MS ISO/IEC TR 10037 : 1995

MALAYSIAN
STANDARD
MS 982 : 1985
ICS : 13.320
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

SPECIFICATION FOR
FIRE SAFETY SIGNS, NOTICES
AND GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

STANDARDS & INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

© Copyright
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

©
without the prior permission in writing of SIRIM
SIRIM. No part of this publication may be photocopied or otherwise reproduced
 MS 982:1985

CONTENTS
Page

Committee representation 3
Foreword 4

1 Scope 5
2 Definitions 5
3 Classification of fire safety signs 5
4 Standard wording 6
5 Standard shapes 6
6 Standard colours 9
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

7 Standard safety symbols 10

8 Standard lettering layout and sizes 10

Figures
1 Examples of fire safety signs illustrating the standard shape and colours
pattern for each class 14
2 Examples of circular and triangular signs when the wording is too lengthy to fit inside
the shape 14
3 Example of a sign where the standard symbol is used alone or in conjunction with
the standard wording 15
4 The standard arrow 15

Tables
1 Warning signs 6
2 Obligation signs 7
3 Prohibition signs 8
4 Fire equipment signs 8
5 Emergency signs (concerning escape routes) 9
6 Symbols for fire safety signs 11
7 Contrast colours 12
8 Letter height for exit and directional signs 12
9 Directional signs 13

Appendix A Recommendations for choice of materials, fixing and use 13

2
 MS 982 : 1985

Committee representation

The Mechanicai Engineering Industry Standards Committee under whose supervision this Malaysian Standard was prepared. comprises
representatives from the following Government Ministries, trade, commerce and manufacturer associations and scientific and professional bodies.

Association of Consulting Engineers (Malaysia)

Federation of Malaysian Manufacturers

Institution of Engineers. Malaysia

Malaysian Motor Vehicle Assemblers Association

Ministry of Defence

Ministry of Labour and Manpower (Factories and Machinery Department)

Ministry of Trade and Industry (Malaysian industrial Development Authority)

Ministry of works and Utilities (Public Works Department)

National Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia

University of Malaya
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

The Technical Committee on Fire Prevention. Protection and Equipment which prepared this Malaysian Standard consists of the following
representatives:

Encik M. Chelliah (Chairman) Ministry of Housing and Locaf Government

)Fire Service Department)

Encik Zainal Abidin bin Muhammad/ General Insurance Association of Malaysia

Encik Cheng Eng Kit

Encik Ng Lam Shen Association of Consulting Engineers

Encik Jon Song/ Master Builders Association

Encik Ooi BengSiew

Encik Lam Kow Chit Public Works Department

Dr. Tso Chih Ping University of Malaya

Encik Ahmad Fauzi H&,san Factories and Machinery Department

Encik Henry Lee Inn Seong/ Malaysian Institute of Architects

Encik Loh Aik Eng
Encik P. Sivakumaran Malaysian Industrial Safety Association

Mejar Udara Abdul wahab bin Mohd Ibrahim M~nistryof Defence

Encik K. Sivagnanarn (Secretary) Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia

(up to 16 May. 1984)
Encik Ng Chon Kiong (Secretary)
(from 18 December. 1984)

3
 MS 982: 1985

FOREWORD

This Ma)aysian Standard was prepared by the Technical Committee on Fire Prevention. Protection arid Equipment

under the authority of the Mechanica) Engineering Industry Standards Committee. This standard attempts to

standardize on fire safety sgns for purposes of familiarization by everyone so that in the event of fire, the risk to
persons from fire would be considerably reduced. This standard does not seek to stipulatewhen fire safety signs are

required but only which signs to adoptwhen a requirement has been established. It specifies the shapes. the co)our

patterns, the lettering and format for the signs, and notices which may be necessary, bearing in mind the need for

legibility in what might be conditions of stress.

The emphasis of the standard is more on symbols rather than words as It ~5 felt that the meanings conveyed by
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

symbols can better surmount language barrIers. Other advantages are that symbols make quicker impact and

occupy less space than wordings. Due care was taken to see that the adoption of graphic symbols was in alignment

with universal or internationa) acceptance.,

In the preparation ofthisstandard referencewas madeto BS 5499: Part 1: 1978, ‘Specificationforfiresafetvsigns’.

4
 MS 982 : 1985

SPECIFICATION FOR FIRE SAFETY SIGNS, NOTICES

AND GRAPHIC SYMBOLS

1. SCOPE
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

This standard specifies safety colours and safety signs with regard to fire. It specifies the characteristics of signs that
are displayed to give information concerning fire precautions and means of escape in case of fire.

2. DEFINITIONS

For the purpose of this Ma)aysian Standard the following definitions shall apply.

2.1 Letter height. The height (nominal) of the lower case letter x, except where the standard wording is a)) in
capitals, when it is the height of the capital letters.

2.2 Safety colours. A colour of specified properties to which a safety meaning is attributed.

2.3 Safety symbol. A graphic symbol used in a safety sign.

2.4 Safety sign. Asign that gives a particular safety message. obtained from a combination of geometric form and
a safety colour together with a safety symbol or text (i.e. words, letter, numbers) or both.

2.5 Supplementary sign. A sign with a text only, for use where necessary in conjunction with a safety sign.

3. CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE SAFETY SIGNS

Fire safety signs are in five classes and each class has its own purpose, geometric shape and colour pattern as
follows. These are illustrated in figs. 1(a) to (e).

3.1 Warning signs. Signs that give warning of potential risks. The shapeshal) betriangular,thewording shall be in
black and the background shall be yellow with a black triangular band. The yellow shall cover at least 50% of the area
of the triangle. A yellow border at the edges of each colour pattern is optional.

3.2 Obligation signs. Signs that require actions or activities which will contribute to safety. The shape shall be
circular, the wording shall be in white and the background shall be blue.The blue shall cover at least 50% of the area
of the circle. A white border at the edges of each colour pattern is optional.

6
 MS 982: 1985

3.3 Prohibition signs. Signs that debar actions or activities which would be detrimental to safety. The shape shall
be circular, the symbol shall be in black and the background shall be white with a circular band in red and with an
oblique crossbar in red. The red shall cover at least 35% of the area of the circle. A white border atthe edges ofeach
colour pattern is optional.

3.4 Fire equipment signs. Signs that indicate the location of fire-fighting equipment and how it should be used.
The shape shall be rectangular, the wording shall be in white and the background shall be red. A white border at the
edges of each colour pattern is optional.

3.5 Emergency signs (concerning escape routes). Signs that indicate escape routes in the event of fire or other
emergency. The shape shall be rectangular, the wording shall be in white and the background shall be green. The
background colour shall cover at least 50% of the area of the sign.Awhite border at the edges of each colour pattern
is optional.
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

4. STANDARD WORDING

The wording of some fire safety signs has been standardized and these are listed as follows.

Warning signs in table 1.

Obligation signs in table 2.

Prohibition signs in table 3.

Fire equipment signs in table 4.

Emergency signs (concerning escape routes) in table 5.

Table 1. Warning signs

Meaning Standard wording Minimum letter height

1. Nearby material is a fire risk Bahan mudah terbakar 15 mm

2. Nearby material is liable to explode Bahan Ietupan 15 mm

3. This apparent exit has not outlet for escape Tiada jalan keluar 10 mm

4. This lift should not be used in the event of fire Awas. Jangan gunakan 10 mm
hf jika ada kebakaran

5. STANDARD SHAPES

The three geometric shapes (triangle, circle and rectangle) to be used for fire safety signs are shown in the
illustration of examples from each ofthefive classes in figs. 1(a) to (e). Thetriangle for warning signs is equilateral.
the width of the black triangular band being 0.06 times the length of the side. The cross bar is prohibition signs
crosses the centre at an angle of 45°to the vertical. The triangular and circular standard shapes may, if desired, be
super-imposed on a sign plate or label that is rectangular or square (see also 8.4).

6
 MS 982: 1985

Table 2. Obligation signs

Usage Standard wording Minimum letter height

1. To be used on a fire-resisting door which is not self- Ditutup mengunci 10mm

closing to ensure that it is kept locked shut when not
in use. Also used on a door which gives access to a
space that shall not be utilized for storage because
this could be a fire risk

2. To be used on a fire-resisting door which mught be Pintu rintangan api 10 mm

propped open. The sign is intended to ensure that it hendaklah ditutup
is kept shut when not in use
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

3. To be used on a fire-resisting door or shutter which Tutupkan pintu-pintu 10 mm

is held open during daylight (working) hours by a in waktu malam
device which will automatically release it in the event
of fire

4. To be used on an external door which, because it Pintu mi hendaklah dibuka 10 mm

open inwards, is required to be held open for the semasa bangunan in)
time it might be needed for the building occupants to digunakan
to escape from fire

5. To be used on an external door that may be locked Mangga dan rantai 10 mm

for security purposes but which is required to be hendaklah dialeh dan
unlocked for the time it might he needed for the pintu semasa bangunan mi
building occupants to escape from fire digunakan

6. To be used on a gangway that is an escape route Lorong dibersihkan dan 20 mm to 50 mm

and which might be obstructed halangan depending on distance

7. To be used on the outside of a door that is required Bersih dan halangan 20 mm to 100 mm
to be left clear of obstruction because it is a fire exit Pinto keluar bagi jalan depending on distance
kecem asa n

8. The title for instruction in the event of fire or a fire Tindakan kebakaran 20mm
warning

9. Instruction to warn that escape staircase does not Tiada jalan keluar ke 20 mm to 50 mm
provide refuge at roof level bumbong depending on distance

10. To be used on building door leading to a fire escape Tangga kecemasan 20 mm

staircase kebakaran

7
 MS 982: 1985

Table 3. Prohibition signs

Meaning Standard wording Minimum letter height

1. Classified as secur ity area, and to prevent tempering Dilarang masuk tanpa 15 mm
of emergency syst ems pertaining to life and fire and urusan
therefore prohibited to unauthorized persons

Table 4. Fire equipment signs

Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

Usage Standard wording Minimum letter height

1. To label the applia nce where its presence or function Pengetra kebakaran 10 mm
is not obvious
Alat pemadam api 15 mm

Salur bantu mula 15 mm

2. To label a fire-fighting facility to make its presence Injap masuk bueh 15 mm

obviOus
. Pancur kening 15 mm

Pancur basah 15 mm

Suis bomb 15 mm

Pusat pengetra kebakaran 10 mm

3. To label the valve on a water system that controls Buka injap mi jika ada 10 mm
the meter by-pass kebakaran

4. To label the valve that controls the water supply to a Buka injap sebelum 10 mm
fine hose reel mengeluarkan hos

5. To label the valve on sprinkler system Injap pengawas sistem 15 mm

penyembur air

6. To label alarm gong Gong pengetra 15 mm

7. To label sprinkler isolation valve Injap pengasing sistem 15 mm

penyembur air

8. To label fire controI room Bilik kawalan api 50 mm

8
 MS 982: 1985

Table 5. Emergency signs (concerning escape routes)

Meaning Standard wording Minimum letter height

1. A way out of a building that shall be available Pintu kecemasan See 8.8
in the event of an emergency kebakaran

2. to reach a door latch that is under a glass cover Jika ada kebakaran pecahkan 10 mm
pecahkan kaca untuk
buka ansel

3. To open
.
a door held closed by a glass bolt Jika ada kebakaran 10 mm
pecahkan kaca untuk
membuka pintu

4. To obtain a door key that is kept in a glazed box Jika ada kebakaran 10 mm
alongside the door pecahkan kaca untuk
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

mengambil kunci

5. A switch that will turn on the lights on an escape Suis lampu jalan 10 mm
route kecemasan

6. To open from the underside of an escape hatch that Tolak untuk membuka 15 mm
gives on to an upward escape route

7. To open a door held closed by panic bolts or panic’ Tolak palang untuk 50 mm
latches membuka

8. To open a sliding door Tolak kin (kanan) 40 mm

untuk membuka

6. STANDARD COLOURS

The safety colours to be used for fire safety signs shall comply with BS 5252 namely:

Colour BS 5252* reference

Red 04E53

Yellow 08E53**
10E51
10E55

Green 14E53”

Blue 18045
20044
20D45
18E53~
20E53
20E56

BS 5252. ‘Framework for colour co-ordination for building purposes’

indicates preferred colour.

9
 MS 982: 1985

7. STANDARD SAFETY SYMBOLS

7.1 Where the meaning of afire safetysign can be conveyed by a safetysymbol, then the safetysymbol maybe used
along or in conjunction with the standard wording. The safety symbol shall be in the same colour as the wording
specified in clause 3. In prohibition signs the crossbar shall not be obliterated.

7.2 The symbols for fire safety signs are listed in table 6 and examples of signs in which a symbol is used are shown
in fig. 1(c) and fig. 3.

7.3 Unless the escape sign (see table 6) marks an actual emergency exit, fire exitorexit. itshall be accompanied by
an arrow (see A6).

8. STANDARD LETTERING LAYOUT AND SIZES

Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

8.1 The only alphabet that shall be used is Helvetica medium and it shall be used only in letter heights (see 2.2) of
10 mm. 15mm, 20mm, 40 mm. 50mm. 100 mm and 125 mm.

8.2 The preferred sizes for the overall height of the sign are 20 mm. 40 mm. 70 mm, 100 mm, 150 mm. 300 mm,
600mm and 1220 mm.

8.3 Where there are two or more lines of lettering they shall be ranged left if the signs rectangular and centralized
if it is circular or triangular (see fig. 1).

8.4 Where the wording is too lengthy to fit inside the shape of a circular or triangular sign (for example the
tnstructions is event of fire) the sign maybe rectangularwith the lettering in blackandthe background wl-itewlth the
appropriately coloured circle or triangle included. The overall height of the circle or triari~leshall be not less than
20 mm [see fig. 2(a)}. Alternatively the lettering may be superimposed on a local background that corresponds to
the standard safety colour. If this option 5 adopted. the wording shall be in the relevant contrasting colour [see
table 7 and fi~.2(b)1.

8.5 Where standard symbols on signs are to be used in conjunctionwithstandardwording. thewordingshall be

kept separate from the symbol [see figs. 3(b) and (c)]. In such cases the requirements of 8.4 may be adopted.

8.6 The margins of a rectangular sign shall be a minimum of half the letter height at the beginning and end of the
longest line of wording.

8.7 Exit signs (see table 5. item 1 and the sign specified in table 2, item 8) shall all be in capital letters. In all other
signs the initial letter of a sentence or of a pr.~pernoun shall be a capital letter, the remainder of the lettering being
lower case.

8.8 The letter height for standard wording shall be as specified in tables ito 5 except for the exit and directIonal
signs which shall be 1 00 mm or 1 25 mm in places of public assembly and elsewhere depending upon the distance
from which the sign will be read as specified in table 8.

10
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited
 MS 982: 1985

Table 7. Contrast colours

Safety colour Contrast colour

Red White

Yellow Black

Green White

Blue White
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

Table 8. Letter height for exit and directional signs

Viewing distance Letter height

m mm

Uptol5 50
Over 15 and up to 25 75
Over 25 and up to 40 100
Over40andupto5O 125

12
 MS 982: 1985

Appendix A

Recommendations for choice of materials, fixing and use

Al. Fire safety signs should be manufactured of materials that are not easily defaced or damaged.

A2. Fire safety signs should be securely fixed in position.

A3. Signs that are not fire equipment or escape signs, e.g. ‘No entry’, ‘To roof only’, ‘To balcony only’, should not
have the same colour patterns as fire safety signs unless provided for in MS

A4. In situations requiring the provision of escape lighting this should be by reference to BS 5266 : Pt. i.’Code of
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

practice for the emergency lighting of premises other than linen as and certain other specified premises used for
entertainment’.

A5. When the fire equipment and exit signs cannot be seen because of distance or obstruction, consideration
should be given to repeating the sign at intermediate points with an arrow to indicate the direction to be taken, as
shown in table 9.

A6. The arrow to be used in directional signs is illustrated in fig. 4 and can be added to any fire equipment or
escape sign (see tables 4 and 5) to convey the directional meanings shown in table 9. The arrow shall be white.

Table 9. Directional signs

Directional meaning Sign

Straight on from here

Left from here .

1=~~==—D

Right from here >

Up and left from here

Up and right from here

Down and left from here

Down and right from here

NOTE. The arrows are displaced to the right or left to indicate their positioning in relation to the appropriate wording.

MS )Under preparation)

13
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited
 TANDA-TANDA STANDARD SIRIM
Tanda-tanda Standard SIRIM seperti yang tertera di bawah adalah tanda-tanda pengesahan
dagangan berdaftar. Tanda-tanda ini hanya boleh digunakan oleh mereka yang dilesenkan
di bawah skim tanda pengesahan yang dijalankan oleh SIRIM mengikut nombor Standard
Malaysia yang berkaitan. Kewujudan tanda-tanda ini pada atau berkaitan dengan sesuatu
barangan adalah sebagai jaminan bahawa barangabn tersebut telah dikeluarkan melalui
satu sistem penyeliaan, kawalan dan ujian, yang dijalankan semasa pengeluaran. Ini
termasuk pemeriksaan berkala kerja-kerja pengeluaran menurut skim tanda pengesahan
SIRIM yang dibentuk untuk menentukan bahawa barangan tersebut menepati Standard
Malaysia.

Keterangan-keterangan lanjut mengenai syarat-syarat lesen boleh didapati dari:

Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

Ketua Pengarah
Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia
Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Seksyen 2, Peti Surat 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan

SIRIM STANDARD MARKS

The SIRIM standard marks shown above are registered certification trade marks. They may
be used only by those licensed under the certification marking scheme operated by SIRIM
and in conjunction with relevant Malaysian Standard number. The presence of these Marks
on or relation to a product is assurance that the goods have been produced under a system
of supervision, control and testing, operated during production, and including periodical
inspection of the producer’s works in accordance with the certification marking scheme of
SIRIM designed to ensure compliance with a Malaysian Standard.

Further particulars of the terms of license may be obtained from:

Director-General
Standards and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia
Persiaran Dato’ Menteri, Section 2. P.O.Box 7035
40911 Shah Alam
Selangor Darul Ehsan

3
 INSTITUT STANDARD DAN PENYELIDIKAN PERINDUSTRIAN MALAYSIA
Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan Perindustrian Malaysia (SIRIM) telah ditubuhkan hasil dan cantuman Institut
Piawaian Malaysia (SIM) dengan Institut Negara bagi Penyelidikan Sains dan Perusahaan (NISIR) di bawah
Undang-Undang Malaysia Akta 157 pada l6hb. September 1975:Akta Institut Standard dan Penyelidikan
Perindustrian Malaysia (Perbadanan) 1975. Institut mi diletakhak dengan kuasa untuk memamju dan
menjalankan penyelidikan perindustrian dan untuk menyedia dan memajukan standard-standard bagi barangan-
barangan, proses-proses, amalan-amalan dan perkhidmatan-perkhidmatan; dan bagi mengadakan peruntukan
bagi perkara-perkara yang bersampingan atau berkaitan dengan maksud-maksud itu.

Satu daripada tugas-tugas Institut mi adalah menyediakan Standard-Standard Malaysia dalam bentuk
penentuan-penentuan bagi bahan-bahan, keluaran-keluaran, kaedah-kaedah ujian, kod-kod amalan yang
sempurna dan selamat, sistem penamaan dan lain-lain. Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan oleh
jawatankuasa-jawatankuasa perwakilan yang menyelaras keupayaan pengilang dan kecekapan pengeluaran
dengan kehendak-kehendak yang munasabah dan pengguna. Ia menuju ke arah mencapai kesesuaian bagi
maksud, memudahkan pengeluaran dan pengedaran, kebolehsalingtukaran gantian dan pelbagai pilihan yang
mencukupi tanpa pembaziran.
Licensed to AKITEK AKIPRIMA SDN BHD / Downloaded on : 24-Aug-2016 12:12:02 PM / Single user license only, copying and networking prohibited

Standard-Standard Malaysia disediakan hanya setelah penyiasatan yang lengkap menujukkan bahawa sesuatu
projek itu disahkan sebagai yang dikehendaki dan berpadanan dengan usaha yang terlibat. Hasil ml berasaskan
persetujuan sukarela dan memberi pertimbangan kepada kepentingan pengeluar dan pengguna. Standard-
Standard Malaysia adalah sukarela kecuali is dimestikan oleh badan-badan berkuasa melalui peraturan-
peraturan, undang-undang persekutuan dan tempatan atau cara-cara lain yang sepertinya.

Institut mi beroperasi semata-mata berasaskan tanpa keuntungan. Ia adalah satu badan yang menerima bantuan
kewangan dan Kerajaan, kumpulan wang dan bayaran keahlian, hasil dan jualan Standard-Standard dan
terbitan-terbitan lain, bayaran-bayaran ujian dan bayaran-bayaran lesen untuk mengguna Tanda Pengesahan
SIRIM dan kegiatan-kegiatan lain yang berhubung dengan Penstandardan, Penyelidikan Perindustrian dan
Khidmat Perunding.

STANDARDS AND INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF MALAYSIA

The Standard and Industrial research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM) is established with the merger of the
Standards Institution of Malaysia (SIM) and the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR)
under the Laws of Malaysia Act 157 on ~ September 1975: Standards and Industrial Research Institute of
Malaysia ~(Incorporation) Act 1975. The Institute is vested with the power to provide for the promotion and
undertaking of industrial research and for the preparation and promotion of standards for commodities,
processes, practices and services; and to provide for matters incidental to or connected with those purposes.

One Of the functions of the Institute is to prepare Malaysian Standards in the form of specifications for materials
and products, methods of testing, codes of sound and safe practice, nomenclature, etc. Malaysian Standards are
prepared by representative committees which co-ordinate manufacturing capacity and production efficiency with
the user’s reasonable needs. They seek to achieve fitness for purpose, simplified production and distribution
replacement interchangeability, and adequate variety of choice without wasteful diversify.

Malaysian Standards are prepared only after a full enquiry has shown that the project is endorsed as a desirable
one and worth the effort involved. The work is based on voluntary agreement, and recognition of the community
of interest of producer and consumer. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so far as they are
made mandatory by statutory authorities by means of regulations, federal and local by-laws or any other similar
ways.

The Institute operates entirely on a non-profits basis. It is a grant aided body receiving financial aid from the
Government, funds from membership subscriptions and proceeds from sales of Standards and other
publications, fees and licence fees for the use of SIRIM Certification Mark and other activities associated with
Standardization, Industrial Research and Consultancy Services.