Activity ASL

An online coordination meeting for the RKB (Bureaucratic Reform) project was held on 30 October 2025, chaired by Dr. Ngan Chai Keong of MARDI and attended by representatives from the Malaysian Cocoa Board, Malaysian Pepper Board, and the Department of Chemistry Malaysia. The meeting focused on inter-agency collaboration for pesticide residue analysis, including sharing analytical methods, pesticide active ingredients, and available analytical services.

A consultation session for the Draft Malaysian Standard 2672 on dried cocoa bean specifications was held on 15 October 2025 at Hotel Sama Sama, Sepang. The session aimed to gather feedback on DMS 2672 Cocoa Beans – Specification (First Revision), developed by the Working Group on Cocoa Bean Specification (NSC 01/WG 4). The session was officiated by YBrs. En. See Chee Kong, Director General of the Department of Standards Malaysia.

A Cocoa and Chocolate Product Handling Course was conducted from 6–9 October 2025, during which a representative from the Analytical Services Laboratory delivered a talk titled “Quality Control: Chemical and Microbiological Analysis.” The session covered analytical methods for cocoa beans and cocoa products related to food safety, quality assessment, and nutritional facts. Relevant local and international regulatory requirements were also discussed

A visit fron KPSU of the Cocoa and Pepper Industry Division, Ministry of Plantation and Commodities, to the Cocoa Innovation and Technology Centre (PITK), Nilai.

Short Sharing for topic ICP, IC and AAS standard/CRM solution

Short Sharing for topic product introduction (Proximate Analysis: Protein, Fat, & FibeROC system for Fiber & ADF) 

A Management Review Meeting for the Analytical Services Laboratory was held on 8 September 2025 at the Cocoa Innovation and Technology Centre, Nilai. The meeting reviewed outstanding issues, customer feedback, resource adequacy, and the Internal Audit report dated 2 September 2025, which identified 5 non-conformances and 2 observations. Other matters discussed included the proposed revision of analysis fees, appointment of new report signatories, implementation of RT-PCR for microbiological testing, and equipment procurement planning for 2026. Corrective actions will be taken to address the noted risk assessment findings.

An internal audit was conducted at the Analytical Services Laboratory to evaluate the laboratory’s compliance with the MS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard and to assess the effectiveness of the implemented quality management system. The audit covered both chemical and microbiological testing activities, including the evaluation of personnel competency, equipment (Clause 6), testing procedures (Clause 7), and management systems (Clause 8).

The audit was carried out by the following audit team:

Name

Role

Dr. Azila Ab. Karim - Lead Assessor

Dr. Samuel Yap Kian Chee - Technical Assessor (Chemistry)

Dr. Ishak Zubir - Technical Assessor (Microbiology)

Puan Rosmawati Mat Shair - Observer

Audit Findings:

• Non-Conformance (NC):
  A total of five (5) non-conformances were identified. Corrective actions are required to be taken within the specified time frame to ensure ongoing compliance with the MS ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard.

• Observations:
  Two (2) observations were recorded for attention and further improvement of operational efficiency and quality assurance controls.

The laboratory has acknowledged the findings and will implement the necessary corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) as part of continuous improvement of the quality management system.

The Expert Working Group Workshop on Setting Maximum Residue Limits (MRL) for Pesticides in Agricultural Commodities was held on 25–26 August 2025 at MPC, Johor Bahru. The workshop focused on evaluating proposals for ASEAN MRL harmonization, product registration in Malaysia based on MRLs, and import MRL applications.

A delegation from USIM visited the Analytical Service Laboratory on 20 August 2025. The visit began with an introduction to the lab’s functions and key activities, followed by a detailed explanation of the types of samples analyzed and the lab’s role in supporting research and operations. The delegation then toured the laboratory facilities to observe state-of-the-art scientific equipment and complex analytical procedures routinely performed.

A delegation from Angkasa, led by PM Dato' Dr. Abdul Rahman Abdul Razak Shaik, visited the Analytical Service Laboratory on 19 August 2025. The visit began with an introduction to the lab’s core functions and critical activities, followed by a detailed briefing on the types of samples analyzed and the lab’s role in supporting research and essential operations. The delegation then toured the laboratory facilities to observe state-of-the-art scientific equipment and complex analytical procedures. The visit provided PM Dato' Dr. Abdul Rahman and his delegation the opportunity to witness firsthand the technical expertise and capabilities of the Analytical Service Laboratory.

The “Pesticide Risk Assessment” Workshop was held from 5 to 8 August 2025 in Putrajaya. The four-day program focused on Residue Field Studies, MRL estimation and establishment, and Dietary Risk Assessment. Participants were introduced to Malaysia’s existing residue study structure, definitions of residues, and dossier quality components. Practical sessions covered residue data evaluation, MRL estimation for processed foods, and chronic and acute dietary risk assessments through group exercises. The final day emphasized MRL setting principles, crop grouping, and extrapolation, concluding with a summary and closing remarks.

The Analytical Services Laboratory (ASL) Meeting No. 1/2025 discussed corrections to the previous minutes and arising matters, including proposed amendments to the Analysis Application Form. In line with ISO 17025 Quality System, the chair directed the preparation of new protocols for Karl Fisher and Free Fatty Acids (FFA) analysis. Other key issues included harmonizing ASL analysis costs, procurement planning for new equipment (chiller, incubator, SHAQER 1600), and actions to address seven non-conformities (NCRs) identified during the internal audit, including the microbiology lab’s air-conditioning issue. The 2025 annual financial report and details of the Malaysian Premium Cocoa Bean Validation Project were also presented.

The Food Legal Advisory Committee (JPPM) Meeting No. 2/2025 reviewed follow-up actions from the previous meeting and progress on approved regulatory amendments. The main focus was to confirm several critical amendments presented by the Expert Working Committee. Confirmed amendments included Regulation 391 on cereal-based foods for infants and young children, as well as updates to the Sixteenth Schedule (Pesticide Residues) and Fifteenth A Schedule (Veterinary Drug Residues) under the Food Regulations 1985, aimed at strengthening food safety standards.

ASL members attended the Workshop on Fungi and Mycotoxin Management in Cocoa Beans at the Cocoa Research & Development Centre, Bagan Datuk. The workshop, co-organized by TOTE, USM, and JKM Penang, featured presentations by Dr. Masratul Hawa, Dr. Leong Yin Hui (USM), and Dr. Nor Shifa (JKM).

The Development Workshop for MS 2672 was held in Cameron Highlands with participation from LKM officers, industry, and relevant government agencies. The workshop discussed adding a new grade to the premium cocoa bean specification (SMC-1 to SMC-3). The draft MS 2672 will proceed to the Public Review stage in August 2025.

Ms. Aznie Aida from ASL attended the Technical Working Group on Mycotoxins Meeting No. 1/2025 at the Veterinary Public Health Laboratory (MKAV), Salak Tinggi. The lab presented its activities on mycotoxin analysis in cocoa beans and products, followed by knowledge-sharing sessions from Aracehm Sdn Bhd, Premier Diagnostic Sdn Bhd, and Team Medical & Scientific Sdn Bhd on the latest mycotoxin analysis technologies.

Two ASL officers, Ms. Hannim Haffeza and Dr. Shahirah, served as trainers for the Cocoa Grading and Grader Accreditation Course held on 14–15 July 2025 at PITK, Nilai. The course was attended by staff from the Regulatory and Quality Control Division as well as participants from industry and government agencies.

An ASL representative participated in the 50th WCC at KLCC, presenting a poster on analyses related to the Malaysian Premium Cocoa Bean Validation Program. Concurrently, Lab Asia, the largest laboratory equipment exhibition in Southeast Asia with over 500 local and international companies, was also held.

ASL and Chocolate Royale received a visit from TACCO President, Mr. Bordin Charoenpongchai of Thailand. The visit included an introduction to the lab’s functions and a presentation on praline and panned chocolate production by Mr. Bilal. This collaboration is expected to strengthen Malaysia–Thailand bilateral ties and enhance cocoa industry development in Southeast Asia.