COMPRESS TEST: Manyin examines a piece of cement taken from the Marshall Testing Machine. The machine is used to test the strength of the cement cube. Looking on are (from right) Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman and Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
KUCHING: The ISO:17025 International Laboratory Management System Implementation was launched at the Public Works Department’s (PWD) Central Materials Laboratory (CML) here yesterday to enhance its lab testing technical competency towards achieving global standard.
Minister of Infrastructure Development and Communication Dato Sri Michael Manyin, at the launching ceremony, said that getting the accreditation was an important step for PWD’s transformation as ISO:17025 was one of the most stringent in terms of testing.
“Many agencies have been certified ISO:9001 but ISO:17025 is a bigger step forward. Plans to achieve the ISO:17025 is indeed timely because the PWD is going through a transformation, a new phase and structure that needs a better testing system.
“With the CML taking a positive step towards achieving the ISO accreditation, the PWD would be able to achieve its target of enhancing durability, quality while maintaining affordability,” Manyin said.
He added that the accreditation would ensure that all things done by PWD would be recognised by the court. This also meant that CML could become a witness in court to help increase public confidence in PWD and CML.
In his speech earlier, state PWD director Zuraimi Sabki said that upon certification, the CML would be the first materials laboratory in this region to offer such service to cater for the construction industry and academic research.
“This laboratory will be operated by highly competent and motivated workforce. Attainment of ISO:17025 accreditations is proof PWD’s commitment in ensuring quality services to all its stakeholders. This is a response to the State Civil Service policy in providing world class civil service,” he said.
The ISO:17025 is the equivalent of ISO:9000 for calibration and testing laboratories with emphasis on the concept of competency.
It applies to any organisations that want to assure their customers of precision, accuracy and repeatability of testing and calibration results to assure that it is at a premium.
Also present at the launch yesterday were Assistant Minister of Infrastructure Development Datuk Daud Abdul Rahman and Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin.