The Standards Research Management Centre (SRMC) together with SIRIM had a network meeting with Standard Writing Organisations (SWOs) on18th November 2011 at SIRIM Berhad. The session was aimed to give an update and share the latest standardisation activities and also to discuss issues related to SWOs in developing Malaysian Standards (MS). So far there are sixteen SWOs appointed by SIRIM. The following two main points were highlighted at the session:

• SIRIM together with Standards Malaysia; in response to PEMANDU, are under KPIdirective to develop MS under a shorter time frame of no more than 18 months. The reason being the government intends to accelerate the policy of having government technical regulations based on MS/COPs (Code of Practices) – another form of MS. Of course it is only possible if COPs are produced, especially by SWOs which are recognised industry experts. However, if such Standards &/or COPs have been developed but not followed or used by Government Link Companies (GLCs), what is the point? A number of other SWOs joined TEEAM SWO to have SIRIM/Standards Malaysia approached PEMANDU to have a government policy that MS/COPs should be the referral standards instead of foreign standards.
• The next issue was the TNB “Sijil Gunapakai”. TEEAM SWO argued that it was against the issue/policy of: ONE STANDARD, ONE TEST and ONE APPROVAL. TEEAM wanted SIRIM to take up the issue with PEMANDU. No one, including GLCs have the right to have their own way which is against the interest of the nation; which has increased the cost of doing business.

Some twenty representatives from SWOs attended the networking session.