MELAKA: Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry (Mosti) has proposed to set up a council to coordinate the system of standards, accreditation and certification of products and services in the country.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau said the council, which would be chaired by himself, was to create awareness on the importance of standards and metrology to improve the quality of national production.
"This is very preliminary. We are working on setting up the council on the purpose of consolidating all measurement and certification agencies in the country so that we can bring forth an ecosystem of products which can be trusted by consumers.
"It is my fervent hope that a better coordination will be achieved as standards and quality are of concerns across all ministries and agencies," he said at the Asia Pacific Metrology Programme (APMP) Mid-Year meetings here, today.
He said that standardisation and certification of products is becoming a crucial of the booming e-commerce or online trade.
Wilfred cited an example where proper certification of products sold online would help shore consumer confidence.
"Nowadays, when you buy something online you don't get to see the products but with certification. This will give confidence and trust among consumers in purchasing products online," he added.
Wilfred added that the proposal to set up the council would be brought up to the cabinet coupled with its strategic action plan for effective implementation in due course.
"The council will eventually replace the current National Measurement Council and Malaysian Standards and Accreditation Council.
"It will also involve 22 certification Malaysian and foreign bodies according to their sectors," he said.