SIX WEEKS FOR STEEL AND IRON INDUSTRY TO ADAPT TO NEW RULES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Players in the iron and steel industry will be given six weeks to adapt to the new liberalisation measures when they come into effect August 1, 2009.

Minister of International Trade and Industry Mustapa Mohamed said several
associations have raised concerns over some of the rules in the industry that
will be implemented next month.

"They want attention to be paid to some of the major issues they are facing.
We have decided to give a month and half for the implementation of the new
rules," he told reporters after a dialogue session with the related associations
here Tuesday.

He said the industry players had sought to postpone the implementation of
certificate of approval (COA), which are to ensure that imported steel fulfill
the Malaysian standard and were not sub-standard.

"I have said no...what we can do is give a chance for the implementation of
the new ruling...and six weeks from now, we will discuss with them.

"If it is really causing difficulty, then we will review the ruling that has
been fixed," said Mustapa.

Starting August, mandatory standards will be implemented for imported and
locally produced long and flat steel products.

The imposition of mandatory standards will be implemented in stages and will
be effective from 1st August 2009.

Mustapa said the issue of foreign workers was also highlighted in the
meeting with not less than 13 associations raising the matter.

"We will compile all the issues that have been raised and will meet up with
the Home Ministry to discuss them," he said.
-- BERNAMA