SINGAPORE - More businesses felt this year that government agencies regularly reviewed regulations and were transparent in administering them, according to a survey.
The score of the annual Pro-Enterprise Ranking survey was 76.4 this year, up from 74.2 last year. The survey is commissioned by the Pro-Enterprise Panel (PEP) to assess how company-friendly government regulatory agencies were.
Agencies that did well in the survey were recognised at the 2015 Pro-Enterprise Panel-Singapore Business Federation (PEP-SBF) Awards on Wednesday (Nov 25). The event recognises government agencies and businesses for their efforts to make Singapore more business friendly.
Ms Low Yen Ling, Parlimentary Secretary for Trade and Industry and Education, said at the event: "To be relevant, rules need to be regularly reviewed and adapted. We have engaged businesses and considered their feedback and suggestions to ensure that government regulations enable our businesses to grow and be competitive."
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) was again ranked the top agency this year - the fourth consecutive year it has placed first. Singapore Land Authority and Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (Iras) came in second and third respectively.
Iras was recognised for being the most improved agency this year, rising to third place from 17th last year.
Mr Gan Pay Chee from Glimex Marketing was among individuals who won the PEP Best Suggestion Award. He suggested that the Ministry Of Manpower (MOM) allow work permit holders in the construction, process and marine sectors to take on driving as a secondary job function. After considering this feedback, the MOM has from June 1 allowed work permit holders in these sectors to drive as an incidental activity to their primary jobs. This has made possible more optimal deployment of foreign labour and improved productivity.
Other public sector agencies were also recognised for being proactive initiating changes that have improved business service delivery and reduced compliance costs. Some private sector organisations were also lauded for contributing a large number of suggestions.
