ISOstandards tospurdevelopment
COMPANIES are encouraged to comply with international and national management system standards whenever feasible to spur sustainable development. SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd Management System Certification Department senior general manager Nor‘afiza Saim said it is vital for organisations to comply and be certified with these standards to spur business growth.
She added that certification not only allows organisations to show evidence that they are complying but also ensure the management systems are maintained effectively.
SIRIM is the largest certification body in Malaysia that provides certification services to organisations worldwide. It also has partners in 34 countries worldwide, making its certification internationally recognised.
She said the partnership will enable SIRIM to utilise over 22,000 auditors globally to facilitate its certification services.
“We offer a wide range of management system certifications, including Anti-Bribery Management System, Occupational Health and Safety Management System, Environmental Management System and Quality ManageZARINA ment System,“she said.
Nor‘afiza pointed out that the current management system standards developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) are risk-based and self-regulated.
She said risk is something that has the potential to occur and it has to be managed effectively to prevent undesirable events.
“Prevention is better than cure. The ISO management system standard, which is a preventive approach, can avoid reputational damage and unnecessary waste of time and money,“she said.
To date, ISO has published over 22,000 standards to be used as a guide and framework for government, industries and consumers to contribute to the achievement of United Nation Sus- tainable Development Goals.
“For example, the Sustainable Development Goal Number 1 is No Poverty. The Anti-bribery management system standard (ISO 37001) supports business and governments to combat bribery and build a cluture of business integrity.
“By inculcating a high-integrity culture, it helps reduce the wealth gaps that are a major cause of poverty,“she said.
“SIRIM assists government agencies and private businesses to determine the right standards to be implemented, which are relevant to their business activities. With this, the certification would add value to their business,“she said.
She said these standards were not only applicable to large organisations but small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) also can comply with these standards and get certified easily.
“Therefore, SMEs should leverage these certifications to be on par with international players,“she said, adding that this would boost the country‘s economy, while promoting sustainable development.
Organisations can easily apply for certification via the SIRIM website: www. sirim-qas.com.my or by contacting its customerservice at +603-5544 6400 or alternatively applications can be sent via e-mail to cserviceqas@sirim.my.