SHAH ALAM, June 10 (Bernama) -- Sirim Bhd on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with two local companies to initiate research collaboration in the automotive and machinery field, especially in areas relating to common rail system technology.

The two companies concerned are Yanmar Kota Kinabalu R&D Center Sdn Bhd and Pansar Ecotech Sdn Bhd, both from Sabah.

Under the MoU, the three parties will strengthen technical cooperation as well as research and development of a common rail system for emission testing and share expertise in technical information, personal exchange, technology transfer and training.

Sirim, as the premier research and technology organisation, will provide professional consultancy, which included the purchase of equipment for research and development of the common rail system.

The agreement was signed by Sirim president and chief executive officer Yahaya Ahmad, Yanmar Kota Kinabalu R&D Center's managing director Makoto Yuri and Pansar Ecotech's director Jason Tai.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Ongkili witnessed the signing.

Earlier in his speech, Yahaya said common rail diesel technology was now perceived as an alternative for a "cleaner" and "eco-friendly" technology.

He said the technology was more efficient and delivered higher performance compared to the early generations of engines.

"Coupled with the development of biodesel, I strongly believe the modern technology of common rail system, which will be extended under this agreement, will take off smoothly in the automotive industry," he added.