{
  "id": 6738935,
  "title": "Johor first state to implement RKB Convention, projects yield RM81.9mil savings",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/11/johor-first-state-to-implement-rkb-convention-projects-yield-rm81",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-11T09:22:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1530615/johor-first-state-implement-rkb-convention-projects-yield-rm819mil"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a significant move, Johor has become the first state to implement the RKB Convention, resulting in projected annual savings of RM81.9 million. Thirty-nine projects from 17 government departments and agencies were showcased at the Johor 2026 Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform Convention. According to the Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC), these savings are anticipated through improved processes, simplified procedures, and the integration of technology, including artificial intelligence (AI).\n\nParticipation in the convention surged this year, up from 15 projects last year, signaling a strong commitment from state government departments and agencies towards streamlining service delivery. The RKB Convention, in its second year, is spearheaded by a strategic collaboration between MPC and the Johor state government, aiming to accelerate process improvements, minimize bureaucratic red tape, and boost public sector productivity.\n\nJohor's implementation of the RKB Convention is particularly noteworthy, given the state's impressive economic performance. Last year, Johor recorded an impressive economic growth rate of 8%, with a GDP valued at RM170.9 billion and approved investments totaling RM110.0 billion. The convention also underscores the critical role of AI and technology in RKB projects, emphasizing their potential to expedite work processes, enhance decision accuracy, reduce redundant tasks, and improve public and business service delivery. This implementation is further bolstered by partnerships with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), where students serve as technical guides.\n\nJohor Deputy State Secretary (Management), Datuk Nasri Md Ali, emphasized that these reforms must lead to tangible changes that are both measurable and felt. Every project undertaken under the RKB Convention must result in shorter times, easier processes, faster decision-making, or enhanced services.",
  "summary": "JOHOR BARU: A total of 39 projects from 17 state government departments and agencies were highlighted at the Johor 2026 Bureaucratic Red Tape Reform (RKB) Convention, with potential annual cost savings of RM81.9 million.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}