Penang: SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of SIRIM Bhd, today powered up Malaysia’s high-tech ambitions with the launch of its new Radio Frequency (RF) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Testing Laboratory at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC) in Bayan Lepas here.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the first of its kind in northern Malaysia, the lab is set to benefit industries within the Free Industrial Zones (FIZ) and surrounding areas by offering accessible, efficient and cost-effective testing services across various sectors including electrical and electronics (E and E), semiconductors, microelectronics, automotive, medical devices, telecommunications, consumer electronics, Internet of Things (IoT), and industrial automation.
SIRIM Bhd president and group chief executive officer (CEO) Datuk Ahmad Sabirin Arshad said the lab would not only enhance the competitiveness of local industries but also serve as a training ground for students, aligning with the government’s push for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He highlighted the collaboration with local partners and the strategic partnership with PSDC in Penang, which aims to foster more activities related to semiconductors and the E and E sector.
The facility was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) Liew Chin Tong. Also present was SIRIM QAS International CEO Md Adha Rahmat. Ahmad Sabirin noted that before the lab’s opening, manufacturers in the northern region had to send their products to SIRIM’s facilities in Shah Alam for RF and EMC testing. The new facility is expected to reduce both time and operational costs, enhancing local companies’ readiness to compete in global export markets.
He emphasized that the initiative aligns with MITI’s efforts to strengthen industrial growth and position Malaysia as a regional E and E hub. The facility, featuring a 10-metre semi-anechoic chamber and a three-metre anechoic chamber, offers advanced capabilities for comprehensive compliance testing, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility, safety, and regulatory conformity. Fully aligned with CE, FCC, RED, and ISO standards, the lab reduces reliance on overseas testing facilities and helps shorten time-to-market for Malaysian-made products.