90 days no charge 13 * Receive a plumbing inspection by the Water Authority 1 day no charge 14 * Obtain approval from the Water Authority 90 days no charge 15 * Receive a fire inspection by the Fire and Rescue Department 1 day no charge 16 * Obtain approval from the Fire and Rescue Department 90 days no charge 17 * Receive an electrical inspection by the TNB (local electricity provider) 1 day no charge 18 * Obtain approval from the TNB (local electricity provider) 90 days no charge 19 * Obtain approval from Telekom Malaysia (Telco) 90 days no charge 20 * Connect to electricity services 14 days no charge 21 * Connect to telecommunication services 14 days no charge 22 * Connect to sewerage services 14 days no charge 23 * Connect to water installations 14 days no charge 24 * Receive final inspection 1 day no charge 25 Request and obtain certificate of occupancy 16 days no charge * Takes place simultaneously with another procedure. 20 Dealing with Construction Permits Details - Malaysia Procedure 1 Request and obtain planning permission Time to complete: 50 days Cost to complete: MYR 480 Agency: Planning Department (Local Authority) Comment: Planning permission, which is issued as a Development Order by the Planning Department of the local authority, authorizes development of the land. The permit is valid for 12 months, within which time construction must begin. The fees for the Planning Approval Application are MYR 40 for every 1,000 square meters for the first 10,000 square meters and MYR 20 for every additional 1,000 square meters for the next 5,000 square meters. Hence, the amount is calculated as follows: 14,000 square meters = 10,000 square meters + 4,000 square meters. First 10,000 square meters: MYR 40 x 10 = MYR 400 (MYR 40 per 1,000 square meters). Next 4,000 square meters: MYR 20 x 4 = MYR 80 (MYR 20 per 1,000 square meters). Total: MYR 400 + MYR 80 = MYR 480. The processing time for the applications is usually as follows: - 120 days for large-scale projects (consisting of complicated development plans, buildings of more than five levels, construction involving layout plans for a development area of more than 2 acres, or projects affecting the population density and change of zone area). - 60 days for mid-scale projects (requiring construction plans of buildings of fewer than five levels, a temporary change in land/building usage involving a land area of fewer than 5,000 square feet or involving changes/additions/alterations made to the available shops/housing units). - 45 days for small-scale projects (involving suggested additions/changes/alterations to existing bungalow units, two-story units and terrace units, and new bungalow units built in accordance with approved layout plans only). Procedure 2 Request and obtain building plan approval Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: MYR 1,301 Agency: Building Department (Local Authority) Comment: The approval of the building plans authorizes construction of the building within 12 months from the date of approval. Approval is granted by the Building Department of the local authority. The filing fees for the application for building plan approval are MYR 10 per 10 square meters or any part thereof (a minimum of MYR 100) under the First Schedule of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Building By-Laws of 1985. In the case here, involving a 1,300.6 sq. m. built-up area, the application fee would be MYR 1,300.60 Procedure 3 Request and obtain approvals of earthworks and structural drawings Time to complete: 90 days 21 Cost to complete: MYR 100 Agency: Public Works Department (Local Authority) Comment: No approval is necessary for structural drawings. When the application for Building Plan Approval is submitted, the structural drawings for the site concerned are kept by the Building Department for record purposes only. Approval of earthworks should be obtained from the Public Works Department. The cost of the approval can be ascertained only on submission of the construction drawings. However, as a guide, the department charges MYR 100 per hectare. A month after submission of the application for earthworks approval, the department issues either a formal approval or a comment. However, in practice, the process takes much longer. Procedure 4 Request and obtain approval from the Planning Department (local authority) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Planning Department (Local Authority) Comment: BuildCo must obtain several approvals from different departments within the local authority. Payment of application fees is made upon submission of the preliminary application for planning permission and building plan approval. (For the schedule of fees, see Procedures 1 and 2.) Procedure 5 Request and obtain approval from the Engineering Department (local authority) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Engineering Department (Local Authority) Comment: Procedure 6 Request and obtain approval from the Town Services Department (local authority) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Town Services Department (Local Authority) Comment: Procedure 7 Request and obtain approval from the Building Control Department (local authority) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Building Control Department (Local Authority) 22 Comment: After construction has been completed, a final inspection is conducted by the Building Department to issue its approval. Approval is granted only after all approvals are obtained from the various departments listed in the development order, and is meant to ensure that the construction has been completed in compliance with the approved building plan and the requirements listed in it. The period of 3 to 4 months is just an estimate and might vary with the time it takes the various other departments or agencies to issue their approvals. After that, another 3 to 4 weeks following the final inspection are needed for the final approval from the Building Department to be issued. The Building Department supervises the construction work stage-by-stage by conducting on-site inspections and reviewing the progress report usually submitted by the architect after each stage. Procedure 8 Request and obtain approval from the Public Works Department Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Public Works Department (Local Authority) Comment: Procedure 9 Receive a drainage inspection by the Drainage and Irrigation Department Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Drainage & Irrigation Department (Local Authority) Comment: The inspection takes place after a week's notice. Procedure 10 Obtain approval from the Drainage and Irrigation Department Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Drainage & Irrigation Department (Local Authority) Comment: Procedure 11 Receive a sanitary inspection by the Sewerage Services Department Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Sewage Services Department (Local Authority) Comment: 23 Procedure 12 Obtain approval from the Sewerage Services Department Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Sewage Services Department (Local Authority) Comment: The time it takes to obtain approval depends on the type of sewerage system used. It takes 3 months to process applications for sewerage systems used for treatment of discharge and a month to process applications for other types of sewerage systems. Procedure 13 Receive a plumbing inspection by the Water Authority Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Water Authority Comment: Procedure 14 Obtain approval from the Water Authority Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Water Authority Comment: Procedure 15 Receive a fire inspection by the Fire and Rescue Department Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Fire & Rescue Department Comment: Notification is provided 30 days prior to the date of the actual inspection. Procedure 16 Obtain approval from the Fire and Rescue Department Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Fire & Rescue Department Comment: 24 Procedure 17 Receive an electrical inspection by the TNB (local electricity provider) Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Comment: Procedure 18 Obtain approval from the TNB (local electricity provider) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Comment: Procedure 19 Obtain approval from Telekom Malaysia (Telco) Time to complete: 90 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Telekom Malaysia (Telco) Comment: Procedure 20 Connect to electricity services Time to complete: 14 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) Comment: Procedure 21 Connect to telecommunication services Time to complete: 14 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Telekom Malaysia (Telco) Comment: 25 Procedure 22 Connect to sewerage services Time to complete: 14 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Sewage Services Department (Local Authority) Comment: Procedure 23 Connect to water installations Time to complete: 14 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Water Authority Comment: Procedure 24 Receive final inspection Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Building Department Comment: Procedure 25 Request and obtain certificate of occupancy Time to complete: 16 days Cost to complete: no charge Agency: Building Department Comment: The Certificate of Completion has been introduced substituting the Certificate of Fitness for Occupation in 2007. Upon the coming into force (in force from 27 November 2007) of By-Law 23 of the Building (Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur)(Amendment) By-Laws 1985, the Certificate of Completion is issued when forms G1 to G21 in respect of stage certifications as set out in the Second Schedule of the By-Laws 1985 have been duly certified and received by the principal submitting person. The principal submitting person must also certify in Form F that he has supervised the erection and completion of building and that to the best of his knowledge and belief the building has been constructed and completed in accordance with the Act, the By-Laws and the approved plans. The time to obtain request and obtain the certificate is about 16 days. For the issuance of a temporary certificate, By-Law 24 of the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur Building By-Laws 1985 which states that 10% of the amount of the application fee for the building plan approval is charged is no longer applicable and has been deleted by the P.U. (A) 394/2007:s.15. 26 27 1. Benchmarking Registering Property Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 60 overall for Registering Property. Ranking of Malaysia in Registering Property - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 28 The following table shows Registering Property data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Procedures Time (days) Cost (% of (number) property Economies value) New Zealand* 2 Norway* 1 Saudi Arabia 0.0 Selected Economy Malaysia 5 56 2.5 Comparator Economies China 4 29 3.6 Hong Kong SAR, China 5 36 4.2 Japan 6 14 5.5 Korea, Rep. 7 11 5.1 Taiwan, China 3 5 6.2 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Procedures (number): United Arab Emirates Time (days): Saudi Arabia, Thailand, United Arab Emirates 29 2. Historical data: Registering Property in Malaysia Registering Property data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 85 60 Procedures (number) 5 5 5 5 Time (days) 144 144 144 56 Cost (% of property value) 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.5 3. The following graphs illustrate the Registering Property sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 30 Registering Property in Malaysia This topic examines the steps, time, and cost involved in registering property in Malaysia. STANDARDIZED PROPERTY Property Value: 1,188,048.92 City: Kuala Lumpur Registration Requirements: No: Procedure Time to complete Cost to complete 1 Lawyer conducts necessary searches 1 day RM 54 (stamping fee) 2 Buyer and seller sign sales-purchase agreement in 1 day professional fees presence of lawyer and lawyer fills out Form 14A Memorandum of Transfer 3 Memorandum of Transfer (14A) sent to Stamp Office 1-8 days (online) or up no additional cost for adjudication of Stamp Duty and valuation by to 20 days manually JPPH 4 Payment of stamp duty and stamping of Form 14A 1 day 1% on first RM 100,000, 2% on excess of RM 100,000 up to RM 500,000 and 3% on excess over RM 500,000 (Stamp duty) 5 The transfer is registered at the Land Office/Registry 21 - 60 days RM 100 (registration fee) + RM 60 (search fee) 31 Registering Property Details - Malaysia Procedure 1 Lawyer conducts necessary searches Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: RM 54 (stamping fee) Agency: Stamp Office Comment: The sale-purchase agreement is sent to the Stamp Office for stamping. The parties will mutually agree on whose solicitors will prepare the sale-purchase agreement. The lawyer will usually conduct: - Land search - Bankruptcy Search - Winding-up Search Procedure 2 Buyer and seller sign sales-purchase agreement in presence of lawyer and lawyer fills out Form 14A Memorandum of Transfer Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: professional fees Agency: Lawyer's office Comment: The Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A) will be stamped to show that an adjudication fee of RM10 has been paid, and will then be returned to the purchaser's lawyers to hold, pending adjudication. The Stamp Office will direct the district valuation department to value the property. Form 14 A Memorandum of transfer has to be attested by a licensed professional ­ can be a lawyer or an official from the land office. This is stated in the Land Code. Documentation shall include: - Memorandum of Transfer (14A) - Copy of the sale-purchase agreement - Copy of title deed - Form PDS5 (Stamping Proforma) Procedure 3 Memorandum of Transfer (14A) sent to Stamp Office for adjudication of Stamp Duty and valuation by JPPH Time to complete: 1-8 days (online) or up to 20 days manually Cost to complete: no additional cost Agency: Stamp assessment and payment system (http://pinharta.hasil.gov.my) Comment: The valuation department will conduct an inspection to value the property, if required. The inspection is not mandatory to conclude the valuation and it is at the discretion of the valuation department, but in practice, it takes place in the majority of the cases. The Stamp Office will issue a notice of assessment based on the valuation department's report. Submission can be made either manually or online through the website http://pinharta.hasil.gov.my. E-stamping (online) is now available only to legal firms, banks, 32 company secretaries, accounting firms and companies. If completed online the submission must include: 1. The sale-purchase agreement 2. Copy of the Issue Document of Title (IDT) 3. Form 14A 4. Form PDS 15 5. Other supporting documents Once accepted, an adjudication number will be assigned by the system. When the Stamp Office receives the submission, the documents are transferred to JPPH for valuation. When required, a valuation inspection will be made on the property by JPPH. In most of the cases, commercial properties will be valuated. The JPPH will prepare a valuation report which is sent to the Stamp Office. The applicant will be able to follow the status of the adjudication online. Procedure 4 Payment of stamp duty and stamping of Form 14A Time to complete: 1 day Cost to complete: 1% on first RM 100,000, 2% on excess of RM 100,000 up to RM 500,000 and 3% on excess over RM 500,000 (Stamp duty) Agency: electronically via Financial Processing Exchange (FPX) Comment: Stamp duty must then be paid to the Stamp Office, based on the Notice of Assessment, within fourteen (14) days from the date of such notice or the period indicated by the Collector of Stamp Duty. Usually the Collector will give thirty (30) days from the date of such notice to pay the stamp duty. This procedure may take one day if the purchaser or purchaser's lawyer goes personally. Otherwise it can take up to 5-7 days for the Memorandum of Transfer to be endorsed and be ready for collection. Payment may also be made electronically via Financial Processing Exchange (FPX), or at the Stamp Office. The documentation shall include: Form 14A (Memorandum of Transfer) Notice of Assessment (obtained in Procedure 3) Form PDS 3 The documentation shall include: Form 14A (Memorandum of Transfer) Notice of Assessment (obtained in Procedure 3) Procedure 5 The transfer is registered at the Land Office/Registry Time to complete: 21 - 60 days Cost to complete: RM 100 (registration fee) + RM 60 (search fee) Agency: Land Office/Registry Comment: The purchaser's lawyer presents the duly stamped Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A) for registration at the Land Office/Registry. This must be done within three months from the date of the Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A) which is usually dated when it is submitted for adjudication. A title search is conducted just prior to presentation to ensure that there are no 33 encumbrances or restraint against dealings which may hinder the registration of the Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A). The documentation shall include: · Copies of Quit rent and Assessment receipts · Certified true copies of the Memorandum and Articles of Association, Form 24 (Return on Allotment of Shares), Form 49 (Return Giving Particulars in Register of Directors, Managers and Secretaries and Changes of Particulars) of the Purchaser and Vendor · Certified true copies of the Vendor's and Purchaser's board resolutions giving authority to sell and purchase the property respectively · Search report on the Purchaser as extracted from the Companies Commission of Malaysia · Duly stamped Memorandum of Transfer (Form 14A) · Copy of Notice of Assessment bearing Stamp Office's endorsement that ad valorem stamp duty has been paid (obtained in Procedure 3) · Original of the title document After submission, the applicants get the "presentation receipt" the same day. It gives the time of submission and that is the time of legal "registration". The computerized system at the Land Registry also immediately tags the land as `pending transfer' and hence anyone searching the property can be informed. However, the "presentation receipt" is not enough for Banks which will generally request the original title to grant loans. 34 35 1. Benchmarking Getting Credit Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 1 overall for Getting Credit. Ranking of Malaysia in Getting Credit - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 36 The following table shows Getting Credit data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Strength of Depth of Public Private legal rights credit registry bureau Economies index (0-10) information coverage (% coverage (% index (0-6) of adults) of adults) New Zealand* 100.0 Portugal 67.1 Singapore* 10 United Kingdom 6 Selected Economy Malaysia 10 6 62.0 100.0 Comparator Economies China 6 4 63.9 0.0 Hong Kong SAR, China 10 5 0.0 72.0 Japan 7 6 0.0 76.1 Korea, Rep. 7 6 0.0 93.3 Taiwan, China 4 5 0.0 90.4 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Strength of legal rights index (0-10): Hong Kong, China, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia Private bureau coverage (% of adults): Argentina, Australia, Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States 27 countries have the highest credit information index. 37 2. Historical data: Getting Credit in Malaysia Getting Credit data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 1 1 Strength of legal rights index (0-10) 10 10 10 10 Depth of credit information index (0-6) 6 6 6 6 Private bureau coverage (% of adults) .. .. 82.0 100.0 Public registry coverage (% of adults) 44.5 52.9 48.5 62.0 3. The following graphs illustrate the Getting Credit sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 38 Getting Credit in Malaysia The following table summarize legal rights of borrowers and lenders, and the availability and legal framework of credit registries in Malaysia. Getting Credit Indicators (2010) Indicator Private credit Public credit Private bureau coverage (% of adults) 6 bureau registry Are data on both firms and individuals distributed? Yes Yes 1 Are both positive and negative data distributed? No Yes 1 Does the registry distribute credit information from retailers, trade Yes No 1 creditors or utility companies as well as financial institutions? Are more than 2 years of historical credit information distributed? Yes Yes 1 Is data on all loans below 1% of income per capita distributed? Yes Yes 1 Is it guaranteed by law that borrowers can inspect their data in the No Yes 1 largest credit registry? Coverage 100.0 62.0 Number of individuals 15,000,000 8,311,000 Number of firms 385,000 806,000 39 Strength of legal rights index (0-10) 10 Can any business use movable assets as collateral while keeping possession of the assets; and any financial Yes institution accept such assets as collateral ? Does the law allow businesses to grant a non possessory security right in a single category of movable assets, Yes without requiring a specific description of collateral? Does the law allow businesses to grant a non possessory security right in substantially all of its assets, without Yes requiring a specific description of collateral? May a security right extend to future or after-acquired assets, and may it extend automatically to the products, Yes proceeds or replacements of the original assets ? Is a general description of debts and obligations permitted in collateral agreements, so that all types of obligations Yes and debts can be secured by stating a maximum amount rather than a specific amount between the parties ? Is a collateral registry in operation, that is unified geographically and by asset type, as well as indexed by the Yes grantor's name of a security right ? Do secured creditors have absolute priority to their collateral outside bankruptcy procedures? Yes Do secured creditors have absolute priority to their collateral in bankruptcy procedures? Yes During reorganization, are secured creditors' claims exempt from an automatic stay on enforcement? Yes Does the law authorize parties to agree on out of court enforcement? Yes 40 41 1. Benchmarking Protecting Investors Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 4 overall for Protecting Investors. Ranking of Malaysia in Protecting Investors - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 42 The following table shows Protecting Investors data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Strength of investor Economies protection index (0-10) New Zealand 9.7 Selected Economy Malaysia 8.7 Comparator Economies China 5.0 Hong Kong SAR, China 9.0 Japan 7.0 Korea, Rep. 5.3 Taiwan, China 5.3 43 2. Historical data: Protecting Investors in Malaysia Protecting Investors data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 4 4 Strength of investor protection index (0-10) 8.7 8.7 8.7 8.7 3. The following graph illustrates the Protecting Investors index in Malaysia compared to best practice and selected Economies: 9.7 9.0 8.7 7.0 5.3 5.3 5.0 ia n hi g ys nd hi n, na pa , C on C iwa a na hi a Ja ep a, R K al al na e C M Ta or SA ong Ze . K ew H R N Note: The higher the score, the greater the investor protection. 44 Protecting Investors in Malaysia The table below provides a full breakdown of how the disclosure, director liability, and shareholder suits indexes are calculated in Malaysia. Protecting Investors Data (2010) Indicator Extent of disclosure index (0-10) 10 3 What corporate body provides legally sufficient approval for the transaction? 2 Whether immediate disclosure of the transaction to the public and/or shareholders is required? 2 Whether disclosure of the transaction in published periodic filings (annual reports) is required? 2 Whether disclosure of the conflict of interest by Mr. James to the board of directors is required? 1 Whether an external body must review the terms of the transaction before it takes place? Extent of director liability index (0-10) 9 2 Whether shareholders can hold Mr. James liable for the damage that the Buyer-Seller transaction causes to the company? 2 Whether shareholders can hold the approving body (the CEO or board of directors) liable for the damage that the Buyer-Seller transaction causes to the company? 1 Whether a court can void the transaction upon a successful claim by a shareholder plaintiff? 1 Whether Mr. James pays damages for the harm caused to the company upon a successful claim by the shareholder plaintiff? 45 1 Whether Mr. James repays profits made from the transaction upon a successful claim by the shareholder plaintiff? 1 Whether fines and imprisonment can be applied against Mr. James? 1 Whether shareholders can sue directly or derivatively for the damage that the Buyer-Seller transaction causes to the company? Ease of shareholder suits index (0-10) 7 4 Whether the plaintiff can obtain any documents from the defendant and witnesses during trial? 2 Whether the plaintiff can directly question the defendant and witnesses during trial? 0 Whether the plaintiff can request categories of documents from the defendant without identifying specific ones? 0 Whether shareholders owning 10% or less of Buyer's shares can request an inspector to investigate the transaction? 1 Whether the level of proof required for civil suits is lower than that of criminal cases? 0 Whether shareholders owning 10% or less of Buyer's shares can inspect transaction documents before filing suit? Strength of investor protection index (0-10) 8.7 46 47 1. Benchmarking Paying Taxes Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 23 overall for Paying Taxes. Ranking of Malaysia in Paying Taxes - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 48 The following table shows Paying Taxes data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Payments Time (hours Total tax rate (number per per year) (% profit) Economies year) Maldives* 3 0 Timor-Leste 0.2 Selected Economy Malaysia 12 145 33.7 Comparator Economies China 7 398 63.5 Hong Kong SAR, China 3 80 24.1 Japan 14 355 48.6 Korea, Rep. 14 250 29.8 Taiwan, China 17 269 41.9 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Payments (number per year): Qatar 49 2. Historical data: Paying Taxes in Malaysia Paying Taxes data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 24 23 Total tax rate (% profit) 36.0 34.5 34.2 33.7 Payments (number per year) 35 12 12 12 Time (hours per year) 166 145 145 145 3. The following graphs illustrate the Paying Taxes sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 50 Paying Taxes in Malaysia The table below addresses the taxes and mandatory contributions that a medium-size company must pay or withhold in a given year in Malaysia, as well as measures of administrative burden in paying taxes. Tax or mandatory Payments Notes on Time Statutory tax Tax Totaltax rate Notes on contribution (number) Payments (hours) rate base (% profit) TTR Stamp duty 1 depending of transaction the value of value transaction Sales tax 6 30 10.0% sales Tax on interest 0 withheld 25.0% interest 0.00 income Property tax 1 12.0% annual 0.60 property value Vehicle tax 1 fixed fee ( 0.80 RM8,545 ) Social security 1 online 87 variable gross salaries 1.90 contributions filing Provident fund 1 online variable gross salaries 13.70 filing Corporate income tax 1 online 28 20% on first taxable profit 16.70 filing RM500,000 and 25% on the balance 51 Totals 12 145 33.7 52 53 1. Benchmarking Trading Across Borders Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 37 overall for Trading Across Borders. Ranking of Malaysia in Trading Across Borders - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 54 The following table shows Trading Across Borders data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Documents to Time to Cost to Documents to Time to Cost to export export (days) export (US$ import import (days) import (US$ Economies (number) per (number) per container) container) Denmark* 5 France 2 2 Malaysia 450 Singapore 4 439 Selected Economy Malaysia 7 18 450 7 14 450 Comparator Economies China 7 21 500 5 24 545 Hong Kong SAR, China 4 6 625 4 5 600 Japan 4 10 1010 5 11 1060 Korea, Rep. 3 8 790 3 7 790 Taiwan, China 5 12 645 6 12 700 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Time to export (days): Estonia 55 2. Historical data: Trading Across Borders in Malaysia Trading Across Borders data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 37 37 Cost to export (US$ per container) 432 450 450 450 Cost to import (US$ per container) 385 450 450 450 Documents to export (number) 7 7 7 7 Documents to import (number) 7 7 7 7 Time to export (days) 18 18 18 18 Time to import (days) 14 14 14 14 3. The following graphs illustrate the Trading Across Borders sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 56 57 Trading Across Borders in Malaysia These tables list the procedures necessary to import and export a standardized cargo of goods in Malaysia. The documents required to export and import the goods are also shown. Nature of Export Procedures (2010) Duration (days) US$ Cost Documents preparation 10 85 Customs clearance and technical control 2 65 Ports and terminal handling 3 135 Inland transportation and handling 3 165 Totals 18 450 Nature of Import Procedures (2010) Duration (days) US$ Cost Documents preparation 9 85 Customs clearance and technical control 1 65 Ports and terminal handling 2 135 Inland transportation and handling 2 165 Totals 14 450 58 Documents for Export and Import Export Bill of lading Cargo release order Certificate of origin Commercial invoice Customs export declaration Packing list Technical standard/health certificate Import Bill of lading Cargo release order Certificate of origin Commercial invoice Customs import declaration Packing list Terminal handling receipts 59 60 1. Benchmarking Enforcing Contracts Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 59 overall for Enforcing Contracts. Ranking of Malaysia in Enforcing Contracts - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 61 The following table shows Enforcing Contracts data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Procedures Time (days) Cost (% of (number) claim) Economies Bhutan 0.1 Ireland 20 Singapore 150 Selected Economy Malaysia 30 585 27.5 Comparator Economies China 34 406 11.1 Hong Kong SAR, China 24 280 19.5 Japan 30 360 22.7 Korea, Rep. 35 230 10.3 Taiwan, China 47 510 17.7 62 2. Historical data: Enforcing Contracts in Malaysia Enforcing Contracts data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 59 59 Procedures (number) 30 30 30 30 Time (days) 600 600 585 585 Cost (% of claim) 27.5 27.5 27.5 27.5 3. The following graphs illustrate the Enforcing Contracts sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 63 Enforcing Contracts in Malaysia This topic looks at the efficiency of contract enforcement in Malaysia. Nature of Procedure (2010) Indicator Procedures (number) 30 Time (days) 585 Filing and service 45.0 Trial and judgment 360.0 Enforcement of judgment 180.0 Cost (% of claim)* 27.50 Attorney cost (% of claim) 20.2 Court cost (% of claim) 1.1 Enforcement Cost (% of claim) 6.2 64 Court information: Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court ("Mahkamah Sesyen Kuala Lumpur") * Claim assumed to be equivalent to 200% of income per capita. 65 66 1. Benchmarking Closing Business Regulations: Malaysia is ranked 55 overall for Closing a Business. Ranking of Malaysia in Closing Business - Compared to good practice and selected economies: 67 The following table shows Closing Business data for Malaysia compared to good practice and comparator economies: Good Practice Recovery rate Time (years) Cost (% of (cents on the estate) Economies dollar) Ireland 0.4 Japan 92.7 Singapore* 1 Selected Economy Malaysia 39.8 2.3 15 Comparator Economies China 36.4 1.7 22 Hong Kong SAR, China 81.2 1.1 9 Japan 92.7 0.6 4 Korea, Rep. 81.7 1.5 4 Taiwan, China 82.2 1.9 4 * The following economies are also good practice economies for : Cost (% of estate): Colombia, Kuwait, Norway 68 2. Historical data: Closing Business in Malaysia Closing a Business data Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business Doing Business 2008 2009 2010 2011 Rank .. .. 57 55 Time (years) 2.3 2.3 2.3 2.3 Cost (% of estate) 15 15 15 15 Recovery rate (cents on the dollar) 38.3 38.6 38.6 39.8 3. The following graphs illustrate the Closing Business sub indicators in Malaysia over the past 4 years: 69 Since 2004 Doing Business has been tracking reforms aimed at simplifying business regulations, strengthening property rights, opening access to credit and enforcing contracts by measuring their impact on 10 indicator sets . * Nearly 1,000 reforms have had an impact on these indicators. Doing Business 2011, covering June 2009 to June 2010, reports that 117 economies implemented 216 reforms to make it easier to start a business. 64% of economies measured by Doing Business have reformed this year, focusing on easing business start-up, lightening the tax burden, simplifying import and export regulations and improving credit information systems. The top 10 most-improved in Doing Business 2011 Dealing with Construction Trading Across Borders Positive Change Registering Property Enforcing Contracts Protecting Investors Starting a Business Closing a Business Negative Change Getting Credit Paying Taxes Permits Economy Kazakhstan Rwanda Peru Vietnam Cape Verde Tajikistan Zambia Hungary Grenada Brunei Darussalam * For Doing Business 2011 the Employing Workers indicator is not included in the aggregate ease of doing business ranking. 70 Summary of changes to business regulation in top 10 most improved economies in Doing Business 2011 and selected comparator economies. Brunei Darussalam Brunei Darussalam made starting a business easier by improving efficiency at the company registrar and implementing an electronic system for name searches. Brunei Darussalam reduced the corporate income tax rate from 23.5% to 22% while also introducing a lower tax rate for small businesses, ranging from 5.5% to 11%. The introduction of an electronic customs system in Brunei Darussalam made trading easier. Cape Verde Cape Verde made start-up easier by eliminating the need for a municipal inspection before a business begins operations and computerizing the system for delivering the municipal license. Cape Verde eased property registration by switching from fees based on a percentage of the property value to lower fixed rates. Cape Verde abolished the stamp duties on sales and checks. China China's new corporate income tax law unified the tax regimes for domestic and foreign enterprises and clarified the calculation of taxable income for corporate income tax purposes. Grenada Grenada eased business start-up by transferring responsibility for the commercial registry from the courts to the civil administration. The appointment of a registrar focusing only on property cut the time needed to transfer property in Grenada by almost half. Grenada's customs administration made trading faster by simplifying procedures, reducing inspections, improving staff training and enhancing communication with users. Hong Kong SAR, China Hong Kong SAR (China) abolished the fuel tax on diesel. Reforms implemented in the civil justice system of Hong Kong SAR (China) will help increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of commercial dispute resolution. Hungary Hungary implemented a time limit for the issuance of building permits. Hungary reduced the property registration fee by 6% of the property value. Hungary simplified taxes and tax bases. Amendments to Hungary's bankruptcy law encourage insolvent companies to consider reaching agreements with creditors out of court so as to avoid bankruptcy. Japan Japan made it easier to deal with insolvency by establishing a new entity, the Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation, to support the revitalization of companies suffering from excessive debt but professionally managed. Kazakhstan Kazakhstan eased business start-up by reducing the minimum capital requirement to 100 tenge ($0.70) and eliminating the need to have the memorandum of association and company charter notarized. Kazakhstan made dealing with construction permits easier by implementing a one-stop shop related to technical conditions for utilities. Kazakhstan strengthened investor protections by requiring greater corporate disclosure in company annual reports. Kazakhstan speeded up trade through efforts to modernize customs, including implementation of a risk management system and improvements in customs automation. Korea, Rep. Korea made it easier to deal with insolvency by introducing postfiling financing, granting superpriority to the repayment of loans given to companies undergoing reorganization. Malaysia Malaysia eased business start-up by introducing more online services. Malaysia's introduction of online stamping reduced the time and cost to transfer property. Peru Peru eased business start-up by simplifying the requirements for operating licenses and creating an online one-stop shop for business registration. Peru streamlined construction permitting by implementing administrative reforms. Peru introduced fast-track procedures at the land registry, cutting by half the time needed to register property. Peru made trading easier by implementing a new web-based electronic data interchange system, risk-based inspections and payment deferrals. Rwanda Rwanda made dealing with construction permits easier by passing new building regulations at the end of April 2010 and implementing new time limits for the issuance of various permits. Rwanda enhanced access to credit by allowing borrowers the right to inspect their own credit report and mandating that loans of all sizes be reported to the central bank's public credit registry. Rwanda reduced the number of trade documents required and enhanced its joint border management procedures with Uganda and other neighbors, leading to an improvement in the trade logistics environment. 71 Taiwan, China Taiwan (China) eased business start-up by reducing the time required to check company names, register retirement plans and apply for health, pension and labor insurance. Taiwan (China) reduced the corporate income tax rate and simplified tax return forms, rules for assessing corporate income tax and the calculation of interim tax payments. Tajikistan Tajikistan made starting a business easier by creating a one-stop shop that consolidates registration with the state and the tax authority. Tajikistan strengthened investor protections by requiring greater corporate disclosure in the annual report and greater access to corporate information for minority investors. Tajikistan lowered its corporate income tax rate. Vietnam Vietnam eased company start-up by creating a one-stop shop that combines the processes for obtaining a business license and tax license and by eliminating the need for a seal for company licensing. Vietnam made dealing with construction permits easier by reducing the cost to register newly completed buildings by 50% and transferring the authority to register buildings from local authorities to the Department of National Resources and Environment. Vietnam improved its credit information system by allowing borrowers to examine their own credit report and correct errors. Zambia Zambia eased business start-up by eliminating the minimum capital requirement. Zambia eased trade by implementing a one-stop border post with Zimbabwe, launching web-based submission of customs declarations and introducing scanning machines at border posts. Zambia improved contract enforcement by introducing an electronic case management system in the courts that provides electronic referencing of cases, a database of laws, real-time court reporting and public access to court records. 72 73