Welcome Rakan Sarawak February 2003

Rangkaian Khidmat Awam Negeri Sarawak

A MONTHLY SUPPLEMENT OF RAKAN SARAWAK BULLETIN

(People, events, activities and programmes which make for a total quality-managed Sarawak Civil Service)

ISSN 1394-5726

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STB Creates Several Firsts in National Tourism Scene

Sarawak Tourism Board created history in the national tourism industry when it was awarded the prestigious Integrated Management System certification in July 2003 for its contribution in the “development and promotion of the Tourism Industry in Sarawak”.

The certification which was awarded by AOQC Moody (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd and Moody International Certification Ltd is a testimony of the Board’s capability and dedication in implementing a management system that ensures provision for quality tourism services and continual improvement in the quality of environment that promotes sustainability. This was said by STB Chief Executive Officer, Encik Aloysius J Dris at the Award Presentation Dinner held in Kuching recently.

According to Encik Aloysius, the award is a tribute to the hard work and co-operation of the Board’s staff in promoting safe, healthy and environmentally-friendly tourism in the State. The Certified Integrated Management System (IMS) comprises the prestigious ISO 9001:2000, ISO 14001:1996 and OHSAS 18001:1999.

The ISO9001:2000 is a certification for Quality Management, ISO 14001: 1996 for Environmental Management System and OHSAS 18001:1999 is for Occupational Health and Safety System

To add to its many achievements, Sarawak Tourism Board is also the first body in the country to be awarded the ISO 14001: 1996. The certification for Environment Management System represents the commitment and accountability of the organisation towards continual improvement in the quality of the environment.

In a statement released by STB, its Senior Manager Haji Mohd Tuah Jais commented that the IMS award “shows that we don’t just promote tourism but that we consider the health and safety of tourists and the effect of tourism on the environment”. The OHSAS 18001:1999 is a certification that pays attention to details from ensuring the tour operators and their clients adhere to safety standards to a host of other considerations when they are present in the State.

The certification also provides a channel for STB to control the various aspects of the Integrated Management System which includes customer satisfaction (providing quality services), care for the environment and assurance of health and safety of staff, clients and visitors.
The Malaysian Government through the Department of Standards Malaysia, accredits both the ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications. The IMS is audited and certified by AOQC Moody (Malaysia) - an independent body that provides accredited certification as proof of the Board’s commitment and dedication in providing the best for potential new customers and tourists.

Throughout 2002, the Board concentrated on analysing the environmental aspects of STB activities and their impact on the environment. It also analyse the risks and hazards related to their work, in accordance with the requirement of the ISO 14001: 1996 and OHSAS 18001: 1999.
These procedures and systems were documented and the present ISO 9002: 1994 was upgraded to ISO9001:2000. The implementation of the IMS procedures and systems, which began in 15 October 2002, will now ensure that only one manual is needed as many of the elements are common and only one audit for the three standards thus making it more effective and efficient.

Integrated Management System (IMS) Policy

Sarawak Tourism Board maintains an Integrated Management System to improve Quality, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety Management.


Encik Aloysius J. Dris receiving the IMS Certification from a representative from AOQC Moody (M’sia) Sdn. Bhd., while Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abang Jo looks on	Among the VIPs during the dinner