SIRIM's fully owned subsidiary, SIRIM QAS provides a comprehensive range of certification, inspection and testing services that conform to international standards and guides. Recognising that environmental standards will have a tremendous impact on international trade, SIRIM QAS also certifies companies to ISO14001.

For further information, contact:
SIRIM
Tel: 603-03-5544 6000
Fax: 603-03-5510 8095
Homepage: http://www.sirim.my

Product Standards
Malaysian-made products conform to both national and international standards to ensure quality and to comply with domestic and global health, safety and environmental objectives. Arrangements exist for companies wishing to comply with:

• CE Marking
• Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
• Certification for electrical and electronic products
• Certification for chemical products, electrotechnical products, construction and building materials
• Pharmaceutical standards
• Automotive standards
• Safety standards
  

Health Standards

Codex Standards
Malaysia has established and strengthened national food control systems, including the formulation and revision of food legislation (acts and regulations) and food standards in accordance with Codex Standards. Food standards are being harmonised with global standards to facilitate trade and protect consumer health.

Malaysia has assisted in developing Codex Standards, codes of practice and guidelines. Among these are standards for palm olein, palm stearin and carambola, anchovies, fish crackers, aqueous coconut products, recommended international code of practice for storage and transport of edible oils and fats in bulk, draft code of hygienic practice for hawker food and general guidelines for the use of the term 'Halal'.

For further information, contact:
Malaysian Codex Contact Point
Food Quality Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Tel: 603 - 2555943
Fax: 603 - 2537804
URL: http://fsq.moh.gov.my

Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures
Strict quarantine standards, phytosanitary and environmental regulations practised in the country, ensure that plant, wood, food, animal and seafood products are free from diseases and health hazards, and are safe for domestic and international consumption.

In accordance with the Uruguay Round Agreement, the country has instituted legislation to harmonise Malaysian laws and regulations with the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures. This involves the following:

• The Plant Quarantine Act 1976 and the Rules of Plant Quarantine 1981 are based on both the Codex Alimentarius Commission and the International Plant Protection Convention. It aims to protect Malaysia's agriculture sector from foreign plant diseases and pests, and ensures that Malaysian plant product exports are free of infection.
• Phytosanitary requirements, which certify that the product has been inspected and is free from harmful pests and plant diseases, also cover forest products, sawn timber, logs, low risk wooden articles, board products, wood chips and wood packaging.
• The Animal Ordinance 1953, including Animal Rules 1962 and Animal Importation Order 1962 is to prevent animal diseases and pests from infecting Malaysian livestock and animals. This ordinance is aligned with international standards on which the Agreement on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures is based.
• The Fisheries Act 1985 (amended in 1993) covers the distribution and marketing of live fish and related organisms.
• The Food Act 1983 and Food Regulations 1985 aim at controlling the production and sale of food products to ensure health and safety of consumers. It aims at protecting consumers against health hazards and fraud in the preparation, sale and use of food. The import of some products, such as non-nutritive sweeteners, is controlled through import licensing.
  HACCP

Malaysian food manufacturers that export to foreign markets are increasingly adopting the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification which conforms global requirements on food safety, including the export of seafood and seafood products to the EU and the United States.

This system is recognised by the Codex Alimentarius Commission, World Trade Organisation and the World Health Organisation. The certification is granted for specific food products and is implemented through collaboration between the government, a pool of independent auditors and the food manufacturers.

'Halal' Certification
Malaysia has developed 'Halal' certification, a total quality health and sanitary system which involves adopting procedures for slaughtering, processing and other related operations as prescribed by Islamic rules. It certifies raw materials, ingredients and products based on quality, sanitary and safety considerations.

This broad-based system certifies not just meat and poultry products, but also cuts across other consumer items such as pharmaceuticals, toiletries, cosmetics and confectionery.

Malaysia's expertise in this area is globally recognised. The United Nation's Codex Alimentarius Commission, responsible for introducing the Joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, cited Malaysia as the best global example where 'halal' food is concerned. Malaysia's knowledge and capability in this area is now being 'exported' to other countries that have similar special requirements.

In addition to meeting 'halal' requirements, food producers are encouraged to adopt and maintain standards that meet global benchmarks such as ISO 9000, Codex Alimentarius, the Quality Assurance Programme, Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), Good Hygienic Practice (GHP) and Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Malaysia is constantly strengthening its capabilities in the areas of inspection, monitoring and ensuring uniformity of certification.

The Malaysian Certification Scheme for HACCP (MCS HACCP) is administered by the Ministry of Health. For further information, contact:

The Food Quality Control Division, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Tel: 603 - 2555943
Fax: 603 - 2537804
URL: http://fsq.moh.gov.my