Government agencies in Malaysia now required to review all regulatory instruments under their respective jurisdictions every 3 years

The move aims to ensure that circulars, regulations and guidelines remain relevant to current needs and operating realities.

Government agencies in Malaysia will be required to review all regulatory instruments, including circulars, regulations, and guidelines, under their respective jurisdictions every three years, following the implementation of the Government Service Efficiency Commitment Act 2025 (Act 867) on 1 December 2025, and Government Service Efficiency Commitment Circular Number 1 of 2025.

In a statement on Thursday (12 February 2026), the Public Service Department said the move aims to ensure that circulars, regulations and guidelines remain relevant to current needs and operating realities. Particular attention is being given to instruments that are more than 20 years old or no longer practical for use, including policies related to outside employment and share ownership by public officials.

The review will take into account changes across the government, economic, business and technological landscape, where older rules may no longer reflect modern practices or risks.

The exercise forms part of a broader Bureaucratic Reform effort under the Public Service Reform Agenda, which focuses on five key areas of focus for public reform:

1. Value implementation and management
2. Human capital development
3. Organisational development
4. Service delivery
5. Strengthening public and private synergy

By updating legacy regulations, the government aims to keep policies responsive while maintaining standards of transparency and accountability among public officials.

READ MORE: Malaysia rolls out New Incentive Framework effective 1 March, starting with manufacturing sector