Malaysia
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Economy Detail
1. Laws of Metrology
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 prescribes the International System of Units (S.I.) as the only legal units to be used throughout Malaysia and provides for the establishment of national measurement standards of physical quantities based on the S.I. units. It regulates weights and measures and instruments for weighing and measuring. The Act provides for the appointment of an organization as the Custodian of Weights and Measures who shall be responsible for the realization, establishment and maintenance of the Malaysian primary, secondary and tertiary standards of mass and measures
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
All measurements shall be traceable to the national standards of measurements maintained by the Custodian of Weights and Measures.
1.1 Legal requirements for traceability
All measurements shall be traceable to the national standards of measurements maintained by the Custodian of Weights and Measures.
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 Weights and Measures Act 1972 is enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. While its scope covers all fields of measurements its existing provisions are very much focussed on trade measurements. Legal metrology in other fields are enforced by different authorities 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
SIRIM Berhad has been appointed as the Custodian of National Standards under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The National Metrology Laboratory in SIRIM Berhad is responsible for the realization, establishment and maintenance of the Malaysian Primary Standards of measurements based on the S.I. units.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
The Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has 50 local weights and measures verification offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia. These offices are responsible for the inspection , verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments for trade use.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
A system of metrological control of measuring instruments for trade use is regulated under the Weights and Measures Act 1972. The control is effected through the requirement for pattern approval of new instruments by the Custodian of Weights and Measures and the verification and reverification of weights, measures and measuring instruments by the Inspectors of Weights and Measures. The reverification period is once in 12 months.
The Weights and Measures Act 1972 is enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs. While its scope covers all fields of measurements its existing provisions are very much focussed on trade measurements. Legal metrology in other fields are enforced by different authorities 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
SIRIM Berhad has been appointed as the Custodian of National Standards under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
3.3 National organizations responsible for maintaining primary standards
The National Metrology Laboratory in SIRIM Berhad is responsible for the realization, establishment and maintenance of the Malaysian Primary Standards of measurements based on the S.I. units.
3.4 Regional and local verification organizations
The Enforcement Division of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has 50 local weights and measures verification offices located in the various states throughout Malaysia. These offices are responsible for the inspection , verification and stamping of weights, measures and measuring instruments for trade use.
3.5 Instrument calibration and evaluation systems
A system of metrological control of measuring instruments for trade use is regulated under the Weights and Measures Act 1972. The control is effected through the requirement for pattern approval of new instruments by the Custodian of Weights and Measures and the verification and reverification of weights, measures and measuring instruments by the Inspectors of Weights and Measures. The reverification period is once in 12 months.
4. Range of Equipment Subject to Legal Metrology
The following list of measuring instruments for use for trade comes under the enforcement of the Weights and Measures Act 1972:
- 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. The responsibilities for inspection, verification and testing of such instruments are however delegated to different enforcement authorities under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
- 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. The responsibilities for inspection, verification and testing of such instruments are however delegated to different enforcement authorities under the Weights and Measures Act 1972.
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 measuring instruments shall conform to the pattern and specifications prescribed by Order published in the gazette under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 by the Custodian of Weights and Measures. However, where such pattern and specifications have not been prescribed OIML recommendations and guidelines are generally adopted and applied taking into consideration the local conditions.
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
The National Metrology Laboratory in SIRIM Berhad is responsible for issuing type approval by virtue of the appointment of SIRIM Berhad 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 Metrology 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.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
- 6,000 kg deadweight force calibration standard, accuracy 0.005%,
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing facilities,
- Temperature and humidity testing chambers, 5- 95 C, 10-90% RH.
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 measuring instruments shall conform to the pattern and specifications prescribed by Order published in the gazette under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 by the Custodian of Weights and Measures. However, where such pattern and specifications have not been prescribed OIML recommendations and guidelines are generally adopted and applied taking into consideration the local conditions.
5.2 Authority responsible for issuing type approval
The National Metrology Laboratory in SIRIM Berhad is responsible for issuing type approval by virtue of the appointment of SIRIM Berhad 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 Metrology 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.
5.5 List of major test facilities available
- 6,000 kg deadweight force calibration standard, accuracy 0.005%,
- Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing facilities,
- Temperature and humidity testing chambers, 5- 95 C, 10-90% RH.
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
The 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 year.
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 WMA 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 Breathalyser
- Vehicle Tinted Glass Tester
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 WMA 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 Breathalyser
- Vehicle Tinted Glass Tester
6.3 Fee structure
Fees charged are based on a cost recovery basis.
7. Accrediation and Certification Systems
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 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 (DSM). The DSM 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).
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 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 (DSM). The DSM 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 560 Inspectors of Weights and Measures in 50 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 and Consumer Affairs for the Inspectors of Weights and Measures with resource persons from the National Metrology Laboratory invited to conduct the technical training. Courses organized in the past cover 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 or any regulations made thereunder.
There are at present 560 Inspectors of Weights and Measures in 50 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 and Consumer Affairs for the Inspectors of Weights and Measures with resource persons from the National Metrology Laboratory invited to conduct the technical training. Courses organized in the past cover 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 or any regulations made thereunder.
9. Packaging
9.1 Legislative control for packaging
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is looking into the inclusion of a provision under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 to regulate pre-packed goods. Until this amendment is effected the Ministry is relying on the Trade Description Act to control packaging of goods through the declaration of the content of the goods by weight or volume, the false declaration of which leads to a commission of an offence.
9.2 Organization responsible
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is responsible for the control of prepacked goods.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is looking into the inclusion of a provision under the Weights and Measures Act 1972 to regulate pre-packed goods. Until this amendment is effected the Ministry is relying on the Trade Description Act to control packaging of goods through the declaration of the content of the goods by weight or volume, the false declaration of which leads to a commission of an offence.
9.2 Organization responsible
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is responsible for the control of prepacked 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.
