M'SIA'S MITI READY TO EXPAND MANDATORY STANDARDS TO OTHER IMPORTS

MIRI (Malaysia) Oct 30 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of International Trade and
Industry (Miti) is prepared to impose mandatory standards on other products
other than imported iron and steel to avoid the inflow of low-quality goods into
the country.

Its Deputy Minister, Jacob Dungau Sagan, said the ministry would monitor the
inflow of other imports which were expected to increase following the
implementation of the Asean Free Trade Area next year.

"We cannot allow our country to be a dumping ground for low quality
imports," he told a media briefing after opening a workshop on Development of
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Halal Industry organised by SME Corp
Malaysia here.

Sagan said the enforcement of mandatory standards for iron and steel was
undertaken by Sirim Bhd since Oct 13 this year after being delayed for about two
months.

Sirim Bhd has been entrusted by the Malaysian Government to be the national
organisation for standards and quality, and as a promoter of technological
excellence in the Malaysian industry.

Sagan said that under the ruling, only imported steel products bearing the
Sirim Certificate of Approval would be allowed into the country.

However, screws, bolts and nuts made of iron or steel, as well as scrap
iron, iron ore and articles that had iron and steel products would be exempted
from the tests.
-- BERNAMA