MIPR, SIRIM engage in ‘Quality & Standards'
By Azlan Othman

Director for Trade and Entrepreneurship Development, Awg Hj Rahman bin Hj Chuchu (seated 2L), and President and Executive Head of SIRIM Bhd, Dato Dr Mohd Ariffin (2R), at the contract signing ceremony. Photo: Hj Minor Absah

The food industry in the country has undergone overwhelming development in recent years, and it is pleasing to note the active involvement of the local entrepreneurs. This indicates positive development in supporting the mission of His Majesty's Government in implementing the economic diversification programme, led by the local "Bumiputera" entrepreneurs.

This was stated by the Director for Trade and Entrepreneurship Development, Awg Hj Rahman bin Hj Chuchu at a contract signing ceremony on a standards consultation project between the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources (MIPR) and Malaysia's SIRIM Bhd yesterday.

The contract is known as the "Engagement of Consultants for Enhancing the Quality and Standards Programme of Brunei and the Abilities of the Resource and Standards Centre to Act as a Quality and Accreditation Centre for Local Products". The signing took place at the Resource and Standards Centre in Sinaut in the Tutong District yesterday.

Various products, particularly in food sector, have been produced and have met the domestic demand. Although some have achieved quality levels equivalent to imported products, the majority is yet to meet the international standards and safety, the criteria to be satisfied in order to penetrate the international markets.

As an agency responsible for the development of SME's, the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources has taken a proactive role in equipping the food industry in the country to possess a firm foundation for the development and competitiveness in foreign markets.

In view of the fact that certification processes and quality standards incur high costs, thereby putting a burden on the local SME's, the Government of His Majesty has allocated over B$9 million in the 8th National Development Plan to implement a standards and accreditation programme for SME's.

Such allocation shows the continuous commitment of the Government in ensuring that the SME's could expand and compete economically, in line with the competitive global process.

Meanwhile, Dato Dr Mohd Ariffin, President and Executive Head of SIRIM Bhd said that the cooperation between SIRIM Bhd and the Resource and Standards Centre has bore fruit. In 2002, they organised a seminar on "Standardisation Appreciation and Quality Management Practice" as well as on the "Product Certification Programme".

Courtesy of Sunday Bulletin