By DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, April 22: Sarawak and Sabah have formalised a strategic collaboration to mutually recognise safety labels for electrical and gas appliances, allowing certified products to move freely between the two states and reducing regulatory hurdles for importers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
The initiative was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Sarawak Ministry of Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) and the Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS), was witnessed by Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) in Kota Kinabalu today.
Sarawak Minister for Utility and Telecommunication, Dato Sri Julaihi Narawi, said the MoU enables appliances bearing recognised safety certifications — such as those issued by SIRIM — to be accepted in both states.
“We have agreed that electrical and gas appliances with labels from SIRIM or other recognised bodies will be accepted in Sabah and Sarawak. This agreement facilitates a ‘free flow’ for the recognition of such equipment,” he told reporters after the ceremony, according to a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) news report.
Also present were Deputy Minister for Utility (Sarawak Energy and Petros) Dato Ibrahim Baki, Sarawak Gas Distribution director Kasvenda Kassim, and senior officials from both agencies.
The MoU document exchange was carried out between ECoS chief executive officer Datuk Ir Abdul Nasser Abdul Wahid, representing Sabah, and MUT Sarawak permanent secretary Datu Jafri Lias.
In his remarks, Abdul Nasser said the MoU marks a significant step toward harmonising regulatory frameworks between Sabah and Sarawak.
“This is a crucial move in establishing a mutually agreed regulatory system through this cooperation. Both states will now jointly recognise safety labels for electrical and gas appliances,” he said.
The proactive step is expected to benefit stakeholders in both states by ensuring consistent and jointly recognised safety standards. — DayakDaily
