Minister of Development Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Muhammad Juanda bin Haji Abdul Rashid welcomed the proposal from Legislative Council (LegCo) member Yang Berhormat Haji Mohd Salleh bin Haji Othman to establish an organisation dedicated to researching local products to meet set standards.
The minister, speaking at the 20th session of the LegCo meeting yesterday, elaborated that although it is a commendable proposal, it requires a specific approach within the National Standards Centre.
Currently, products undergo testing and certification by foreign bodies, he said, thus any government project must use certified basic construction materials and components recognised by the Ministry of Development (MoD).
“Recognised products require quality certification, ISO1001, ISO14001, and recognised laboratory tests,” he said.
The minister clarified that each agency needs to list technical specifications and standards in contract documents for construction materials to be used according to project requirements, including the necessary material endurance tests.
“Every supplied item in the project must include certification before approval for use,” he added.
He shared that the MoD aims to become a member of the Asia Pacific Accreditation Council (APAC), and with the accreditation, it will allow laboratories conducting basic construction material testings in line with the international standards.
“It will reduce technical barriers in export-import activities, especially for construction materials,” the minister said. – Adib Noor
