GUIDELINES TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM HARMFUL TOYS - MINISTER

BERA (Malaysia), May 18 (Bernama) -- Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs
Ministry are expected to introduce specific regulations to ensure a safety
standard for toys used by children.

Its minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the formulation of a draft for the
regulations - consumer protection (safety standard for toys) regulation
2009 - was in the final stage and expected to be completed by year end.

He added that once the guidelines are approved, it would be implemented six
months after that.

"Such guidelines are important since there are many toys sold in the market
that contain chemicals that pose a danger to children," he told reporters after
a dialogue in this east coast town Sunday.

Ismail Sabri said once the regulations are implemented, every product
produced locally or imported, would go through an inspection process, just like
the Sirim quality inspection, to determine its safety, before being approved for
sale in the market.

"Action will be taken against those who sell such toys without the approval
label," he said.

He added that his ministry was also in the final stages of finalising
amendments to the Fair Trade and Practices Act and the Consumers Protection Act
before tabling both in Parliament by end of the year.
-- BERNAMA