WCS has revised its policy with regard to audit mode in Malaysia. For the past 15 months WCS has been completing a number of its management systems audits remotely using ICT such as MS Teams, Zoom, video streams and recorded video, especially at the areas with travel restriction (e.g. Sabah, Sarawak, “Red Zone” of COVID-19).
WCS continues to monitor government advice and accreditation body guidance but has decided to allow the following audit mode subject to the conditions.
A) On-site Audit:
- The organisation has completed a COVID 19 Risk Assessment and implemented the necessary controls.
- The organisation’s policy allows visitors taking into account employee circumstances.
- The WCS assessor is agreeable to audit on-site after completing their own personal circumstance risk assessment.
- The on-site audit methodology does not allow large group gatherings and hand shaking.
- The understanding that communication is required for track and trace purposes.
B) Remote Audit:
- Remote audit is NOT applicable for compliance audit.
- Full remote audit can only be conducted for Category E (for HACCP and GMP), and Category C IV (For FSMS) (i.e. Products with long shelf life at specified temperatures) annual audits (i.e. surveillance or recertification) subject to the following:
- The client has a proven track record of performance with no major findings or significant complaints in the current and past certification cycle;
- No major changes in the client’s processes;
- The site needs to be operational with production taking place;
- Documents and records can be provided electronically;
- The client and the CB have agreed on a suitable medium of audit (e.g. teleconferencing, web conferencing etc) prior to the audit;
- Requirements of IAF MD 4 are complied with; and
- CB is allowed opportunity to follow-up on-site where the use of remote audit is not effective.
- Besides B1. and B2. mentioned above, partial remote audit can be allowed to ONLY cover the management system requirements and audits.
WCS will continue to contact clients when planning audits and to establish the best audit methodology for both parties.
If you require any further information, please contact WCS.
[Ref: ACB CIRCULAR 2/2021, dated 11 May 2021 – STANDARDS MALAYSIA REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF FOOD SAFETY ASSURANCE PROGRAMMES BY CERTICATION BODIES].