Malaysia
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
Malaysia has two laws governing the metrology and measurements. They are National Measurement System Act 2007 and Weights and Measures Act 1972. The National Measurement System Act 2007 to provide for uniform units of measurement standards, measurement traceability and coordination of Malaysia’s national measurement system. This act plays role as an umbrella act for all measurement legislations in Malaysia to enables an individual or organization to have the means to make accurate and traceable measurements. Under this act, National Metrology Institute of Malaysia (NMIM) or SIRIM Berhad has been appointed as the National Measurement Standards Laboratory National Measurements Standards (NMSL) to realize, maintain or caused to be maintained the national measurement standards (which include certified reference materials) for the purpose of providing national reference and traceability of units of measurements.
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 to regulate weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring used for trade. The act govern and enforce by the Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC).
The Act also provide a provision to enable the Minister to granted a license to a company to perform verification, re-verification and stamping on any weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring on behalf Inspector of Weights and Measures under the Weights and Measures Act 1972. Both acts provide a provision to appoint the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia as National Measurement Standards Laboratory and as the Custodian of Weights and Measures under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
All measurements shall be traceable to the National Measurement Standards maintained by the National Measurement Standard Laboratory under the National Measurement System Act 2007.
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 to regulate weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring used for trade. The act govern and enforce by the Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism (MDTCC).
The Act also provide a provision to enable the Minister to granted a license to a company to perform verification, re-verification and stamping on any weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring on behalf Inspector of Weights and Measures under the Weights and Measures Act 1972. Both acts provide a provision to appoint the National Metrology Institute of Malaysia as National Measurement Standards Laboratory and as the Custodian of Weights and Measures under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
All measurements shall be traceable to the National Measurement Standards maintained by the National Measurement Standard Laboratory under the National Measurement System Act 2007.
2. Legal Units of Measurement
The only legal units to be used throughout Malaysia is the International System of Units (S.I.).
3. Structure of Metrological Control Authorities
3.1 National organization for legal metrology
The enforcement of Weights and Measures Act 1972 is the responsibility of Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism which covers all fields of measurements particularly in provision of measuring instruments used for trade. Other acts which associate with legal metrology is responsibility of other agencies such as the Energy Commission, Road Transport Department, Royal Customs Department, Department of Environment, Multimedia Commission and State Water Authorities.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
National Measurement Standard Laboratory was appointed as the Custodian of National Measurement Standards under the National Measurement System Act 2007.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The National Measurement Standard Laboratory is responsible for the realization, establishment and maintenance of the National Measurement Standards based on the S.I. units
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
The Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism has 75 local offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia. These offices are responsible for the inspection weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring used for trade.
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 provides provision to appoint a company to perform the verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments use for trade in 34 offices located throughout Malaysia.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
A metrological control system for of measuring instruments used for trade is regulated under Weights and Measures Act 1972. The control is implemented through the requirement for pattern approval by the Custodian of Weights and Measures and the verification and reverification of weights, measures and measuring instruments by the verification officer from the appointed company. The reverification period is once in 12 months.
The enforcement of Weights and Measures Act 1972 is the responsibility of Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism which covers all fields of measurements particularly in provision of measuring instruments used for trade. Other acts which associate with legal metrology is responsibility of other agencies such as the Energy Commission, Road Transport Department, Royal Customs Department, Department of Environment, Multimedia Commission and State Water Authorities.
3.2 Custodian of National Standards
National Measurement Standard Laboratory was appointed as the Custodian of National Measurement Standards under the National Measurement System Act 2007.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The National Measurement Standard Laboratory is responsible for the realization, establishment and maintenance of the National Measurement Standards based on the S.I. units
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
The Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism has 75 local offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia. These offices are responsible for the inspection weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring used for trade.
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 provides provision to appoint a company to perform the verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments use for trade in 34 offices located throughout Malaysia.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
A metrological control system for of measuring instruments used for trade is regulated under Weights and Measures Act 1972. The control is implemented through the requirement for pattern approval by the Custodian of Weights and Measures and the verification and reverification of weights, measures and measuring instruments by the verification officer from the appointed company. The reverification period is once in 12 months.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
he following list of measuring instruments for the use of trade which enforced under Weights and Measures Act 1972:
Utility meters such as electricity meters, gas meters and water meters, taximeters, and telephone metering systems are also subject to legal metrology control. However, the inspection, verification and testing of meters are enforced by other enforcement authorities in Malaysia.
- Linear measures;
- Liquid capacity measures;
- Weights;
- Beam scales;
- Balances;
- Counter machines;
- Spring balance and scales;
- Dead-weight machines;
- Platform weighing machines;
- Weighbridges;
- Crane weighing machines;
- Automatic weighing machines;
- Instrument for measurement of liquid fuel and lubricants;
- Instrument for the measurement of alcoholic liquor;
- Liquefied petroleum gas dispensers;
- Parking meters and time recorders for closed parking areas;
- Any other instrument for weighing or measuring as the Custodian may, from time to time, approve.
Utility meters such as electricity meters, gas meters and water meters, taximeters, and telephone metering systems are also subject to legal metrology control. However, the inspection, verification and testing of meters are enforced by other enforcement authorities in Malaysia.
5. Type Approval
All new measuring instruments for trade use are subject to pattern approval to determine their fitness for such purpose.
5.1 Legal and technical requirements for type approval
In general all new measuring instruments shall conform to the pattern and specifications prescribed by Order under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 by the Custodian of Weights and Measures
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
The National Metrology Institute of Malaysia is responsible for issuing type approval by virtue of the appointment of National Measurement Standards Laboratory as the Custodian of Weights and Measures
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
A general policy of recognition and acceptance of OIML certificates exists. However, the final acceptance is based on a case to case basis.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
The National Measurement Standards Laboratory is overall responsible for testing for type approval. Its facilities are however mainly for testing and evaluating the metrological performance of the instruments while other tests such as climatic and electrical tests and immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields are undertaken in facilities available in the Testing Laboratories of SIRIM Berhad or other accredited testing laboratories.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
5.6 Fee structure
The fee chargeable is based on the equipment cost, direct staff (man-hours) cost, overheads and profit margin.
5.1 Legal and technical requirements for type approval
In general all new measuring instruments shall conform to the pattern and specifications prescribed by Order under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 by the Custodian of Weights and Measures
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
The National Metrology Institute of Malaysia is responsible for issuing type approval by virtue of the appointment of National Measurement Standards Laboratory as the Custodian of Weights and Measures
5.3 Recognition/acceptance of OIML certificates
A general policy of recognition and acceptance of OIML certificates exists. However, the final acceptance is based on a case to case basis.
5.4 Authority responsible for testing for type approval
The National Measurement Standards Laboratory is overall responsible for testing for type approval. Its facilities are however mainly for testing and evaluating the metrological performance of the instruments while other tests such as climatic and electrical tests and immunity to radiated electromagnetic fields are undertaken in facilities available in the Testing Laboratories of SIRIM Berhad or other accredited testing laboratories.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
- 6,000 kg deadweight force calibration standard, accuracy 0.005%,
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing facilities,
5.6 Fee structure
The fee chargeable is based on the equipment cost, direct staff (man-hours) cost, overheads and profit margin.
6. Verification (Conformity Assessment), Inspection and Reverification
he Weights and Measures Act 1972 requires that all weights, measures and measuring instruments for trade use be inspected, verified, stamped and reverified once in every 12 months.
6.1 Legal and technical requirements for verification and reverification
The Pattern or Specifications for Weights or Measures or Instruments for Weighing or Measuring Order made under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 prescribes the test methods and limits of error applicable for the verification and reverification of the instruments specified in item 4 above. However, where such pattern and specifications have not been prescribed in the Order OIML recommendations and guidelines are generally adopted and applied taking into consideration the local conditions.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
The range of major equipment verified / reverified yearly are as follows:
6.3 Fee structure
Fees charged are based on a cost recovery basis.
6.1 Legal and technical requirements for verification and reverification
The Pattern or Specifications for Weights or Measures or Instruments for Weighing or Measuring Order made under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 prescribes the test methods and limits of error applicable for the verification and reverification of the instruments specified in item 4 above. However, where such pattern and specifications have not been prescribed in the Order OIML recommendations and guidelines are generally adopted and applied taking into consideration the local conditions.
6.2 Range of equipment verified and reverified and any statistical information available
The range of major equipment verified / reverified yearly are as follows:
- Weights;
- Spring balances;
- Platform scales;
- Weighbridges;
- Line scales;
- Liquor measures;
- Liquid fuel dispensers;
- LPG dispensers;
- NGV dispensers;
- Petroleum flowmeters;
- Smokemeter for vehicle exhaust emission;
- Alcohol Evidential Breath analyser; and
- Vehicle Tinted Glass Tester.
6.3 Fee structure
Fees charged are based on a cost recovery basis.
7. Accreditation and Certification Systems
Accreditation systems are available for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability of measurements is to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards.
A national accreditation scheme for calibration and testing laboratories using ISO/IEC 17025 is operated by the Department of Standards, Malaysia (DSM). The Department of Standards is the national accreditation body responsible for the assessment and accreditation of certification bodies (for products and quality management systems), test and calibration laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations.
7.1 Accreditation systems for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards
Legal metrology in Malaysia is fully administered and undertaken by the Government authorities. The existing legislations ensure that all measurements made are traceable to National Measurement Standards which are traceable to international standards. An accreditation system for legal metrology does not exist yet.
A national accreditation scheme for calibration and testing laboratories using ISO/IEC 17025 as the accreditation standard is operated by the Department of Standards, Malaysia. The Department of Standards, Malaysia is the national accreditation body responsible for the assessment and accreditation of certification bodies (for products and quality management systems), test and calibration laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
None implemented or available yet, (see 7.1 above).
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
None implemented or available yet, (see 7.1 above).
A national accreditation scheme for calibration and testing laboratories using ISO/IEC 17025 is operated by the Department of Standards, Malaysia (DSM). The Department of Standards is the national accreditation body responsible for the assessment and accreditation of certification bodies (for products and quality management systems), test and calibration laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations.
7.1 Accreditation systems for legal metrology, calibration and testing laboratories. Traceability to national, regional, international or foreign measurement standards
Legal metrology in Malaysia is fully administered and undertaken by the Government authorities. The existing legislations ensure that all measurements made are traceable to National Measurement Standards which are traceable to international standards. An accreditation system for legal metrology does not exist yet.
A national accreditation scheme for calibration and testing laboratories using ISO/IEC 17025 as the accreditation standard is operated by the Department of Standards, Malaysia. The Department of Standards, Malaysia is the national accreditation body responsible for the assessment and accreditation of certification bodies (for products and quality management systems), test and calibration laboratories, and other conformity assessment organizations.
7.2 Legal and applied metrological activities in products certification
None implemented or available yet, (see 7.1 above).
7.3 Legal and applied metrological activities in ISO 9000 quality management systems
None implemented or available yet, (see 7.1 above).
8. Legal Metrology Practitioners
8.1 Numbers
There are at present 2335 Inspectors of Weights and Measures in 75 offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia.
8.2 Qualification/training
The inspectors of weights and measures possess a minimum middle-school level qualification and undergo training conducted within the country as well as in overseas legal metrology organizations.
8.3 Training organizations and courses organized
In-house training courses are regularly organized by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism for the Inspectors of Weights and Measures in cooperation with National Measurement Standard Laboratory as the trainer. Organized courses in the past were covered topics on the administration and enforcement of the Weights and Measures Act, inspection and verification testing of measuring instruments (theory and practical), OIML recommendations and international developments.
8.4 Range of functions
The Inspectors and Weights and Measures are responsible for the inspection, verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments. They are also empowered to seize and detain any weight, measure or measuring instrument which is used in the commission of any offence under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
There are at present 2335 Inspectors of Weights and Measures in 75 offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia.
8.2 Qualification/training
The inspectors of weights and measures possess a minimum middle-school level qualification and undergo training conducted within the country as well as in overseas legal metrology organizations.
8.3 Training organizations and courses organized
In-house training courses are regularly organized by the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism for the Inspectors of Weights and Measures in cooperation with National Measurement Standard Laboratory as the trainer. Organized courses in the past were covered topics on the administration and enforcement of the Weights and Measures Act, inspection and verification testing of measuring instruments (theory and practical), OIML recommendations and international developments.
8.4 Range of functions
The Inspectors and Weights and Measures are responsible for the inspection, verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments. They are also empowered to seize and detain any weight, measure or measuring instrument which is used in the commission of any offence under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative control for packaging
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism in midst of establishment a regulation under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 to govern the pre-packed goods.
9.2 Organization responsible
The Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism is responsible to govern and regulate the pre-packed goods.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism in midst of establishment a regulation under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 to govern the pre-packed goods.
9.2 Organization responsible
The Enforcement Division under the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism is responsible to govern and regulate the pre-packed goods.
10. Sanctions
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 and the various Enforcement Acts provide for the imposition of penalties for various offences committed under the respective Act. Penalties imposed depend on the severity of the offences committed and usually involve a fine, jail term or both.