MITI takes proactive action to shelter consumers and industries interests

Malaysian consumers and industries can expect better quality and safety products with the implementation of mandatory standards. The implementation of mandatory standards will ensure that only products of acceptable quality are imported or produced locally. The mandatory standards will ensure that products meet safety, health, and environment requirements which are aligned to international standards.

Mandatory standards requirement provides a competitive edge to Malaysian exporters in the global arena, while protecting the interests of consumers in the local market. As of 31 March 2009, a total of 5,588 Malaysian Standards have been developed, out of which 3,101 standards are aligned with international standards and 173 standards have been made mandatory. The sectors in mandatory standards are 3 for iron and steel, 57 for electrical equipment and accessories, 38 for food and food products including agriculture, 37 for civil engineering and construction, 11 for chemicals, 7 for road vehicles, 7 for fire safety and fire protection, 6 for Information Technology, telecommunication and multimedia, 4 for petroleum and gas, and 3 for mechanical engineering.

The national focal points for addressing the issue of compliance to mandatory standards are through Central Coordinating Body (CCB), under the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), and Committee on Mandatory Industrial Standards (CMIS), Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI).

The EPU under its Central Coordinating Body oversees the standards and technical regulations across all economic sectors, whereas MITI through Committee on Mandatory Industrial Standards has been tasked to identify and coordinate the implementation of mandatory standards for manufactured products with a view to promote quality and safety.

The CMIS has established four taskforces comprising members from both the public and the private sectors to identify products that would be made mandatory. These include building materials, machinery and equipment, automotive parts and components, and wire and cables. The consultation process with the relevant agencies and industry associations are on going. The private sector can submit their proposals for products that need to be made mandatory to:

Ministry of International Trade and Industry
Investment Policy and Trade Facilitation Division
10th Floor, Block 10,
Government Offices Complex
Jalan Duta, 50622 Kuala Lumpur.

Information on the development of Malaysian Standards (MS) can be found at: www.standardsmalaysia.gov.my