KUCHING: Sarawak companies are being encouraged to leverage standards and certification to access larger markets and higher-value opportunities, particularly in the energy sector.
Minister of Utility and Telecommunication Datuk Seri Julaihi Narawi said standards and certification provide companies with a recognised basis to demonstrate quality, reliability and compliance to customers and business partners.
He said this is increasingly important as Sarawak’s industries expanded and became more integrated with regional and global supply chains.
“For the Sarawak government, the priority is not only to create new industrial opportunities, but to ensure that our local companies are equipped to participate in them with the systems, skills and technical capabilities needed to meet market requirements,” he said.
His text speech was read by Deputy Minister of Utility (Sarawak Energy Berhad and PETROS) Datuk Ibrahim Baki during the SIRIM Update and Networking Session 2026 here today (Sept 1).
Julaihi said there is considerable potential for greater participation by local companies in domestic and global supply chains, but this would require continued focus on technical capability, quality management and the ability to meet the requirements of major customers.
“Going forward, we want to see more Sarawak companies use standards and certification as a means of accessing larger markets and higher-value opportunities, particularly within the energy sector,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the Ministry, SIRIM and industry in strengthening the capabilities of local companies as they move into more demanding markets and supply chains.
Julaihi said the operating environment would continue to evolve with changes in technology, sustainability requirements and customer expectations, requiring industries to be prepared to respond.
He also congratulated recipients of the ISO 29001 Quality Management Systems for Petroleum, Petrochemical and Natural Gas Industries certificates, as well as certificates under SIRIM’s Product Certification Scheme.
Meanwhile, SIRIM Berhad President and Group Chief Executive Officer Nik Sazali Nik Hussin said this year marked the 35th anniversary of SIRIM’s presence in Sarawak.
He said SIRIM had initiated a new management system certification programme last year, known as ISO 29001, specifically covering companies involved in the petroleum, petrochemical and gas industries.
“Today we are honoured to present our certificate of accreditation to 10 companies which are part of the MUT supply chain ecosystem,” he said.
Nik Sazali also highlighted SIRIM’s collaboration with Sarawak Biodiversity Corporation following the recent signing of a memorandum of collaboration involving research and development (R&D).
He said joint R&D could be another area explored with industrial partners in Sarawak, alongside testing, inspection and certification.
“We have four research centres and SIRIM is one of the recognised bodies as a research institute where any initiative is meant for R&D,” he said.
