KUALA LUMPUR, The Chemical Productivity Nexus (CPN) plans to enhance the accessibility and affordability of the Dangerous Goods Safety Advisor (DGSA) Certification programme by embarking on an initiative to empower local micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Malaysia Productivity Corporation (MPC) director general Zahid Ismail said only multinational corporations have been able to send their personnel overseas for DGSA training, leaving MSMEs at a disadvantage. 'By training and certifying local Malaysians as DGSAs, we are not only improving industry safety standards but also enhancing operational efficiency and productivity,' he said in a statement today. He said the DGSA Certification programme aligns with Malaysia's commitment to the ASEAN Economic Community strategy and its national upskilling aspirations under the 12th Malaysia Plan. 'Making the DGSA training more accessible and affordable is a significant step towards creating a safer, more efficient, and sustainable industry landscape, whic h will ultimately drive productivity and competitiveness,' he said. Zahid said the DGSA Certification programme is critical for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods. According to him, CPN's initiative is a testament to its commitment to the growth, development, and productivity of the chemical industry in Malaysia, aligning with the nation's broader economic and sustainability objectives. The ASEAN Framework Agreement on the Facilitation of Goods in Transit (AFAFGIT), Protocol 9, mandates the presence of DGSAs within chemical and dangerous goods processes to ensure compliance with safety protocols and optimise handling processes. However, MPC said, the operationalisation of this requirement has been lacking, creating a gap that this initiative aims to address. Source: BERNAMA News Agency