The Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM), has embarked on a plan to improve the standards of all workshops.This plan is setting out to upgrade the standard of its workshops in the country through an integrated grading system, which will commence with self-regulation.An online portal known as the National Automotive Workshop Administration Malaysia, or NAWAM, also has been launched as part of the programme.Read the full news by Chips Yap from motortrader below.
UPGRADING WORKSHOP STANDARDS
In accordance with the government’s current Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) to create a high income nation status in 10 years, with car workshops being one of the key economic areas, the Federation of Automobile Workshop Owners Association of Malaysia (FAWOAM) has embarked on a plan to improve the standards of all workshops.
Under this plan, all FAWOAM workshops will be upgraded through an integrated grading system which commences with self-regulation. In connection with this, a new portal, known as the “National Automotive Workshop Administration Malaysia” (NAWAM) has been introduced to elevate the automotive industry standards.
The establishment of NAWAM was made possible with the strong support and acceptance of Bank Negara Malaysia, FAWOAM, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism and the General Insurance Association of Malaysia (PIAM). NAWAM will act as a catalyst to create a centralized database for grading of workshops throughout Malaysia. With this system in place, customers can be assured of the quality of services, equipment and skilled manpower. They will be able to identify the preferred workshops offering the best price without having to compromise on the workmanship and safety issues.
”This grading system is aimed at propelling the industry and creating an avenue for workshop owners to be seen as credible and being transparent in its dealings with the customers and claims managers from the general insurance companies,” explained Kong Wai Kwong, President of FAWOAM.
“To further upgrade the standards, we will embark on an enrichment programme to empower the collision repairers with technical knowledge, skills and current techniques. For this purpose, we have established an advisory panel that will be instrumental in sharing their expertise and know-how through dedicated training programmes,” said Mr. Kwong.
Through NAWAM, the collision repairers will have the opportunity to upgrade their competencies through continuous competency development programmes that will be specially designed. This will further add more value to the workshops.
A partnership agreement was formalized between FAWOAM and a team of 16 Advisory Support companies that will be instrumental in elevating the standard of the industry and making the collision repairers more competitive. The training programmes will be conducted by the panel and will be facilitated by NETICA Solutions Sdn Bhd which was instrumental in developing the NAWAM portal.
The new grading and evaluation system will be based on the internationally-acclaimed 4M concept which is implemented across all industries. Based on this concept – which comprises Man, Machinery, Materials and Method – the collision repairers (workshops) will be classified according to three tiers, namely Silver, Gold and Platinum. Each tier will have specific requirements and price structures supported by two stages.
At the first stage, the collision repairers will be self-evaluated. The results generated will be collated and retained in the system. The second stage will involve independent auditors’ assessment of the workshops. Upon collating and evaluating both reports, the grade of the workshop / collision repairers will be ascertained.
NAWAM will evaluate and audit the collision repairers while FAWOAM and PIAM will accord the repairers with the accreditation and certification. The government through KDNKK has allocated RM36.5 million in soft loans to facilitate refurbishment of workshops that are identified by FAWOAM to be upgraded and be accepted. For a start, the system will be implemented across 500 PARS (PIAM Authorised Repairers Scheme) approved workshops in the country. Eventually, all 2,700 members nationwide will be included.
To complement the grading system, a National Towing Scheme will be implemented which will involve the centralized registration of all tow truck operators and customers’ service agents to ensure efficient tracking and control. This will be jointly undertaken with the close collaboration between FAWOAM, PIAM and BNM.
“With NAWAM in place, customers will be able to review equipment and skills of any collision repairers, capabilities, compare prices and locate the nearest collision repairers. They will be well informed when having to deal with collision repairers and tow truck agents,” concluded Mr. Kwong.
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