Progress towards National Quality Policy in Malaysia
Findings of a report on National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) in Malaysia were presented to key stakeholders representing a wide array of NQI institutions during a retreat held last month.
According to the report, an upgraded NQI can help lower Malaysia’s ecological footprint and support the country in reaching its targets under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
"We have received valuable insights on the current state of Malaysia’s National Quality Infrastructure (NQI). The support provided in the development of the National Quality Policy (NQP) framework has strengthened the pathways for Malaysia to reform its NQI governance," said Ms. Siti Mariam Mohd Din, Senior Principal Assistant Director, Strategic Planning Division, Department of Standards Malaysia.
The National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) is the system comprising public and private organizations, policies, relevant legal and regulatory framework and practices needed to support and enhance the quality, safety and environmental soundness of goods, services and processes.
Establishing a robust NQI system with all necessary components that includes standardisation, metrology, accreditation, conformity assessment, particularly testing, certification, inspection services and market surveillance stimulates industrial development, trade competitiveness and innovation.
It contributes to increased market efficiency by offering quality assurance services and helping to eliminate restrictive regulations.
The NQI also supports companies’ competitiveness enhancement by equipping them with the necessary knowledge and tools to meet international standards therefore facilitating their access to foreign markets. A strengthened NQI will lead to more opportunities to export and diversify Malaysian products, integrate global value chains, and attract foreign investments.
It also contributes to consumer safety and to protect the health of the population and the environment and helps consumers make informed decisions through increased transparency and encourages companies and the Government to integrate sustainable practices within their procurement processes.
Through the ARISE Plus Malaysia project, the International Trade Centre is supporting the country to upgrade its NQI and has conducted an NQI assessment to identify possible areas of improvement and present them to Malaysian stakeholders.
The next step will be for the project to support the development of a draft National quality policy which is the basic government action plan adopted at national level to develop and sustain an efficient and effective National Quality Infrastructure (NQI).
About the project
The ARISE Plus Malaysia project supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the country through enhancing sustainable business and investment environments, improving product quality and competitiveness, as well as enhancing sustainable and internationally quality-compliant practices in the agri-food sector.
The three-year project is funded by the European Union and is a part of its national and regional ARISE Plus projects to support greater connectivity and economic integration in ASEAN. The project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of International Trade and Industry.
