Building Relationships
SIRIM has close links with various government ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), ST, MCMC and the Department of Standards Malaysia. “We get first-hand information on any updates or new developments regarding related rules, regulations, guidelines or acts. This allows us to enhance our skills and knowledge more easily so that we are able to serve our clients better,” said Anita.
She laments that many retailers and consumers do not realise the importance of the SIRIM label. “One of our bigger challenges is to make sure that the industry players and public are aware that the safety and efficiency of their equipment should take priority.”
One way that SIRIM tries to increase awareness is by approaching the retailers directly and providing them with information on why the SIRIM label is needed and how it can be obtained with the hope that the retailers will go on to share this information with their suppliers.
Furthermore, with the COVID-19 pandemic, many consumers have turned to online platforms to make their purchases, which could make it difficult for them to affirm if the equipment have been approved by SIRIM.
To ascertain if equipment purchased online or in physical stores is certified by SIRIM, one can download the SIRIM QAS mobile application for free. Thereafter, consumers will just have to key in the relevant equipment details to find out its status.
“Just make sure that your equipment has been certified. Don’t settle for substandard E&E equipment!” said Anita.
Note: This article was published in SIRIMlink 3/2020, you may find more interesting topics
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