KUALA LUMPUR (May 18): SIRIM Berhad, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SIRIM QAS International, launched a social accountability scheme named SIRIM 50 to help Malaysian-based companies with workplace safety and welfare.

The nation's leading technology and research company under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry said the scheme will help employers manage issues such as workforce needs and workers’ rights.

“The SIRIM 50 standard aims to enhance social accountability and operations of companies,” SIRIM wrote in a statement released on Wednesday (May 18) in conjunction with the launch ceremony held at Putrajaya.

“It was developed by SIRIM’s subsidiary, SIRIM STS Sdn Bhd, as the basis for the provision of training and consultancy services, as well as a guide for the auditing and inspection of employers based in Malaysia.”

The ceremony was officiated by SIRIM Berhad president and chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad with the Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers (FMM) vice president and chairman of human resource management committee Datuk Nathan K Suppiah and SIRIM QAS International CEO Nur Fadhilah Muhammad in attendance.

In the statement, SIRIM 50 is said to be consistent with international social standards such as SA 8000 and ISO 26000 and serves to advance the sustainability efforts of Malaysian companies in line with the Sustainable Development Goals 2030, namely Goal 8 of decent work and economic growth.

Ahmad Sabirin added that SIRIM 50 aligns with the group’s commitment to assist companies in Malaysia incorporate the principles of environmental, social and governance (ESG) into their business operations.

“ESG is pivotal to business today as it affects a company’s reputation and its relationship with stakeholders. Therefore, I strongly urge all companies to participate and implement the SIRIM 50 standard,” he said.