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Malaysian Fumigation Certification Scheme (MAFAS)

Fumigation is a treatment method that is widely used in most countries in eliminating pests and diseases of crops. However, fumigation methods especially those using methyl bromide gas (CH3Br) are known to have a negative impact on the environment. Fumigation is still considered an appropriate method to deal with pests and diseases of crops. The Montreal protocol still allows the use of methyl bromide in fumigation activities, especially in pre-shipment and quarantine treatments.

Many countries require certain commodities to be smuggled before exporting. As proof and confirmation that the commodities have gone through the fumigation process, the importing countries require the fumigation company or the approval body of a country to issue a fumigation certificate confirming that the treatment has been carried out on the commodity.

Ineffective fumes will have a negative impact on export trade and the integrity of Malaysia's agricultural products is questioned internationally.

Malaysia is committed to addressing the issue of ineffective quarantine fumes for export purposes. To date, Malaysia has established a Fumigation Accreditation Scheme (known as the Scheme) for fumigation companies conducting fumigation treatment for export in ensuring that all fumigation requirements and conditions are met in line with the world-class standards outlined in the Australian Methyl Bromide Fumigation Standard (referred to as Standard) .
List of Certified Fueling Companies

Fumigation Company Accreditation Flow Chart Under the Malaysian Fumigation Certification Certificate Scheme
This article aims to explain the guidelines to be followed by fumigation companies in conducting quarantine fumigation for export commodities using methyl bromide gas under the Scheme
This article is limited to commercial treatment, under quarantine conditions with methyl bromide gas fumigation only. The types of trading are as follows:
  • General cargo; and
  • Log
Registration Protocol
To be accredited into the Scheme, a fumigation company must have a valid licensed fumigator. Companies with licensed fumigators will be registered with a unique ID number. Companies are also required to record the number in each treatment certificate that complies with the requirements of the Department of Agriculture.

The Department of Agriculture is the sole registrar of fumigation companies as well as licensed fumigators.

Accreditation will be given for two (2) years. Accumulated fumigators are required to apply for accreditation renewal within three (3) months before the expiry date. The Department of Agriculture will conduct an audit for the reforms based on the application.

If there are any changes involving a fumigation company and a licensed fumigator, it must be notified to the Department of Agriculture in writing. If the integrity of the fumigation treatment cannot be maintained, the Department of Agriculture reserves the right to revoke the accreditation
The fumigation company is responsible for:
  • Ensure fumigation in accordance with regulations, safety codes, licensing conditions and relevant laws;
  • Ensure fumigation according to standards;
  • Ensure that only accredited fumigators are allowed to smoke;
  • Ensure goods fitted with methyl bromide gas are appropriate and permissible;
  • Ensure fumigation is carried out in a closed container or airtight space;
  • Ensure licensed fumigators have the necessary knowledge; and
  • Assist and cooperate with the Department of Agriculture if there are any inquiries on procedures or trade subject to this Scheme.
The audit system as outlined below is designed to ensure the performance of licensed fumigation and fumigator companies in compliance with all Scheme rules and procedures contained in the Scheme.
The audit was conducted after the company underwent training and was assessed as competent to participate in the Scheme. These audits will continue until the companies and fumigators successfully prove that they are truly competent in complying with the requirements of the Scheme and Standards.
This audit was conducted by an officer of the Department of Agriculture within 12 months after the company was contacted and an appointment regarding the date and time of the audit was made.
Audit without notification or notice from the Department of Agriculture conducted every three (3) months.
This audit is conducted by the Department of Agriculture after a period of suspension is imposed on companies that fail to comply with the terms and conditions of the Scheme or Standard.

If during this audit the licensed company or fumigator fails to show that the terms and conditions of the Scheme and Standards are complied with, the suspension will continue and the company will need to write a show cause letter if it wants to remain in the Scheme.
Audit criteria are divided into three (3) levels of non-compliance, namely minor, major and critical. Critical non-compliance will result in suspension from the scheme. Major and minor, on the other hand, require the company to follow and comply with corrective measures and be audited.

The Department of Agriculture will notify the licensed fumigator and fumigator company in writing of any non-compliance and advise the company and fumigator until the Scheme and Standard rules are complied with. A notice of corrective measures to be taken will be issued to the company and the fumigator.

As a guide, the definition of non-compliance is as follows:
a) MINOR Non-compliance:
  • Violation of a proven procedure does not affect the fumigation carried out in reference to the Standard.
    (2 MINOR errors equals 1 MAJOR error)
b) MAJOR Non-compliance:
  • Violation of proven procedures will affect fumigation carried out subject to Standards and / or legislation.
    (2 MAJOR offenses equivalent to 1 CRITICAL error)
c) CRITICAL non-compliance:
  • Serious violations of procedures that occur when the terms and conditions of the Scheme, Standards and legislation are not complied with which will also thwart the fumigation carried out.
Fumigation companies are required to have the relevant permits and licenses from the relevant parties referring to the existing regulations.
Licenses and permits include:
  • Local Authority (Local Council License / Permit)
  • Pesticide Storage License from the Pesticide Board (LRMP)
  • Company Registration Document from the Registration Organization
  • Pesticide Operator License
The company should have an organizational chart that clearly describes the duties and responsibilities of employees. Basically, the organization chart should start with the company manager (or equivalent) who has the authority and resources in carrying out his duties, the technical director (or equivalent) who is responsible for all the technical activities of the fumigation.

The company also needs to have sufficient employees in carrying out its activities. For example, for each fumigation activity at least two employees are required including a licensed fumigator. Company management and fumigation license holders should be aware of:
  • Local laws on fumigation locations;
  • Standard terms and conditions;
  • Responsibility of a fumigator;
  • Requirements involving all parties in fumigation activities; and
  • Access to Methyl Bromide supply.
The Technical Manager (or equivalent) must have the following qualifications:
  • Minimum Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) or Malaysia Certificate of Education (MCE) or equivalent; and
  • Pesticide Applicator License (PAL), Assistant Pesticide Applicator License (APAL) Assistant License.
  Licensed fumigators need to undergo accreditation training and be evaluated as competent. The following conditions must be met:
  • Possess fumigation license issued by the Ministry of Health Malaysia;
  • Present during fumigation;
  • Be aware and know about permitted and unauthorized commodities for Methyl Bromide gas fumigation;
  • Can conduct tests / methods in ensuring that a fumigation is successful;
  • Can identify whether a fumigation is successful or not;
  • Know about the dangers and threats in the use of Methyl Bromide gas;
  • Know how to do a gas pressure test;
  • Learn about gas concentration calculation methods as well as gas monitoring during fumigation; and
  • Certified as competent by the Department of Agriculture Malaysia and has a PAL or APAL qualification.
Enclosure
  • Clip to hold the tarpaulin;
  • Fans for ventilation;
  • Tarpaulin or sheet with a penetration rate of 0.02 grams per day per square meter;
  • Measuring tape for computed volume of enclosed space;
  • Adhesive tape to repair any sheet leaks;
  • Rope to tie tarpaulin from torn;
  • Sand or water snakes;
  • Temperature meter / thermometer; and
  • Lining to cover the corners of the container.
Gas Supply
  • Gas duct pipe to channel methyl bromide gas from vapouriser;
  • Gas fittings to channel methyl bromide from the gas cylinder to the vapouriser;
  • Gas supply line to channel methyl bromide gas in enclosure; and
  • Gas vaporizer using LPG or electric gas.
Monitor Gas Concentration
  • Appropriate gas concentration monitoring device and able to obtain methyl bromide gas concentration readings; and
  • Sampling line to obtain gas concentration readings.
Fumigation companies are required to ensure that all records and documents related to fumigation work, equipment and monitoring as well as stock purchases are kept in an orderly manner and constantly updated. The records are as follows:
  • Record of purchase of gas gauge and leak detector;
  • Equipment calibration records that require calibration;
  • Company registration and legal records;
  • Record copies of fumigation certificates issued; and
  • Records of gas canister usage and methyl bromide gas purchase stock.
Records relevant to fumigation treatment should be kept neat and orderly. All fumigation activities should be recorded for reference and audit purposes. Records are as follows:
  • Form on information of each fumigation conducted;
  • Running number usage form;
  • Fumigation notification form;
  • Fumigation service report containing information such as reference number, import permit, export phytosanitary certificate, name and address of exporter, consignment information, exporter country, importer name, treatment information and so on.
Licensed fumigation and fumigator companies that violate the terms and conditions of fumigation as well as gadal in carrying out treatment will be suspended immediately. A show cause letter must be submitted before a re-audit can be conducted.

If during any audit there is one or more critical non-compliance, more than two major offenses and four or more minor offenses, the company and fumigator will be suspended from the scheme. A re-audit should be conducted and, if necessary, retrained.

If during the audit, fewer than four minor non-compliances are found, the licensed company and fumigator must comply with the recommended corrective measures and be audited again within 6 weeks to ensure that corrective measures are complied with. If during the follow-up audit there is further non-compliance, the company needs to be re-audited and if it still fails to be suspended from the Scheme and within 6 months if the company shows compliance and competence with the scheme, a re-entry audit will be conducted. Re-training is also recommended.

Fumigation company accreditation will be revoked if:
  • The company is suspended in 3 different situations.
  • During a re-entry audit a major or similar non-compliance occurred.
  • When a company accreditation is revoked, before the company is re-accredited, the licensed fumigator must undergo training and the company will be audited for commencement.
If there is a situation where non-compliance occurs due to reasonable and acceptable reasons, an appeal may be submitted.

The purpose of this appeal protocol is to provide an appeal method by licensed companies and fumigators in the event of such a situation.
Appeal Process
The appeal must be submitted in writing by a fumigation company or a licensed fumigator.

The letter of appeal must clearly and honestly explain the reasons and reasons for the appeal.

The Department of Agriculture will review the appeal case within 5 working days and will make a written decision on the appeal within 15 working days from the date of receipt of the appeal.
Any inquiries, applications or appeals can be submitted to:
Secretariat of
the Malaysian Fumigation Certification Scheme (MAFAS)
Legal Unit
Enforcement Section of
the Plant Biosecurity Division of the
Department of Agriculture,
Wisma Tani Jalan Sultan Salahuddin,
50632 Kuala Lumpur.
No. Tel: 03-2030 1400/1412
No. Fax: 03-2691 3530
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