By Ashley Sim
KUCHING, Nov 8: The Sarawak government, in collaboration with Sirim Berhad, has established a new domestic gas cooker testing laboratory at the Sirim Sarawak Complex in Demak, here, in order to assist the State government in promoting the development of the gas industry, particularly in terms of consumer safety.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg revealed this today at the Domestic Gas Lab and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) document exchange ceremony held at a local hotel.
His speech text was read out by Minister for Utility and Telecommunication (MUT) Sarawak Datuk Julaihi Narawi, who represented Abang Johari at the ceremony.
“I hope that this effort and cooperation between the Sarawak government and Sirim Berhad will be strengthened, particularly with regard to the introduction of a new programme that is in line with the needs and agenda of the Sarawak government,” Abang Johari stated.
He also noted that MUT Sarawak and Sirim have assisted the local industry in Sarawak in conducting conformity assessment, which is the testing of consumer electrical appliances.
“The new domestic gas cooker testing laboratory at the Sirim Sarawak Complex in Demak demonstrates how seriously the Sarawak government takes the safety of domestic gas cooker equipment in Sarawak,” Abang Johari said.
In addition, he urged State industry players, particularly importers of domestic gas cooker products, to ensure that their products are tested as the tests can now be carried out in Kuching without the items requiring to be sent to Peninsular Malaysia.
Meanwhile, Sirim Group and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Indera Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad disclosed that the launch of the domestic gas cooker testing laboratory is in accordance with the Gas Supply Act and Regulation 2017, which mandates that all domestic gas appliances which use liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) must be labelled with the ‘Sirim’ label prior to being marketed.
Damaged or improperly installed gas appliances can result in fires, gas leaks, and even explosions, he emphasised.
“As the regulatory body responsible for testing domestic gas cookers, SIRIM plays a crucial role in ensuring that all domestic gas cookers on the market are safe and consumers’ safety is guaranteed.
“In order to ensure their safety, it is crucial that all gas appliances marketed in this country undergo testing,” Ahmad Sabirin remarked.
The launching of the Sirim Sarawak domestic gas cooker testing laboratory marks the end of a journey that began on July 14, 2020, when MUT Sarawak appointed Sirim Sarawak as the State’s regulatory body in charge of domestic gas cooker testing.
The laboratory was then built and finished in August this year.
Furthermore, Sirim and Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) have signed an MOU to develop entrepreneurs under the auspices of SEDC, as well as provide a platform for training and consultation.
The MOU also facilitates certification for product services and human resource development.
The MOU was signed by Ahmad Sabirin and SEDC general manager Datu Abdul Hadi Abdul Kadir. — DayakDaily
