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Putrajaya: Penggunaan filem penapis haba kenderaan kini tidak lagi dilihat sebagai aksesori tambahan, sebaliknya lebih kepada keperluan pemilik kenderaan untuk mengurangkan kepanasan ketika memandu.

Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Datuk Seri Madius Tangau berkata, berikutan itu, kementerian melalui Jabatan Standard Malaysia sudah meluluskan sembilan Standard Malaysia (MS) baharu termasuk berkaitan filem penapis haba.

WE may not be in the Pacific Ring of Fire, but let's face it – Malaysians are not immune to earthquakes.

Last month, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck near Medan, Indonesia. But its ripples reached Peninsular Malaysia where tremors were felt by residents in Penang and other areas.

In a more devastating event, a quake measuring 6.0 in magnitude rocked Ranau in Sabah, leading to the deaths of 18 people on June 5, 2015.

A year later in August, a three-second tremor sent residents, climbers and hotel guests scrambling when a 4.0-magnitude earthquake hit the area around Mount Kinabalu.

No major earthquakes have struck the peninsula so far but this doesn't mean it is spared.

Few will remember but in 2009, eight minor quakes were recorded in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang.

More vividly perhaps, those here may recall the tremors felt from the catastrophic 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake near Sumatra, Indonesia, which brought upon the tsunami.

Some Klang Valley folks literally felt the earth moved under their feet while others watched in disbelief as frames on walls swayed on their own.

Our authorities are leaving little to chance now.

New buildings will soon be able to better resist earthquakes and tremors with a design code for buildings currently being drafted to raise safety standards of structures.

The code is expected to be ready by October this year, reveals the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM), which comes under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.

"It will be applicable to all buildings including houses, commercial areas, landed properties and high-rise buildings.

"But for now, the finer details of the code are currently being deliberated by a working group," the JSM tells Sunday Star.

Such efforts are a timely development as more Malaysians are moving into condominiums and apartments, with about 30% of the urban population currently living in such high-rise buildings.

But while the code is a welcomed move to ensure the safety of the people, there is one downside – it could lead to more expensive properties.

"When the code is published, it isn't mandatory for all buildings to follow as it is up to the local authorities to impose such standards.

"But there is likely to be additional costs to make buildings more earthquake-resistant in line with the code.

"This could possibly raise construction costs by about 5% to 10%," the JSM estimates.

Among the features that can be incorporated to buildings to help it weather quakes are the use of reinforced concrete and seismic rubber bearings.

The group drafting the code comprises officials from relevant government agencies such as Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), Minerals and Geoscience Department, Public Works Department (JKR), Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Association of Consulting Engineers Malaysia and other seismic experts.

One of the key points that needs to be ironed out is the Peak Ground Acceleration (PGA) value, which will ultimately determine how much ground movement a building can withstand in the event of a quake.

However, the JSM says determining the PGA value is quite a challenge as Malaysia lacks data on earthquakes, unlike its neighbours which have a longer history of such phenomena like the Philippines.

"With such limitations, it is tough for experts to come up with the value," explains the JSM.

Calling the quake in Ranau "a wake-up call for everybody," Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau says he hopes to introduce the building code as soon as possible.

"Once we have an agreement among the experts, we can finalise the code. The code will have to be approved by the ministry first, just like all standards introduced in Malaysia.

"The only way consumers can feel safe is for us to have such standards.

"We have a job to do and we cannot compromise on safety," he assures, adding that MetMalaysia is closely monitoring the country's seismic activities.

Efforts to come up with the earthquake design code was reported by StarMetro in 2015, whereby the IEM had said the Eurocode 8 (EC8) is to be incorporated into Malaysian standards.

IEM president Tan Yean Chin says the design code is not to make buildings earthquake-proof as it would be very costly, but rather to increase resistance against tremors if it happens in future.

"Having earthquake-proof buildings is also unnecessary for a low seismic risk country like Malaysia," he says.

He explains that IEM and others in the working group, are coming up with a Malaysian National Annex to support the EC8, with design recommendations especially for new building structures, which will suit a low seismic risk zone like Malaysia.

"When the code is approved, each state has its own jurisdiction to determine when to adopt it. Once it is adopted, then all new buildings will have to follow the code.

"As for existing buildings, it will be up to the owners' discretion to seek advice from professional engineers to assess whether such structures need to be upgraded or retrofitted to comply with the code," Tan explains.

Fortunately, he assures that owners of present buildings shouldn't be overly concerned.

"To date, buildings in Malaysia, particularly in the peninsula and Sarawak are considered safe based on records over the past 100 years or more in terms of earthquakes," he says.

Despite some high-rise structures in the Klang Valley experiencing "swaying" from the 9.1-magnitude Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004, no structural damages were reported.

"This means that existing buildings are still safe after the incident. Therefore, adopting the new code is just like an added measure to improve safety," Tan says.

He says nobody can predict where and when the next earthquake will strike, even in a low seismic risk country like Malaysia.

Tan explains that tall buildings are more vulnerable to distant earthquakes because high rise structures have lower frequencies in vibration, resonating with the low frequency of seismic waves from distant earthquakes.

"As such, high rise buildings (exceeding 30m) in western Peninsular may be affected by tremors from distant earthquakes such as from Sumatra.

"On the other hand, such tall buildings can better withstand close-range earthquakes compared to shorter buildings.

"This is because the high frequency of vibration from the nearby quake will resonate closer with shorter buildings, causing more damage," he says.

Concurring with Tan, JKR civil and structural engineering branch senior director Kamaluddin Abdul Rashid says past records show that magnitudes of local earthquakes in Peninsular Malaysia are relatively low.

"If this continues, buildings designed in accordance with the existing Uniform Building By-laws 1984 are considered safe.

"It has been generally accepted by local structural engineers that the impact of seismic tremors from earthquakes in neighbouring regions on Malaysian buildings is not likely to be catastrophic," he says.

But in Sabah, Kamaluddin says, the local authorities are more cautious and have decided to include the requirements for seismic loads as a criteria before issuing planning permissions.

However, the issue of public safety in the event of earthquake is not confined to providing good building design alone.

"As building owners, we need to ensure that our buildings are well maintained and in good condition.

"A study by JKR found that the risk of building failure in an earthquake is significantly higher for ill-maintained buildings compared to well-maintained buildings that have not been designed according to seismic standards.

"Thus, it is money well spent to maintain buildings because they will better withstand earthquakes," Kamaluddin adds.

PETALING JAYA: A new design code to make buildings more resilient to tremors is expected to be ready later this year.

The proposed code, to be ready by October, will cover all buildings including condominiums, landed properties and commercial places, said the Department of Standards Malaysia (JSM).

"Currently, the technical details of the code are being ironed out by a working group," the JSM told Sunday Star recently.

The group comprises the Ma­­laysian Meteorological Department, Minerals and Geoscience Depart­ment, Public Works Department (JKR), Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM), Sabah Housing and Real Estate Developers Association and other experts.

However, it is possible that the new standards may lead to higher construction costs, with the JSM estimating the increase to be about 5% to 10%.

"After the code is published, it isn't compulsory for all buildings to follow the code as it is up to the local authorities to decide on imposing the standards," said the JSM, which comes under the Science, Tech­nology and Innovation Ministry.

IEM president Tan Yean Chin said the code could be used in all states in Malaysia but each state had the power to determine when to implement its application.

"Once the code is adopted by the local authorities, then all new buildings to be constructed will have to comply with it.

"As for existing buildings, it will be up to the owners' discretion to seek advice from professional engineers to assess whether such structures need to be upgraded or retrofitted to comply with the code," he added.

Tan said that while the code would increase the resistance of buildings to higher magnitudes of tremors, owners of existing buildings should not be overly concerned about their properties.

"Adopting the code is like adding new features to a car to further improve its safety.

"It doesn't mean that existing cars are unsafe without such features," he added.

While Malaysia has generally low seismic activity, it is still subject to tremors from earthquakes in neighbouring countries.

On Jan 16, residents in Penang and other areas on the west coast of the peninsula felt the ripples of a 5.6-magnitude earthquake that struck near Medan, Indonesia.

Sabah has recorded more major incidents, including a 6.0-magnitude local earthquake in Ranau which led to 18 deaths in June 2015.

It was reported that Malaysia was working on an earthquake design code by endorsing the Eurocode 8 to be incorporated into Malaysian standards.

提起大马规格与工业研究机构（SIRIM），绝大多数人 都知道，是为各行各业提供认证標准服务的企业机构。 但若提到已成立20年，隶属科艺及革新部的马来西亚標 准局（Standards Malaysia），许多人都是瞪大眼睛不 知所以，殊不知此部门正是负责研发国內各行各业標 准，並交由其他部门负责监督与执法的「幕后英雄」。 何谓標准？根据《现代汉语规范词典》，標准意指衡量 或区別事物的准则，也是可供同类事物参照的衡量值， 而对马来西亚標准局总监拿督法迪拉巴哈林来说，標准 就是让人民生活素质变得更好的「必需品」。 法迪拉解释，每样產品或做事方式都有其「標准作业程 序」，规范原料供应商、產品设计师、製造工厂、运输 业、批发商到零售业者，遵循正確的作业方程式，確保 不会產生素质差劲，甚至对人体有害的產品，就是標准 局的工作。

PUTRAJAYA 20 Sept. - Standard Madu Kelulut dijangka siap dibangunkan Jun tahun depan. Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Madius Tangau berkata, inisiatif membangunkan Standard Madu Kelulut adalah berikutan pemalsuan madu kelulut yang berleluasa di pasaran boleh memudaratkan kesihatan orang ramai.

Katanya, standard itu bertujuan untuk memastikan ketulenan madu kelulut serta untuk penjenamaan sebagai Super Food pertama Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa.

"Standard ini diharap akan menjadi dokumen standard yang boleh dipercayai dan bertaraf dunia," katanya dalam kenyataan di sini hari ini.

Standard Madu Kelulut dibangunkan Jabatan Standard Malaysia dengan kerjasama Institut Penyelidikan dan Kemajuan Pertanian Malaysia (MARDI).

Madius berkata, agensi-agensi kementerian turut dilibatkan seperti Institut Genom Malaysia (MGI), Institut Bioteknologi Malaysia (NIBM) dalam pengumpulan sampel madu kelulut untuk dianalisis manakala NanoMalaysia bertanggungjawab untuk mendapatkan sampel dari Sabah dan Sarawak. - BERNAMA

PUTRAJAYA, 20 Sept (Bernama) -- Standard Madu Kelulut dijangka siap dibangunkan Jun tahun depan, kata Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Datuk Seri Madius Tangau.

Beliau berkata inisiatif membangunkan Standard Madu Kelulut adalah berikutan pemalsuan madu kelulut yang berleluasa di pasaran boleh memudaratkan kesihatan orang ramai.

Katanya standard itu bertujuan untuk memastikan ketulenan madu kelulut serta untuk penjenamaan sebagai Super Food pertama Malaysia di peringkat antarabangsa...baca lagi

PUTRAJAYA: A standard is to be developed by June next year for the 'kelulut' (stingless bee) honey so that it can be branded as a Malaysian superfood, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Madius Tangau (pix) said today.

The standard was necessary in view of the fake honey rampant in the market that was detrimental to health, he said in a statement.

Madius said the standard would be developed by the Department of Standards Malaysia in collaboration with the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute.

"It is hoped that it will be a world-class credible standard," he said.

Madius said agencies of the ministry, such as Malaysia Genome Institute-National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia and NanoMalaysia, were involved in collecting samples of the honey for analysis. — Bernama

 ISTANBUL, May 25 (Bernama) ­­ Malaysia, which is recognised for spearheading global halal standards, has scored another first as it has been invited to join the board of directors of the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries (SMIIC). SMIIC is an affiliated institution of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) which assumes an important role in harmonising standards among OIC countries especially those related to halal standards.

Director­ General, Department of Standards Malaysia, Datuk Fadilah Baharin said Malaysia's involvement in the board was viewed as very important in assisting OIC countries in the harmonisation process. "Malaysia has been invited to be part of the board which will formulate the direction for OIC countries in terms of standards especially halal standards. "With Malaysia's involvement, we will have a louder voice and unanimous support from other OIC member countries especially in pioneering the standards harmonisation process," she told Bernama here on Tuesday.

Among OIC countries, only 13 countries are represented on the SMIIC board including Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The selection of board members is based on a consensus among them. Malaysia now enjoys observer status only after being a member of SMIIC for two years. "Our agenda is to provide exposure and training using our expertise. We can assimilate halal standards in OIC countries and via SMIIC, Malaysia can contribute towards enhancing the capability of these countries. "We (Department of Standards) and the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM) will collaborate to realise this objective. We hope to sit in the SMIIC board by year­ end," said Fadilah.

Meanwhile, JAKIM Halal Hub Division Director Dr Sirajuddin Suhaimee said Malaysia has been known, for years, for being at the forefront of several halal initiatives. "Only we have 13 halal­ related standards and they are used as a guide by the industry and halal certifying organisations in Malaysia like the state Islamic Religious Council and international bodies," he added.

Early last month, under the patronage of theDepartment of Standards Malaysia, an agency in the ambit of Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, two Malaysian schools Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan St. Joseph, Sarawak and Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Seri Pagi, Negeri Sembilan were awarded a gold and a silver medal in the 11th International Standards Olympiad.

It is a global competition for secondary school students organised by the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) and Korean Standards Association (KSA), to demonstrate their knowledge and skills about standards, science and technology. Malaysia first participated this competition in 2014 where SMK Aminudin Baki from Kuala Lumpur and SMK Bandaraya from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, won gold and silver medals.

Through this, Standards Malaysia hopes to raise awareness of standards and conformance among Malaysians especially the young people. A quality-conscious culture in youths would encourage demand for products and services that comply with standards. To illustrate the importance of complying with standards, a scandal erupted in 2007 when US Consumer Product Safety Commission discovered that the paint supplied to most of the toy makers in China had heavy metal limits higher than the International Standards of 90 parts per million.

At the height of this toy safety scandal, some 70pc of global toys are made in China for large brands like Mattel, Fisher-Price and Hasbro. Presence of high levels of heavy metals such as lead in toys could affect the health and growth of children. Authorities then clamped down on errant toy makers. According to the New York Times, Mr Zhang Shuhong, a main lead paint tainted toy suppliers, committed suicide as the offence caused huge losses and threatened the rice bowls of 5000 factory employees...read more

CYBERJAYA, Aug 29 (Bernama) ­­ Today marks the 20th anniversary for Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) which has successfully achieved several milestones in standardisation and accreditation activities in order to sensitise Malaysians on various aspects of quality for the better life.

"I am delighted to note that for the past two decades, Standards Malaysia has kept contributing in this quality infrastructure by developing standards in various sectors and also actively propagating the utilisation of standards through its Standard Compliance Program. Concurrently, Standards Malaysia has also provided credible accreditation services to the industry," said Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Datuk Seri Panglima Madius Tangau.

To date, through the concerted effort by all parties, Standards Malaysia has managed to excel in the development of more than 6,000 Malaysian Standards (MS) across 25 different sectors i.e. Halal, agriculture, road vehicles, building, rubber etc. Besides, Standards Malaysia has accredited more than 650 labs, 29 certification bodies and 11 inspection bodies in whole Malaysia.

"Not only that, the role of Standards Malaysia has been given a special attention by the Government in the Eleventh Malaysia Plan (11MP), the last miles towards realising Malaysia as a developed nation by the year 2020. Standards Malaysia spearheads the Standards Component of the Strategic Reform InitiativesCompetition Standards & Liberalisation (SRI­CSL) under Economic Transformation Programme. In addition, with the signing of the Trans­Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), the role of Standards Malaysia has become increasingly important. As everyone knows, in order for industry especially SMEs, to have a wider market access, compliance with standards is a must," he added.

"As the sole National Standards and Accreditation Body, we also evolved as a purpose­driven institution and continues to transform the business landscape of the country by creating and humanising quality culture amongst manufacturers and consumers alike. We have developed standards to help Malaysian Companies adopt these for better marketability of their products and services, internationally. We have been engaging with the public especially the youth of the country through various programs and platforms, to raise awareness as well as
quality conscious buying behaviour. In short, Standards Malaysia will continue to sensitise Malaysians on various aspects of quality for better businesses, better economy and the better life," said Director General of Standards Malaysia, YBhg. Dato' Fadilah Baharin.

Several activities will be held throughout this years in conjunction with this 20th anniversary ie. Standards Awareness Programme (28 August), FunRun 2016 (16 October), the launch of 20th anniversary book in November.

KUCHING: SMK St Joseph Kuching did Sarawak proud when the school took the Gold Medal for the Middle School Category at the 11th International Standards Olympiad organised by Korean Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS) in Anseong, South Korea last week.

The school team comprised students Abraham Chor Jin Ming, Alwyn De La Rosa Len, Mohamad Shuffri Suhaidi and teacher Clement Belen, according to a press statement issued by Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) in Cyberjaya yesterday.

The event held from Aug 4-6 also saw SMK Seri Pagi from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan taking the silver in the High School category. The school team comprised students Nurul Izza Nazariah Jamaludin, Nurzainie Norsham Muhd Fakhruddin Arrozi Mohd Azali and teacher Norraini Abu Bakar.

The Middle School Category is for students aged 13-15 years while the High School category for students aged 16-17 years.

In this competition, students were given the challenge and opportunity to demonstrate their creativity, problem-solving skills and cooperation through team-based competitive standardisation activities.

The criteria were based on functionality, efficiency, creativity and economic aspects of their work.

The students selected to represent Malaysia strived to do their best.

"Congratulations," said Standards Malaysia director-general Datuk Fadilah Baharin.

"It was very exciting and inspiring news for us and the whole of Malaysia. It convinced us that Standards Malaysia has done right in advocating standards and conformance to the young generation to bring a better quality of life.

"We encourage and seek more participation from young Malaysians in this nationbuilding initiative through education on standards."

She thanked KATS for providing this opportunity to Malaysia and four other countries namely Peru, Rwanda, Indonesia and Japan, besides local participation.

"Finally, I hope the students (the winners) will be our key ambassadors to bring the ‘standards and quality' message wherever they go and in whatever they do," Fadilah added.

This was the second time Malaysia had placed in the annual competition in South Korea.

Malaysia first won gold and silver during the 9th International Standards Olympiad in 2014 thanks to SMK Aminudin Baki from Kuala Lumpur and SMK Bandaraya from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Through participating in this competition, Standards Malaysia hopes to raise the future generation's awareness of standards and conformance.

The department aspires to instil a quality-conscious culture in youths so that they will demand products and services complying with standards.

This will ensure suppliers and manufactures produce quality products and services which will also increase the quality of local products and services, its marketability and competitiveness."

As future leaders who will shape Malaysia in years to come, this knowledge will also help youth to make rightful decisions to protect customer's rights to quality products and services and advocate for public safety and health and to protect the environment.

In the current open market and opportunities created through free trade agreements such as Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA), compliance to standards is one of the key enablers for local industries to succeed.

KUALA  LUMPUR,   March  4  (Bernama)  ­­  The  International   Organisation  for Standardisation for Anti ­Bribery Management  System is being developed and will  be launched  tentatively by year­end.

Department   of   Standards  Malaysia  Director­General   Datuk  Fadilah  Baharin  said  the standard  aimed  to  help  an  organisation  to  establish,   implement ,   maintain  and improve anti ­bribery compliance programme or management  systems.

"Adherence  or  acceptance  of   this  standard  can  be  part   of   the  Corporate  Integrity Pl edge  (CIP)  which  can  enhance  reputation  of   the  organisation  for  taking  steps  to prevent  bribery.

"Hence,   all   17,000 members  of  HRDF  (Human Resources Development   Fund),  who may choose to take the CIP in the near future will  by default ,  accept  to implement  this standard," he said  in a statement  here  today.

Meanwhile,   HRDF  chief   executive  Datuk  C. M.   Vignaesvaran  said  about   17,000 members  registered  under  HRDF  to  sign  the  CIP  and  make  a  unilateral   declaration against   corrupt   practices  and  express  their  resolve  to  work  towards  a  highly principled Malaysian business environment .

He  said  HRDF  must   work  together  to  create  a  zero  tolerance  environment   for corruption in  Malaysia  and  adhere  to  the  principles  of   good  governance  and commitment   to meritocracy and  transparency  in all  business dealings.

Last  year,  HRDF had signed  the CIP and adopted several  strategies and approaches to  strengthen  good  governance,   including  sharing  business  intelligence  on irregularities and corruption with  the Malaysian Anti ­Corruption Commission.

BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, 1 April (Bernama) -- Perbadanan Pembangunan Perdagangan Luar Malaysia (Matrade) bekerjasama dengan Jabatan Standard, SIRIM Bhd dan badan-badan pengujian luar negara untuk membangunkan standard pensijilan produk untuk eksport.

Ketua Pegawai Eksekutif Matrade Datuk Dzulkifli Mahmud berkata ujian produk akan dijalankan di dalam negara untuk mempercepatkan proses, mengurangkan kos sebanyak 50 peratus dan menggalakkan lebih ramai usahawan kecil dan sederhana mendapatkan pengesahan produk mereka.

Bercakap kepada pemberita pada Pameran Halal Antarabangsa Malaysia ke-13 (MIHAS) di sini hari ini, beliau berkata standard berkenaan dapat disiapkan menjelang 2018, sebelum pelaksanaan Perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPPA).

"Kita mempunyai kepakaran dan kemudahan untuk melakukannya di dalam negara. Kita mesti bersedia dengan standard ini menjelang pelaksanaan TPPA.

"Ini akan membolehkan produk syarikat-syarikat tempatan bersaing di peringkat global, mendapat akses ke pasaran lebih maju dan diterima pasaran," katanya.

Akreditasi yang diperlukan untuk meneroka pasaran global, terutama di negara maju termasuk Titik Kawalan Analisis Kritikal Bencana (HACCP) untuk keselamatan makanan dan Amalan Pengilangan Baik (GMP) selain pensijilan Halal, yang merupakan nilai tambah untuk eksport, katanya.

Sebelum itu, Dzulkifli berkata TPPA akan membuka peluang pasaran halal tambahan kepada semua negara anggota tetapi pada masa yang sama meningkatkan persaingan pasaran.

Beliau berkata Matrade akan mencari jalan untuk membantu lebih banyak syarikat mengeksport produk halal mereka, dan memberi contoh negara-negara seperti Chile sudah mengimport sejumlah besar produk halal dari Malaysia.

Dua belas negara - Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, Chile, Mexico, Jepun, Peru, Kanada, Vietnam, Amerika Syarikat, Singapura dan Brunei - akhirnya menandatangani TPPA di Auckland, New Zealand pada 4 Feb yang bersedia untuk mengembangkan pasaran, mengurangkan tarif dan menggalakkan perdagangan lebih bebas.

Pakatan perdagangan bebas menyeluruh itu mewakili hampir 40 peratus daripada Keluaran Dalam Negara Kasar dunia bernilai US$30 trilion (RM124.7 trilion).

KUALA LUMPUR,  4 Mac (Bernama) ­­ Pertubuhan Pemi awai an Antarabangsa  (ISO) bagi   Sistem  Pengurusan  Anti ­Rasuah  sedang  di bangunkan  dan  di jangka  dilancar penghujung  tahun  ini .

Ketua  Pengarah  Jabatan  Standard  Malaysia,   Datuk  Fadilah  Baharin  berkata pertubuhan  itu  akan  membantu  organisasi   menubuh,   melaksana,   mengekal   dan menambah baik program berkaitan anti rasuah atau sistem pengurusan.

"Penerimaan  piawaian  ini   boleh  berupa  sebahagian  Ikrar  Integriti   Korporat   (CIP) yang  boleh  meningkat   reputasi   pertubuhan  atau  mengambil   langkah  menghalang rasuah.

"Oleh  itu  kesemua  17,000  anggota  Dana  Sumber  Manusia  (HRDF)  yang  mungkin memilih  CIP  di   masa  depan  boleh  menerima  pelaksanaan  piawaian  ini ,"  katanya dalam satu kenyataan.

Sementara  itu  Ketua  Eksekutif   HRDF,   Datuk  C.M.   Vignaesvaran  berkata  kira­kira 17,000 anggotanya akan menandatangani  CIP.

BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 20 (Bernama) -- The Department of Standards Malaysia hopes more industry organisations will come forward to be certified as standards development agencies (SDAs) to maintain and enhance the level of quality in their respective industy.

Since the Standards of Malaysia Act was amended in 2012, five agencies and industrial associations have been appointed as SDAs, in addition to SIRIM Bhd, which took on the role single-handedly in the past.

These SDAs help administer and manage standardisation activities within the scope of the respective industrial standards, said Datuk Fadilah Baharin, the director-general of the Department of Standards Malaysia, the national standards and accreditation body.

"The need for more SDAs is crucial to industry as more companies have now realised the importance of meeting high quality standards in order to compete in the global market," she told Bernama in an interview recently.

She said as the economy and industry grow further, SIRIM alone cannot be the sole quality standards developer.

"We need SDAs in specific subject areas to assist Standards Malaysia in developing standards," said Fadilah.

Certified SDAs in Malaysia include the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry; Malaysian Timber Industry Board; Malaysian Association of Standards Users, which deals with consumer interests; Malaysian Plastics Manufacturers Association (plastics and plastics products); and the Malaysian Rubber Board (rubber and rubber products).

Standards Malaysia meanwhile covers Halal Standards and Organisational Management, while SIRIM covers 19 other sectors out of the total of 25 sectors namely Agriculture, Mechanical Engineering as well as Petroleum and Gas.

Elaborating on the process of becoming SDA certified, Fadilah said there has been overwhelming response from organisations representing various industries.

"However, the process of becoming an SDA is stringent, as we are very careful in not allowing organisations to skew it to their agenda and degrade the standards requirements," she said.

To qualify as an SDA, the agency or industrial association should be free of any conflict of interest and can adhere to Standards Malaysia's criteria for the appointment and accreditation of SDAs on a continuous basis, said Fadilah.

"It must also have the mandate to represent national and public interests for the respective sectors and established the necessary infrastructure and be prepared to be assessed by Standards Malaysia if and when needed," she said.

Previously, indigenous standards development for a specific sector would take up almost three years, but with SDAs, this can be done within a year or a year and a half, she said.

The adoption of international standards such as International Organization Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission has also become faster, she said.

"For example it used to take about nine to 12 months, but now with the relevant SDA, this has now been reduced to about four to nine months," she added.

-- BERNAMA

CYBERJAYA, 19 Julai (Bernama)-- Jabatan Standard Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) sedang membangunkan satu standard khas pengeluaran produk sarang burung walit yang mempunyai peratusan kandungan nitrat yang selamat untuk pengguna, serta kaedah ujiannya.

Ketua Pengarahnya Datuk Fadilah Baharin berkata pembangunan standard itu diperlukan bagi memastikan produk sarang burung walit tempatan dapat menembusi pasaran utamanya iaitu China.

Sarang burung walit yang dieksport ke China

"Kajian yang terperinci sedang dibuat oleh Standards Malaysia bersama-sama Kementerian Kesihatan, dan kami menjangkakan standard baharu ini dapat diperkenalkan menjelang akhir tahun hadapan," katanya kepada Bernama.

Menurut beliau, kandungan nitrat yang tinggi memberi risiko kepada penyakit seperti kanser.

Malaysia sebelum ini berhadapan kesukaran apabila China menyekat eksport produk sarang burung walit tempatan belum diproses yang dikatakan mempunyai kandungan nitrat yang terlalu tinggi.

Bagaimanapun sekatan tersebut tidak melibatkan eksport sarang burung dalam bentuk siap untuk dimakan atau minuman dalam botol.

Katanya buat masa ini hanya 50 peratus pengusaha burung walit mampu menembusi pasaran China.

"Menerusi pengenalan standard itu kelak, diharapkan kebolehpasaran sarang burung walit tempatan dapat dipertingkat sehingga 90 peratus," katanya.

Dalam pada itu katanya, pembangunan standard untuk produk sarang burung walit telah dimulakan oleh Standards Malaysia sejak 2010 dan merupakan pengenalan standard pertama seumpamanya di dunia.

"Kita juga akan memperkenal satu lagi standard baharu, iaitu MS 2612:2015 spesifikasi sarang burung belum diproses (EBN) - sarang dalam bangunan - yang akan dilancarkan oleh Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Dr Ewon Ebin pada September depan.

Katanya pembangunan standard tersebut yang telah dimulakan sejak tiga tahun lepas dibuat bagi sarang burung walit belum diproses untuk pengesahan ketulenan, kualiti, penggredan, pembungkusan dan pelabelan.

"Standard yang mencapai piawaian antarabangsa itu pastinya akan membantu produk sarang burung walit yang belum diproses dinilai dengan gred yang sistematik bagi memudahkan pemasarannya di peringkat antarabangsa.

Katanya selain China, industri sarang burung walit tempatan turut menyasarkan pasaran baharu dari Hong Kong, Jepun dan Milan, Itali memandangkan terdapat permintaan yang memberangsangkan dari negara-negara terbabit.

-- BERNAMA

CYBERJAYA, July 19 (Bernama) -- The Department of Standard Malaysia is developing edible bird's nests production standards and test methods to ascertain the safe levels of nitrate content for consumption and to meet stringent export requirements for China's market.

Director-general Datuk Fadilah Baharin said a comprehensive study was being conducted by the department along with the Ministry of Health and the new standards were expected to be introduced by the end of next year.

She said high nitrate content could pose serious health risks such as cancer and China had banned the import of unprocessed swiftlet nests from Malaysia before for allegedly having high nitrate content.

However, the export of bird's nests in processed forms or ready-to-eat jelly or drinks (in bottles) is not affected, she told Bernama.

Currently only 50 per cent of swiftlet farming companies were able to export bird's nests to China, she said, adding that, "With the introduction of the standards, we expect up to 90 per cent of the companies could export their products."

Meanwhile, Fadilah said the standards swiftlet farming initiated by Standards Malaysia since 2010 were the first of its kind in the world.

She said the department would also be introducing another new standard, the MS2612:2015 Raw-Unclean Edible Birdnest (EBN) - House Nest - Specification which would be launched by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Dr. Ewon Ebin in September.

Fadilah said the development of standards of raw bird's nests for authentication, quality, grading, packaging and labeling started three years ago.

"The standards, which meet the international standards, certainly help unprocessed bird's nest products to be graded systematically to facilitate export to the international market," she added.

She said besides China, the local swiftlet nest industry also targeted new markets, including Hong Kong, Japan and Italy to capitalise on rising demand.

-- BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Local authorities (LAs) in the states have been urged to adhere to the Department of Standards Malaysia's guidelines on earthquake-resistant structures in their future buildings besides inspecting their existing buildings to ensure they meet the criteria.

"They (LAs) have to make sure that every owner of the building follows the standards for earthquake resistance for every building they have completed," Director General Datuk Fadilah Baharin told Bernama.

At the moment, only the federal government and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) are adhering to the standards, he said.

"They (those not following the standards) do not see the consequences, they think earthquakes won't happen in Malaysia, but then it happened (in Ranau, Sabah).

"So now after that, we have to improve (in our adherence to standards)," he said.

It would cost about RM55 million to repair and rebuild structures damaged by the recent earthquake in Ranau, including several schools, he said, adding LAs should include adherence to the standards as a condition when issuing certificates of fitness for buildings.

"The existing standards are adequate, but no one is using them. There is no point in coming up with the standards if nobody uses them," he said, pointing out that the standards have not been followed due to lack of enforcement and the additional cost they entail.

"It's a mentality problem. It's time for change, especially for our LAs and also developers, they need to become less stingy in spending their money on their projects, in order to ensure safety.

"The buildings in Ranau are old, and for maintenance purposes, the LA there should impose the Malaysia standards for buildings," said Fadilah, who expressed hope the LAs would come and see him to identify which standards should be applied for their particular conditions.

"For the public, I hope they demand for their safety, if not from their LA then from me directly, on which standards their present building should adhere to.

"If they demand, if we create the pressure, by default the LA has no choice but to impose the relevant standards," he said.

-- BERNAMA

KUCHING: The Pueh Camp in Sematan near here has been identified as the first eco-tourism destination from the state to undergo certification and accreditation, simultaneously with Selangor's Kem Bina Semangat Ampang Pecah in Kuala Kubu Baru.

Covering an area of 173 acres and established in the 1990s, it is one of the oldest camps in Sarawak.

The Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) director-general Datuk Fadilah Baharin revealed yesterday that the audit check on Pueh Camp to ascertain what improvement and further development needed to be done would be carried out sometime next month.

"This is my second visit to plan for this project and collaboration with Sarawak which shall be secured once everything is in place," she said.

"Moreover, Standards Malaysia also intends to expand the project to other tourist attraction spots and we will do this stage by stage," she added.

Fadilah was here to pay a courtesy call on Social Development Ministry which was represented by its principal assistant secretaries Bujang Budin and Sebastian Sujang (Development) at Baitulmakmur Building in Petra Jaya here.

Standards Malaysia and Malaysian Tropical Environment Adventure and Fellowship Society (MyLEAF) will collaborate with Social Development Ministry and Dayak National Congress to promote Sarawak's eco-adventure tourism.

Standards Malaysia will also help to position Sarawak as a globally competitive eco-adventure tourism destination anchored by standardisation and accreditation with Pueh Camp.

Standards Malaysia and MyLEAF had last year successfully organised the Gawai Adventure Camp in Pueh Camp and they hoped to see more exciting Gawai activities this year.

Though the project was still in its early planning stage, Sebastian assured that the ministry looked forward to working together with Standards Malaysia to earn the accreditation and certification.

Once achieved, Malaysia would be the first in the world to introduce and implement eco-tourism for tropical forest based on guidelines approved by ISO (International Organisation for Standardisation), said Fadilah.

"The world is actually watching and eagerly waiting for Malaysia to earn this eco tourism standard. It took us seven years to get the ISO guidelines approved, just last year," she said.

"Credible certification standards are important to improve the quality of eco-adventure tourism products and services that meet the quality, safety and security," she emphasised.

Quality standards, she continued, was a way of ensuring that any activity or product within the eco tourism sector met at least the minimum but strict environment, social and economic criteria.

She pointed out that it would involve three aspects – leaders' competency, safety and tour guides.

"The standards will apply to outdoor activities like hiking, water rafting, camping; accommodation and facilities; certified trainers, instructors and tour guides; and the environmental responsibilities for the natural surrounding including jungle, forest, sea and all natural resources," she explained.

"It is important to raise the level of professionalism and confidence nationally and internationally in order to attract global travellers to Malaysia," she emphasised.

This initiative, she added, was in line with the government's aspiration to enhance the tourism sector's contribution to the national economy.

On choosing Sarawak, Fadilah pointed out that the state had much to offer to domestic visitors and foreign tourists particularly.

"Sarawak is distinct for its eco adventure tourism… to experience the real nature and diversity of the outdoor. Sarawak eco-adventure tourism has huge potential to open doors globally," she highlighted.

Meanwhile, MyLEAF vice president Granda Aing hopes Petronas, which gives priority to human resource development, will support the programme as part of their corporate social responsibility.

"Budget constraint at times is one of the challenges that need to be addressed and we need private initiatives to help us achieve this," he added.

Also present were Dayak National Congress central committee member Alim GA Mideh, Standards Malaysia director (Strategic Planning Division) Hussalmizzar Husaain and MyLEAF secretary general Azmi Nashriby Abu Zahar.

SINTOK: Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) today became the first public university in the country to ink a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Standards Malaysia to introduce courses in the standardisation and innovation management field.

The collaboration shall pave the way to introduce new academic courses pertaining to standardisation and industry-oriented Research and Development (R&D), besides industrial training.

UUM Vice-Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Mustafa Ishak signed the MoU on behalf of the university while Standards Malaysia was represented by its director-general Datuk Fadilah Baharin.

Prof Mohamed in a statement said the collaboration was aimed to create awareness on the importance of standardisation and producing future young experts in the field.

"On top of that, the standardisation field will also create future job opportunities while further promoting the culture of quality which set to improve institutional product and service trustworthy.

"The MoU is in line with the National Standards and Strategy Action Plan (NSSA) five strategies approved by the Cabinet in October 2004 which outlined the importance of standard compliance," he said. He added that the 2013 National Standard Compliance Programme (NSCP) report revealed that up to 65 per cent of small and medium-scale enterprises had failed to comply with the standard due lack of awareness and lack of demand for products which complied to the standard.

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Rabu, 15 April. - Kumpulan Kerja diharap akan dapat bekerjasama dari segi pemikiran dan idea untuk mengatasi cabaran, halangan dan kekangan ke arah penubuhan infrastruktur piawaian dan pematuhan.

Ini akan membuka pintu untuk membebaskan peluang perdagangan tanpa halangan dan berdaya saing dengan visi ASEAN iaitu untuk berubah ke rantau ASEAN yang stabil, makmur dan sangat berdaya saing dengan pembangunan ekonomi yang saksama, kemiskinan yang berkurangan dan jurang sosioekonomi.

Timbalan Setiausaha Tetap (Pembangunan Industri dan Keusahawanan) Kementerian Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama, Awang Haji Khairuddin bin Haji Abd. Hamid menyatakan perkara itu semasa berucap merasmikan Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Perundingan ASEAN mengenai Piawaian dan Kualiti (ASEAN Consultative Committee for Standards and Quality - ACCSQ) Ke-28 Kumpulan Kerja 2 - Penilaian Pematuhan' yang berlangsung di Songket Ballroom, Hotel Antarabangsa Rizqun, Gadong.

Terdahulu, beliau berharap perbincangan ini akan membuahkan hasil dan berjaya serta para peserta yang menghadiri bengkel dua hari akan menyediakan laluan yang jelas untuk Kumpulan Kerja 2 bagi melaksanakan dan memainkan peranan dalam menyediakan sokongan terhadap masyarakat ASEAN yang lebih baik.

Mesyuarat ACCSQ Ke-28 bagi Kumpulan Kerja 2 - Penilaian Pematuhan yang bermula hari ini dan berakhir esok dianjurkan oleh Kementerian Perindustrian dan Sumber-Sumber Utama yang didahului dengan Bengkel Penajaan yang berlangsung pada 13 -14 April 2015.

Dengan dipengerusikan oleh Ketua Penolong Pengarah Akreditasi, Jabatan Standard Malaysia, Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi (MOSTI), Malaysia, Encik Mohd. Hamzaini bin Hashim, mesyuarat tersebut dihadiri oleh wakil-wakil dari Negara Brunei Darussalam, Kemboja, Republik Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Republik Filipina, Republik Singapura, Thailand dan Viet Nam termasuk wakil-wakil dari Sekretariat ASEAN.

Mesyuarat Jawatankuasa Perundingan ASEAN mengenai Piawaian dan Kualiti ditubuhkan untuk menghapuskan halangan-halangan teknikal kepada perdagangan intra-ASEAN dalam sektor barangan.

Melalui kerja kumpulan ini, infrastruktur piawaian dan pematuhan ASEAN ditubuhkan secara komprehensif dan bersepadu, yang seterusnya dapat dicapai dengan pelaksanaan sistem pentauliahan bagi badan-badan penilaian pematuhan dalam Negara Anggota ASEAN untuk memastikan bahawa ujian dan laporan penentukuran, pemeriksaan dan pensijilan mengikut piawaian atau standard antarabangsa.

Dengan penerimaan dalam Komuniti ASEAN akan membenarkan pergerakan bebas barangan di seluruh ASEAN, di samping juga mengurangkan kos aktiviti perdagangan melalui penghapusan ujian semula atau pensijilan semula.

Kumpulan kerja 2 dalam usaha berterusan bagi mengekalkan sasaran tertentu ke arah pencapaian mesyuarat berkenaan telah diberikan tugas untuk memberi sokongan kepada badan-badan sektor di bawah bidang kuasa ACCSQ dalam bidang penilaian pematuhan.

Oleh itu, Kumpulan Kerja 2 sedang berusaha keras dalam memudah cara pelaksanaan Perjanjian Pengiktiran Bersama (MRAs) mengenai laporan ujian dan sijil dalam Pasaran ASEAN.

Para pengguna akan mendapat manfaat melalui jaminan kualiti produk yang terdapat di pasaran yang telah diuji mengikut keperluan MRAs. 11 sektor utama yang telah dikenal pasti, termasuk elektronik, e-ASEAN, penjagaan kesihatan, produk berasaskan kayu, automotif, produk berasaskan getah, tekstil dan pakaian, produk berasaskan pertanian, perikanan, pengangkutan udara dan pelancongan dan pada masa ini.

Garispanduan ASEAN mengenai akreditasi dan penilaian pematuhan adalah di akhir peringkat penggubalan di mana garispanduan ini memainkan peranan penting dalam penyediaan dan merupakan syarat wajib kepada para pembekal ASEAN ke arah integrasi pasaran, di samping memudahkan perdagangan dalaman yang juga berfungsi untuk mengekalkan atau memperluas akses untuk pasaran luar.

Negara Brunei Darussalam telah beransur-ansur mendapat kelebihan yang besar terutamanya dalam perkara mengukuhkan pengetahuan dan kecekapan institusi bagi pelbagai agensi dalam Sektor Keutamaan Integrasi.

Adalah diharapkan dengan komitmen yang konsisten dan kesungguhan, dapat dibayangkan bahawa usaha ini akan terus membantu mengurangkan Halangan Teknikal kepada Perdagangan ke Negara Brunei Darussalam yang secara terus-menerus akan menyumbang ke arah pelaksanaan Rangka Tindakan Komuniti Ekonomi ASEAN pada tahun 2015.

Ia diharap akan dapat mengukuhkan dan meningkatkan keupayaan dan produktiviti ASEAN untuk bersaing dalam pasaran global yang mencabar.

Turut hadir ialah pengarah-pengarah, ketua-ketua jabatan, pegawai-pegawai kanan dan kakitangan kementerian tersebut.

CYBERJAYA: Jabatan Standard Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) sedang membangunkan satu standard khas pengeluaran produk sarang burung walit yang mempunyai peratusan kandungan nitrat yang selamat untuk pengguna, serta kaedah ujiannya.

Ketua Pengarahnya, Datuk Fadilah Baharin, berkata pembangunan standard itu diperlukan bagi memastikan produk sarang burung walit tempatan dapat menembusi pasaran utamanya iaitu China.

"Kajian yang terperinci sedang dibuat oleh Standards Malaysia bersama-sama Kementerian Kesihatan, dan kami menjangkakan standard baharu ini dapat diperkenalkan menjelang akhir tahun hadapan," katanya.

Menurut beliau, kandungan nitrat yang tinggi memberi risiko kepada penyakit seperti kanser.

Malaysia sebelum ini berhadapan kesukaran apabila China menyekat eksport produk sarang burung walit tempatan belum diproses yang dikatakan mempunyai kandungan nitrat yang terlalu tinggi.

Bagaimanapun sekatan tersebut tidak membabitkan eksport sarang burung dalam bentuk siap untuk dimakan atau minuman dalam botol.

Katanya, buat masa ini hanya 50 peratus pengusaha burung walit mampu menembusi pasaran China.

"Menerusi pengenalan standard itu kelak, diharapkan kebolehpasaran sarang burung walit tempatan dapat dipertingkat sehingga 90 peratus," katanya.

Dalam pada itu katanya, pembangunan standard untuk produk sarang burung walit telah dimulakan oleh Standards Malaysia sejak 2010 dan merupakan pengenalan standard pertama seumpamanya di dunia.

....BERNAMA

KUALA LUMPUR - Pemain industri tempatan mampu menembusi pasaran antarabangsa yang lebih luas di bawah Perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPP), khususnya di Amerika Syarikat (AS) jika mereka dapat memenuhi piawaian atau standard antarabangsa yang ditetapkan.

Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau berkata, perkara itu perlu diambil serius kerana negara-negara TPP akan melihat kepada pematuhan standard sebelum menerima sesuatu produk dan perkhidmatan.

"Ini bermakna suka atau tidak, kita perlu mengamalkan standard, diakreditasi dan saya pasti TPP akan meningkatkan keperluan untuk standard.

"Jika tidak, (akan wujud) masalah akses pasaran kelak. Kita harus proaktif dari sekarang, hayati kepentingan dan keperluan standard di negara-negara berkenaan," katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas menyampaikan Anugerah Standard dan Akreditasi 2015 anjuran Jabatan Standards Malaysia, di sini pada Jumaat.

Madius berkata Malaysia memerlukan lebih banyak badan pensijilan akreditasi dan makmal akreditasi untuk mempercepatkan proses penilaian dan pematuhan standard di negara ini.

Katanya setakat ini, terdapat 26 badan pensijilan akreditasi dan 14 daripadanya merupakan badan tempatan manakala terdapat 594 makmal akreditasi merangkumi makmal milik kerajaan dan syarikat swasta termasuk di universiti awam dan swasta.

"Dengan pengisytiharaan tahun depan sebagai Tahun Pengkomersialan Malaysia 2016, kita akan melipatgandakan kesedaran tentang kepentingan standard kepada rakyat termasuk aktiviti berkaitan standard, harta intelek dan paten," katanya.

Ketua Pengarah Standards Malaysia Datuk Fadilah Baharin berkata mulai tahun depan, kerajaan akan mengenakan standard ke atas syarikat yang ingin menyertai kontrak kerajaan untuk memastikan perkhidmatan dan produk yang diberikan berkualiti.

"Kebanyakan syarikat ini daripada perusahaan kecil dan sederhana dan tidak mempunyai akreditasi.

"Justeru, saya menyeru kepada mereka supaya segera tampil dan mendapatkan bantuan daripada Standards Malaysia dengan sekurang-kurangnya mendapat akreditasi Standards ISO 9000," katanya.

KUALA LUMPUR: Industry players can make forays abroad under the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), especially in the US, provided they meet the accreditation standards set.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the matter must be taken seriously as TPP member states would certainly look into standard compliance before allowing the entry of products and services.

"This means whether we like it or not, we have to embrace the standards, get accreditation, I'm sure definitely, TPP will accelerate the need for standards.

"If you do not want to encounter market access problem, be proactive from now onwards, be familiar with the interests and needs for standards in the countries concerned," he told reporters after presenting the Standards and Accreditation (StAr) Awards 2015 organised by the Department of Standards Malaysia, here yesterday.

Malaysia needs more accreditation bodies and laboratories to speed up the evaluation process and compliance standards, he said, adding that so far, 26 accreditation bodies, including 14 local ones, had been set up.

There are also 594 accreditation labs run by government agencies, public universities and the private sector, he added.

He said the government would intensify efforts to create awareness on the importance of standards, including standards-related activities, wealth intellectual and patent in conjunction with the Year of the Commercialisation Malaysia next year.

Standards Malaysia director-general Datuk Fadilah Baharin said from next year, the government would impose standards on companies vying for government contracts.

"As most small and medium enterprises are not accredited, I urge them to seek help from Standards Malaysia and get at least the ISO 9000 Standards," she said. — Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 20 (Bernama) ­­ Industry players can make forays abroad under the Trans­Pacific Partnership (TPP), especially in the US, provided they meet the accreditation standards set.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the matter must be taken seriously as TPP member states would certainly look into standard compliance before allowing the entry of products and services.

"This means whether we like it or not, we have to embrace the standards, get accreditation, I'm sure definitely, TPP will accelerate the need for standards. "If you do not want to encounter market access problem, be proactive from now onwards, be familiar with the interests and needs for standards in the countries concerned," he told reporters after presenting the Standards and Accreditation (StAr) Awards 2015 organised by the Department of Standards Malaysia, here Friday.

Malaysia needs more accreditation certification bodies and laboratories to speed up the evaluation process and compliance standards, he said, adding that so far, 26 accreditation certification bodies, including 14 local ones, had been set up.

There are also 594 accreditation labs run by government agencies, public universities and the private sector, he added. He said the government would intensify efforts to create awareness on the importance of standards, including standards­related activities, wealth intellectual and patent in conjunction with the Year of the Commercialisation Malaysia next year.

Standards Malaysia director­general Datuk Fadilah Baharin said from next year, the government would impose standards on companies vying for government contracts.

"As most small and medium enterprises are not accredited, I urge them to seek help from Standards Malaysia and get at least the ISO 9000 Standards," she said.

­­ BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, 6 Nov (Bernama) ¬¬ Sabah akan menjadi tuan rumah Konvensyen Pemukiman Pensijilan Orang ISO/IEC17204 ASEAN pertama mulai 25 Nov.

Pengerusi Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah (STB) Datuk Joniston Bangkuai berkata konvensyen tiga hari itu dijangka dihadiri kira¬kira 150 anggota perwakilan dari negara anggota ASEAN. Ia dianjurkan bersama oleh Biro Pensijilan Orang Antarabangsa (IPEC), sebuah pertubuhan pembinaan modal insan, dan Jabatan Standard Malaysia.

"STB bangga kerana menjadi sebahagian daripada acara sangat bermakna ini dalam memberi penghormatan kepada semua negara anggota ASEAN, yang begitu tekun memanfaatkan potensi kempen 'Made in ASEAN' secara global," katanya pada sidang akhbar di sini hari ini.

Beliau berkata pensijilan standard antarabangsa boleh menjadi pemacu utama dalam usaha mewujudkan kesedaran pelancongan daripada perkhidmatan yang disediakan penggiat industri sebagai langkah ke arah meningkatkan standard dan kelayakan tenaga kerja dalam bidang pelancongan.

"Ini suatu idea baik yang boleh membantu melonjakkan sumber manusia kita ke tahap lebih tinggi serta menyediakan peluang yang amat baik untuk bertukar¬tukar pendapat dan mengukuhkan hubungan dalam kalangan para pengawal selia dari negara anggota ASEAN," katanya.

Sementara itu, ketua pegawai eksekutif Biro IPEC Dr Juliana Lim berkata
konvensyen itu akan memberi fokus kepada pembentukan Aturan Pengiktirafan Bersama (MRA) ASEAN mengenai pensijilan orang dalam menyokong pergerakan pekerja mahir secara bebas.

BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU, 25 Nov (Bernama) -- Tenaga kerja mahir berkualiti yang berasaskan standard dipersetujui bersama ASEAN masih diperlukan walaupun adanya kemajuan dalam meningkatkan aliran mereka di negara-negara anggota persatuan serantau itu, kata Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau hari ini.

Beliau berkata usaha perlu digandakan ke arah mengharmonikan standard dan peraturan serta mengiktiraf pensijilan di rantau ASEAN bagi membolehkannya kekal berdaya saing selain meningkatkan perdagangan dalam dan luar ASEAN.

"Standard dan pematuhan memainkan peranan penting dalam mencapai matlamat ini. Perbezaan dalam norma dan undang-undang, serta ketidakserasian prosedur penilaian menjadi kekangan teknikal kepada perdagangan dalam ASEAN,"katanya ketika merasmikan Konvensyen Pemukiman ASEAN mengenai Pensijilan Insan ISO/IEC 17024 di sini.

Standard itu menawarkan keperluan yang diharmonikan dan diiktiraf di peringkat antarabangsa bagi mewujudkan dan menilai kompetensi individu dan latihan kualiti di seluruh dunia, selain ia menjadi pemacu utama bagi transformasi ekonomi dan sosial.

Acara tiga hari itu dianjurkan Biro Pensijilan Insan Antarabangsa (IPEC) Sdn Bhd dengan kerjasama Jabatan Standard Malaysia di bawah Kementerian Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi.

Kira-kira 150 anggota delegasi termasuk pegawai-pegawai kementerian dan agensi, organisasi awam dan swasta dari ASEAN, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Amerika Syarikat dan United Kingdom menghadiri persidangan itu.

Konvensyen itu membincangkan, antara lain, tentang peningkatan permintaan tenaga kerja mahir dan mobiliti bakat di rantau ini menerusi pencapaian kesepakatan mengenai skim pensijilan generik dan penubuhan Aturan Pengiktirafan Bersama ASEAN (MRA) mengenai Pensijilan Insan.

Tangau berkata ISO/IEC 17024 boleh menjadi asas bagi meningkatkan pergerakan tenaga kerja profesional dan mahir di ASEAN, dan Standard Malaysia mempunyai peranan penting dalam menggalakkan aktiviti piawaian.

Beliau berkata dengan memanfaatkan ketersediaan pekerja mahir dan menggunakan peluang yang ditawarkan kerajaan dengan kerajaan dan aturan perniagaan dengan perniagaan, negara ini boleh menjadi pemain global yang berdaya saing menerusi pengharmonian platform modal insan.

"Komuniti ASEAN perlu bergantung kepada bakat modal insan di setiap negara anggota bagi menghadapi cabaran semasa dan baharu. Pekerja dan pakar yang mempunyai pensijilan boleh diterima dalam kalangan negara-negara anggota dengan sedikit proses yang ketat melalui Pensijilan Insan ISO/IEC 17024," jelas beliau.

-- BERNAMA

KOTA KINABALU - Golongan pekerja di negara ini kini boleh memohon persijilan ASEAN ISO/IEC17024 berkaitan kemahiran manusia bagi mengiktiraf serta memudahkan pergerakan mereka memenuhi keperluan pasaran rantau ini.

Menteri Sains, Teknologi dan Inovasi, Datuk Wilfred Madius Tangau berkata, langkah itu adalah bertepatan dengan pembentukan Komuniti ASEAN pada Sidang Kemuncak ASEAN ke-27 baru-baru ini.

Katanya, ia juga bagi memenuhi Perjanjian Perkongsian Trans-Pasifik (TPPA) sekiranya dipersetujui oleh Ahli Parlimen yang akan bersidang khas di Parlimen pada Januari depan.

"Proses pensijilan itu akan dilakukan dengan kerjasama Jabatan Standard Malaysia dan Biro Antarabangsa Persijilan Manusia (IPEC Bureau).

"Ia akan memberikan nilai tambah kepada golongan pekerja agar lebih dinamik dan kompetetif selain bakal digunakan sebagai satu standard dalam komuniti ASEAN nanti," katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Konvokesyen ASEAN ISO/IEC17024 di sini sebentar tadi. - K! ONLINE

Artikel Penuh: http://www.kosmo.com.my/kosmo/content.asp?y=2015&dt=1125&pub=Kosmo&sec=Terkini&pg=bt_24.htm#ixzz3sgOX7ttu

Hakcipta terpelihara

KUCHING: The Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) has presented 32 qualified participants with their Halal AQL Certified Halal Quality Associate certificates in Putrajaya Marriott Hotel Tuesday morning.

The Halal AQL certificate award ceremony was being held to recognise the achievement of pilot participants who took part in the program.

Fadilah Baharin, director general of Standards Malaysia was on hand to present the certificates.

The ceremony was also attended by Datuk Samsul Husin, managing director of Censof Holdings Bhd (Censof), ST Rubaneswaran, chief executive officer (CEO) of Knowledgecom Corporation, Ameer Bin Shaik Mydin, executive director of Censof and Fe Jazzareen Mor Japar Khan, CEO of PERSIS Management and program director forme Halal AQL.

The above mentioned program was conducted in January 2013 when Standards Malaysia announced its initiative to help industry players understand and better implement halal requirements based on the Malaysian Standards (MS) in Halal.

With the objective of supporting industry players to become self-sustaining in halal practice, the Halal AQL Certified Industry Foundation Program (CIFP) was conducted as a pilot project under Standards Malaysia Smart Partner initiative.

It is the aim of Standards Malaysia to create a "culture of quality" in the halal industry and contribute to producing competent practitioners.

"We are happy to extend our role in the Halal industry beyond just development of relevant standards, to include industry research and helping raising awareness. This programme is a strong evidence to prove our contribution to the ‘graduate employability' and endeavour in development of halal competence for our country," said Fadilah.

"Standards Malaysia is the custody for Malaysian Standards (MS) and the development of standards in the Halal industry has been one of our pioneering and most successful endeavours where more than 10 different standards across the Halal Value Chain have been developed. Nevertheless, it is proud to say that those standards have been used by industry players and regulators such as Department of Islamic Development Department," she further added.

To date, Standards Malaysia has developed more than 6,500 Malaysian Standards (MS) across 24 sectors and 60 per cent of these are aligned with International Standards, which means the industry players can improve the marketability and competitiveness of their products and services in both local and global markets.

Fifty participants underwent a three-day program at Knowledgecom Corporation, a subsidiary of Censof, involving six modules of intensive training and coaching sessions followed by a computer-aided assessment.

The training program exposed participants to fundamental topics and provided individuals with the capabilities to systematically apply the Halal Assurance Management System into their business operations. In total, 32 out of the 50 participants exceeded the CIFP qualification score and successfully attained the Halal AQL Certified Halal Quality Associate certificate.

In recognition of the halal industry as an inclusive business practice and to better understand existing gaps, the pilot session also included nine non-Muslim participants. Seven of the participants passed the training while five of them passed with distinction.

"I would like to apprise the message that such a programme or training is not only meant for Muslims but anyone who is keen and interested to take part in our initiative are more than welcome." said Fadilah.

Nix Chung, the founder of C.A. Sheimer (M) Sdn Bhd (C.A. Sheimer), who is one of the five participants who passed the training programme with distinction commented, "Halal AQL is a very interesting programme as it provides me with a better understanding of the word ‘Halal' as well as the whole industry. The knowledge that I gained from the training has improved my ability in decision making in respective of Halal matters."

C.A. Sheimer was founded in 1976 and is one of the leading producers of flavoured and parfum elements and fragrance compounds, with more than 30 years of experience and expertise.

"Malaysia has a competitive edge in the development of the Halal industry. It has an open economy and there is a well-developed physical and institutional infrastructure. It is the only country where the Government provides full support in promoting halal products and services.

"Over the last decade, the Government has initiated various measures to develop the halal industry in Malaysia. We have gained global recognition as a leading Global Halal Hub.

"I am convinced that we can achieve the objectives of transforming our economies through the Halal AQL Programme if we persevere in mobilizing our energies towards economic growth and prosperity." commented Ameer.

KUALA LUMPUR 24 April - Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) akan memastikan setiap infrastruktur, perkhidmatan dan produk pelancongan di ibu negara berkonsep mesra orang kurang upaya (OKU).

KUALA LUMPUR, April 30 (Bernama-BUSINESS WIRE) -- At a time when policy change proposals are going unheard, angel investor tax deductions are non existent, and venture capital investment is declining, Apple Co Founder, Steve Wozniak and Talent International have called for more support for Asia Pacific's tech entrepreneurs & professionals.

THE safety of our playgrounds is questionable.

On April 10, an eight-year-old boy was killed when he was crushed by a falling goalpost at a playground in Taman Sri Wangsa, Batu Pahat. Ahmad Ilham Fikri Ahmad Zaki, a Year Two pupil at SK Bukit Soga, died from injuries to the head.

THE Federal Territories Ministry has adopted 12 new guidelines to improve safety in playgrounds, including encouraging greater parental supervision and installing guard rails.

KUALA LUMPUR 27 Mei - Pertubuhan bukan kerajaan (NGO) pengguna dan orang ramai digesa untuk lebih proaktif bekerjasama membantu kerajaan dalam menangani isu berkaitan keselamatan dan kualiti produk makanan.

The Malaysian Software Testing Board (MSTB) hits another milestone as its laboratory obtains the accreditation under the international standards for testing and calibration laboratories.

CYBERJAYA, Oct 14 (Bernama) -- Goods that do not comply with standards or any communications products that do not have the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) certification label are considered as ‘non-standard' products in Malaysia.

"Without the labels from MCMC or any certification marks from accredited certification bodies by Standards Malaysia, it simply means that the items may not be safe, reliable or even could be illegal to be used in this country. For example, non-standard wireless AV transmitters or routers that are being sold online at a bargain price. Many are not aware that these devices may interfere with other standard devices that provide broadband services, causing a lot of problems to consumers and service providers," said Dato' Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, Chairman of MCMC.

"Yes, consumers must wise-up when buying, but at the same time, MCMC would like to call upon all sellers to be responsible too. They should follow the procedures and obtain the necessary certifications for their products to be sold in Malaysia. It is a win-win situation for both consumer and seller," he added.

MCMC, the regulator for communications sector, has enforced 10 Mandatory Standards and 24 Technical Codes which were developed based on the relevant national and international standards. The standards are to regulate the quality of communications services and ensure the safety and performance of communications products.

"Safety and quality which equal standards are key to maintain and improve the rakyat's way of life. Through standards and conformance, we can ensure that the industry provides safe products and services, hence boosting public confidence. In Malaysia, all mandatory products for example toys, helmets, household appliances, steel bars for construction and vehicle safety system, need to go through a series of credible testing and certification to prove that the products are safe for use," said Datuk Fadilah Baharin, Director General of Standards Malaysia.

To date, Standards Malaysia has developed more than 6,500 standards across 24 sectors of the economy. Standards Malaysia has also accredited 501 laboratories for several types of testing and calibration; and 24 certification bodies for various management systems and product certification based on internationally recognised standards.

"This collaborative effort by Standards Malaysia and MCMC hopes to raise awareness among the industry and consumers on the importance of standards in today's globalized economy. Indeed, in today's self-regulated environment, consumers are more discerning; thus prompting the industry to provide safe and quality products," concluded Datuk Fadilah.

*Note: This is a joint press release by Standards Malaysia and MCMC in conjunction with World Standards Day on 14 October. Standards Malaysia is a member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) whilst MCMC is a member of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

About World Standards Cooperation (WSC)

World Standards Cooperation was established in 2001 by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in order to strengthen and advance the voluntary consensus-based international standards systems of IEC, ISO and ITU. The WSC also promotes the adoption and implementation of international consensus-based standards worldwide; and resolves any outstanding issues regarding cooperation in the technical work of the three organizations. WSC will ensure that the three world-wide international standards development organizations (IEC, ISO and ITU), work transparently, and avoid duplication and overlap of work, as much as possible. On 14 October, WSC celebrate World Standards Day (WSD) every year, and the theme of this year is Standards level the playing field, where it believe all the competitors have an equal chance.

For more information, visit http://www.worldstandardscooperation.org/

About Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia)

Governed by the Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (Act 549), the Department of Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia) is an agency established on 28 August 1996, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Standards Malaysia is the National Standards & Accreditation Body of Malaysia providing confidence to various stakeholders, through credible standardisation and accreditation services for global competitiveness. Our aspiration is to create a culture of quality amongst Malaysians, to make standards an accepted component of businesses locally and to achieve global recognition for our products and services; thus improving the overall quality of life.

As a custodian and authoritative body, we continually engage with our stakeholders to develop MS, which will protect the interest of consumers by providing an assurance of health and safety. For more than 18 years, we have successfully developed more than 6,500 Malaysian Standards (MS) and provided credible Accreditation Services to positively contribute to the economic, societal, environmental and national well-being. Standards Malaysia is also a signatory to the regional and international Mutual Recognition Arrangements and Multi-Lateral Recognition Agreements, and are subject to rigorous evaluation processes. This further enhances Malaysia's competitive edge by facilitating trade through international recognition of our products and services through MS and Accreditation.

About MCMC

The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is a statutory body established under the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission Act 1998 (MCMCA) which implements and promotes the Government's national policy objectives for the communications and multimedia sector. MCMC regulates and promotes the development of the communications and multimedia industry which includes telecommunications, broadcasting, and online activities, postal services and digital certification. The Communication and Multimedia Act provides that MCMC undertakes a policy implementation role, while policy decision-making is vested with the Minister. The Minister may also give policy directions to the Commission.

ISSUED BY: Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC)

Name : Rahayu Abdul Aziz Tel : +603-8688 8427

Email : rahayu.aziz@cmc.gov.my

Website: www.mcmc.gov.my

Standards Malaysia (Standards Malaysia)

Name: Mrs Kee Lai Sien

Tel : +603-8318 2211 ​

Email: kee@jsm.gov.my

Website: www.jsm.gov.my

-BERNAMA

CYBERJAYA: Barangan yang tidak mematuhi standard atau produk komunikasi yang tidak mempunyai label pensijilan Suruhanjaya Komunikasi dan Multimedia Malaysia (MCMC) dianggap sebagai produk 'tidak standard' di Malaysia.

Pengerusi MCMC, Datuk Mohamed Sharil Tarmizi, berkata tanpa label MCMC atau tanda pensijilan daripada badan pensijilan yang diakreditasi oleh Standards Malaysia, barangan itu mungkin tidak selamat, tidak boleh dipercayai dan mungkin juga menyalahi undang-undang jika digunakan di negara ini.

Goods that do not comply with standards or any communications products that do not have the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) certification label are considered ‘non-standard' products in Malaysia, MCMC and Standards Malaysia said in a joint statement.

KUALA LUMPUR. Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Green Technology Corp (GreenTech Malaysia) exchanged documents on the memorandum of understanding (MOU) it signed with Department of Standards Malaysia to facilitate the implementation of the National Standards Compliance Programme (NSCP).

GreenTech Malaysia chief executive officer. Ahmad Hadri Haris, said the MoU aimed to enhance the competitiveness of Malaysia's small and medium industries in green technology.

"To promote green technology and to make the country a developed nation without harming the environment. standards are important to ensure that the companies that are moving towards green technology can perform better both locally and abroad." he said.

Ahmad Hadri said this to reporters after the exchange of MoU documents on the sidelines of the International Greentech & Eco Products Exhibition and Conference Malaysia 2014 here on Friday.

He said GreenTech Malaysia was working together with Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia and Malaysian Institute Development Authority to promote the green products in the country.

"Companies that buy green products will be given investment tax allowance. "Also. those that undertake green services will be entitled to income tax exemptions and that's why standards product certification is crucial." he said. GreenTech is a non-profit organisation under the purview of Energy, Green Technology and Water Ministry.

BERNAMA

When laptop computers were first equipped with Wi-Fi in Malaysia back in 2003 or so, very few people were able to connect their devices to Wi-Fi hotspots. Today, everywhere we go, we expect to be connected via Wi-Fi, and not only on laptops but our smartphones and tablet computers too.

What was the driving force behind the proliferation and popularity of Wi-Fi? Put simply, it was a common technical specification that all laptop computer, smartphone and tablet makers adhered to that allowed them to work in concert with each other, whether you're in Malaysia or in another part of the world.

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 (Bernama) -- The Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) will implement a buy back programme to raise the commercialisation rate of innovation products from the current 8.73 per cent to 10-15 per cent by 2020.

The ministry will spend RM50 million to implement the scheme next year, Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah told reporters after opening the 'Trends In Universal Design: Tourism Industry for the Ageing Population' symposium here today.

The one-day symposium was jointly organised by the ministry, the Department of Standards Malaysia (DSM), and the Architecture and Environmental Design faculty of the International Islamic University Malaysia.

Abu Bakar said the ministry will buy back products with commercial potential and supply them to government agencies, schools and hospitals, citing a local company's Mousticide, a chemical-free mosquitocide said to be able to check the spread of dengue.

Earlier, Abu Bakar launched the revised Malaysian Standard MS1184:2014 Code of Practice for Universal Design and Accessibility in Built Environment, which provides guidelines for architects, town planners, designers and regulators to to create a better quality of life for Malaysians with disabilities and senior citizens.

Kuala Lumpur City Hall is the first city hall that has made the revised standard mandatory, requiring developers in Kuala Lumpur to obtain a Certificate of Completion and Compliance.

Abu Bakar said lat year, 477,549 people registered as disabled citizens, who require disabled-friendly facilities such as toilets, escalators and hotel rooms.

DSM has developed 6,550 Malaysian Standards covering all 24 sectors of the Malaysian economy including agriculture, quality management, plastics and construction, he added.

-- BERNAMA

MELAKSANAKAN latihan bersama jiran serantau sentiasa menjadi pilihan kebanyakan negara berdaulat terutama dalam usaha meningkatkan keupayaan serta menilai kemampuan pasukan keselamatan masing-masing.

Sejak sekian lama, Malaysia berjaya membina hubungan ketenteraan yang erat dengan negara-negara tetangga terutama di rantau ASEAN serta Asia Pasifik menerusi pelbagai program latihan bersama.

KUALA LUMPUR 4 Sept. - Makmal Forensik Polis Diraja Malaysia (PDRM) mendapat pengiktirafan daripada Jabatan Standard Malaysia menerusi sijil MS ISO/EC 17025:2005 untuk sistem pengurusan kualiti makmal berkenaan.

Skop akreditasi sijil tersebut meliputi data bank ujian asid deoksiribonukleik (DNA), balistik, pemeriksaan kenderaan dan bahagian dokumen.

Ketua Polis Negara, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar berkata, penganugerahan tersebut meletakkan PDRM pada satu tahap profesionalisme yang tinggi dalam memartabatkan keadilan jenayah.

By Zairina Zainudin

KUALA LUMPUR, July 15 (Bernama) -- At least 200 beauty professionals are expected to be certified under the Beauty Therapist and Aesthetician Certification Scheme (BTaA) this year, said IPEC Bureau SdnBhd head of Beauty Science Industry Scheme Committee, Dr Ng Wee Kiong.

The BtaA certification will help beauty professionals gain credibility on the strength and merit of their personal qualifications, professional recognition and skill-based competencies.

The scheme, accredited by the Department of Standards Malaysia under MS ISO/IEC 17024, was first initiated in 2012 to provide national certification and international recognition for beauty therapists and aesthetic professionals.

To date, 19 beauty professionals have been certified and 14 fresh applications are already in the process.

Dr Ng said there were a lot of training centres available in the market to provide training for the beauty practitioners, including examination council to help them.

"We need to educate them (beauty professionals). The challenge is we still lack marketing awareness. At the moment, we are also trying to push harder in making sure that the government work hand-in-hand to make this certification mandatory.

"This is important because it will protect the consumer's right, the beauticians' image as well as the industry itself," he told Bernama on the sidelines of the Cosmobeaute Asia, 9th Malaysia International Exhibition Conference on Cosmetics, Beauty and Spa here today.

IPEC Bureau is a pioneer certification body accredited by Standards Malaysia to undertake the accreditation for personnel certification related to beauty science.

Earlier, in her keynote address, director-general of Standards Malaysia, FadilahBaharin, said the accreditation through IPEC Bereau would help boost the beauty industry domestically and internationally.

"This standard will provide a global benchmark for personnel certification programmes to ensure that it operates in consistent, comparable and reliable manner worldwide, thereby allowing individuals to have skills that translate across national lines," she said.

The four-day Cosmobeaute Asia, starting today, is the largest and most professional trade exhibition for the beauty industry in Malaysia and Asean.

An approximately 20,000 visitors are expected to attend the event that showcases over 320 exhibitors representing more than 600 brands worldwide.

-- BERNAMA

Malaysia adalah antara destinasi pilihan syarikat produk kecantikan asing menubuhkan rangkaian perniagaan mereka berikutan pasarannya yang menarik.

Pengarah Urusan ECMI ITE Asia Sdn Bhd, Saw Chee Pheng, berkata industri kecantikan bakal memberi impak besar kepada ekonomi negara dalam tempoh beberapa tahun akan datang.

Malaysia adalah antara destinasi pilihan syarikat produk kecantikan asing menubuhkan rangkaian perniagaan mereka berikutan pasarannya yang menarik.

Pengarah Urusan ECMI ITE Asia Sdn Bhd, Saw Chee Pheng, berkata industri kecantikan bakal memberi impak besar kepada ekonomi negara dalam tempoh beberapa tahun akan datang.

"Banyak syarikat produk kecantikan asing mula mengalih tumpuan kepada Malaysia kerana struktur pasaran negara ini yang dinamik dengan jumlah penduduk dan kuasa beli yang semakin meningkat.

Wujud banyak pesaing

"Ini akan memberi kesan positif kepada pasaran selain mewujudkan lebih banyak persaingan kepada produk kecantikan tempatan untuk terus mengekalkan kualiti bagi menarik pengguna," katanya kepada media selepas pelancaran Pameran Cosmobeauté Asia 2013 di Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC) di Kuala Lumpur, semalam.

Ia dirasmikan Ketua Pengarah Jabatan Standard Malaysia, Fadilah Baharin. Turut hadir, Pengerusi International Personal Certification (IPEC), Datuk Azmel Maamor dan Presiden Gabungan Persatuan Pengguna Malaysia (FOMCA), Datuk Dr Marimuthu Nadason.

Kos permulaan rendah
Chee Pheng berkata, kos memulakan perniagaan lebih rendah selain kurangnya sekatan juga mendorong syarikat asing memilih Malaysia sebagai destinasi meluaskan rangkaian jenama produk kecantikan masing-masing.

"Kebanyakan rakyat negara ini menguasai banyak bahasa utama dunia dan ia memudahkan syarikat asing menjalankan perniagaan sekali gus mewujudkan lebih banyak peluang pekerjaan," katanya.

Sementara itu, Pameran Cosmobeauté Asia 2013 yang berlangsung selama empat hari bermula semalam dijangka dihadiri 20,000 pengunjung dengan 90 peratus daripadanya adalah warga tempatan.

600 jenama

Chee Pheng berkata, acara tahunan anjuran ECMI ITE itu disertai 300 pempamer, yang mewakili 600 jenama produk kecantikan dalam dan luar negara.

"Kira-kira 60 peratus pempamer adalah wakil syarikat luar negara seperti Amerika Syarikat, Perancis, Itali, Jepun, Turki, Australia, Korea, Hong Kong, Singapura dan Thailand," katanya.

Beliau berkata, syarikat pengeluar produk kecantikan asing juga menjadikan Cosmobeauté Asia 2013 sebagai platform untuk melaksanakan pemadanan perniagaan dengan syarikat tempatan.

"Kami menjangkakan Cosmobeauté Asia 2013 menjadi landasan kepada pembangunan dan pertumbuhan industri kecantikan di negara ini," katanya.

'Full Adherent' status under the OECD Mutual Acceptance Data will help mitigate trade barriers

CYBERJAYA, April 22 (Bernama) – Malaysia's non-clinical health and environment safety studies and the reports issued by our GLP compliance laboratories will now be accepted among 40 OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) member countries. In fulfilling its vision to be accepted by Malaysians and recognised by the world, the fully adherent status is an important milestone for the Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA), which has been one of the appointed Compliance Monitoring Authorities (CMA) verifying the compliance of test facilities in the country, in keeping with the principles of OECD Good Laboratory Practices. Prior to this, Malaysia was awarded a provisional adherent status under the OECD Mutual Acceptance of Data (MAD) mechanism way back in October 2008 and the fully adherent status was subject to stringent evaluation by OECD Inspectors.

"As the National Standards and Accreditation Body with 'full adherent status' to the OECD MAD, we can positively contribute to help mitigate technical barriers of trade; enhance local and foreign investments in research and development of products involving industrial chemical, pesticide, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic biotechnology for chemical products; increase availability of safety data on high production volume chemicals; attain exemption of non-clinical research being repeated in OECD countries etc.", said Fadilah Baharin, Director General of STANDARDS MALAYSIA.

"The full adherent status also provides impetus to continually promote awareness, increase capacity and improve efficiencies among CMAs and Test Facilities", she added.

Based on the OECD Press release, OECD Secretary-General, Angel Gurria said that Governments participating in the MAD system have confidence that chemical safety test data generated in other countries is of high quality and can be used for regulatory assessments. This reduces duplicative testing, saves laboratory costs, promotes work- sharing by countries assessing the same data and removes a potential non-tariff trade barrier.

"Malaysia's participation in this system highlights the mutual benefit of the partnership between OECD and major emerging economies", she concluded.

About Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA)

STANDARDS MALAYSIA is the national standards and accreditation body providing confidence to various stakeholders, through credible standardisation and accreditation services for global competitiveness.

Governed by the Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 (Act 549), the Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA) is an agency established on 28 August 1996, under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). For more than 17 years, we have successfully developed Malaysian Standards (MS) and provided Accreditation Services to positively contribute to the economic, societal, environmental and national well-being.

As a custodian and authoritative body, we continually engage with our stakeholders to develop MS which will protect the interest of consumers by providing an assurance of health and safety. STANDARDS MALAYSIA is also a signatory to the regional and international Mutual Recognition Arrangements and Multi-Lateral

Recognition Agreements, and are subject to rigorous evaluation processes. This further enhances Malaysia's competitive edge by facilitating trade through international recognition of our products and services through MS and Accreditation.

About The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

The OECD is the global economic policy forum and an inter-governmental organisation established in 1960. It consists of 34 industrialised countries including many EU member countries, some non- EU European countries, the North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) countries and some Asia- Pacific countries, it aims to promote better policies for better lives. More information, kindly visit http://www.oecd.org.

About Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)

Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) is a quality system concerned with the organisational process and the conditions under which non-clinical health and environmental safety studies are planned, performed, monitored, recorded, archived and reported.

SOURCE: Department of Standards Malaysia (STANDARDS MALAYSIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Name: Kee Lai Sien
Assistant Director-Public Relations Officer
Tel: +603-8318 2211
Email: kee@standardsmalaysia.gov.my
Website: http://www.standardsmalaysia.gov.my

--BERNAMA