MALAYSIA needs to develop high-tech skills in standard measurement systems to prevent the country’s domestic market from being a dumping ground for poor quality products.

Minister of International Trade and Industry (MITI) Darell Leiking said the situation could affect the country’s industrial development, and have a negative impact on consumer safety and well-being.

He said the need for accurate measurement is a very important global issue that has been agreed upon by all parties, particularly in supporting decisions in science, trade, health, safety, environmental monitoring and innovation.

“In developed countries, accurate measurement is given serious attention due to its role in wealth creation and the improvement of quality of life, for which Malaysia should not be an exception.

“Malaysia needs to move in line with other developed countries to acquire and develop technical skills to compete in measurement capabilities, an aspect that will assist in the provision of services and ensure the principles of fairness in every market transaction,” he said.

Leiking added due to the importance of metrology in the context of a country’s economy, the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia (NMIM) was responsible for the role needed to change and move dynamically in line with technological developments and environmental requirements.

He said the NMIM would need to ensure the country’s metrological infrastructure met international standards and complied with global measurement, which can help reduce costs to producers while also benefiting consumers.

The global recognition of national standards and measurement helps facilitate the export of Malaysian products to global markets and attract investors to invest in the country, he said.

Meanwhile, SIRIM President and Group chief executive officer Prof Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani said the NMIM is continuously providing measurement and calibration services to stakeholders where overseas facilities will only be recommended for field and measurement requests that are not available locally.

He said stakeholders should have easy access to globally recognised measurement systems and certificates to ensure that local products and services are innovative and competitive in overseas markets.

Since 2006, NMIM has developed and established 350 physical and chemical building standards to support measurement in a number of areas such as trade, medicine, education, industry, health, safety, enforcement of mapping and transport activities as well as customs and taxation, he said. – Bernama, December 19, 2019.