Standards Malaysia Accreditation Assists Malaysian Companies Compete Globally - Minister Madius

CYBERJAYA (Malaysia), Oct 17 (Bernama) -- Malaysian companies should be aware of the importance of having accreditation from the Department of Standards Malaysia (Standard Malaysia) to compete globally. Malaysian Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Madius Tangau said in meeting the challenge of the present day digital economy, those companies which realise and practice standards, have the means to actively compete on the global stage. "Confidence between traders or companies is very important as without it, the business can be affected. "In a way, the issue of standards is a global value and the practice of standardisation makes dealings easier when it concerns overseas cooperation. "It ensures that all parties are tied to ensuring the quality and safety of products being transacted," he added. He told reporters this after participating in the Fun Run in conjunction with the World Standards Day celebration here Sunday. Also present was Standards Malaysia Director General, Fadilah Baharin. Madius said awareness among local companies about Standards Malaysia and the need to adhere to it is still low at just about 40 per cent and this figure needs to be further enhanced. This is, he added, if they want to continue competing globally, particularly after Malaysia signs the Trans-Pacific Trade Partnership and formation of the ASEAN Economic Community. Madius said as the National Standards and the National Accreditation body, Standards Malaysia gives stakeholders the confidence to enter into business dealings based on international accreditation with regards to the services offered. "Although it has not been made mandatory, I believe following the right standards is important for any company, as it one of the confidence elements that enables it to trade or penetrate other national markets," he added. As to the awareness factor over the presence and importance of Standards Malaysia, he said there is still the general perception that matters of standards are governed by Sirim. Established in 1996, Standards Malaysia has been entrusted with the task of developing Standard Malaysia (MS), as well as encouraging its use. It is also responsible for providing accreditation for bodies as testing or calibration laboratories, certification agencies and examination authorities. --BERNAMA