MANDATORY STANDARDS PROVIDE COMPETITIVE EDGE TO M'SIAN EXPORTERS

KUALA LUMPUR, July 13 (Bernama) -- Malaysian consumers and industries can
expect better quality and safety products with the implementation of mandatory
standards, says International Trade and Industry Ministry (MITI).

It said implementation of mandatory standards would ensure only products of
acceptable quality are imported and produced locally.

"The mandatory standards will ensure products meet safety, health and
environmental requirements on par with international standards," the ministry
said in a statement.

"Mandatory standards requirement provides a competitive edge to Malaysian
exporters in the global arena while protecting consumers' interests in the
local market," it said.

As of March 31, 2009, a total of 5,588 Malaysian standards have been
developed, out of which 3,101 standards are aligned with international standards
and 173 have been made mandatory.

There are three mandatory standards for iron and steel, electrical
equipment and accessories (57), food, food products and agriculture (38), civil
engineering and construction (37), chemicals (11), road vehicles (seven), fire
safety and fire protection (seven), information technology, telecommunications
and multimedia (six), petroleum and gas (four) and mechanical engineering
(three).

The national focal points for addressing the compliance issue to
mandatory standards are through Central Coordinating Body (CCB) under the
Economic Planning Unit in the Prime Minister's Department and the Committee on
Mandatory Industrial Standards (CMIS) at MITI.

The EPU under its CCB overseas has the standards and technical regulations
for all economic sectors while MITI through CMIS has been tasked with
identifying and coordinating implementation of mandatory standards for
manufactured products to promote quality and safety.

-- BERNAMA