MITI Launches Enhanced Trade Remedies Investigation Management (TRIMA) System For A More Streamlined And Secure Trade Remedy Operations

The Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) has officially launched the Trade Remedies Investigation Management System (TRIMA). This advanced digital platform marks a major step in modernising Malaysia’s trade remedy investigations, providing industry players with a streamlined, efficient, and secure system to address unfair trade practices that impact Malaysia’s domestic industries. The Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade & Industry, YB Liew Chin Tong, officiated TRIMA’s launch, which also featured a guided onboarding session for industry stakeholders to familiarise themselves with TRIMA's core features, facilitating a smoother transition to digital trade remedy submissions.

“Trade Remedies” are actions taken by the Government to protect domestic industries injured or impacted by unfair trade practices by foreign exporters or manufacturers, such as “dumping” (where imported products are sold in Malaysia at prices below their domestic market rates); and “subsidisation”, where imported products are cheaper in Malaysia due to heavy public subsidies from their exporting country’s government. Under certain circumstances, Government protection is also warranted for injured domestic industry due to an unexpected surge of imports.

Under the Countervailing and Anti-dumping Duties Act 1993 (the Act) and associated regulations, MITI has the authority to investigate and, if necessary, impose duties to mitigate injury to Malaysian industry. MITI’s trade remedy investigations are aligned with WTO agreements, ensuring compliance with international standards while securing fair competition in domestic markets. 

TRIMA is part of MITI’s Strategic Digitalisation Plan 2021–2025 and supports the MADANI Government's efforts under the Public Sector Strategic Digitalisation Plan 2021–2025 and MyDigital Blueprint. The Trade Remedies system adopted by Malaysia is similar to those operated by major trading partners like the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, and Indonesia.

With Malaysia’s new TRIMA, Malaysia now has a more streamlined, transparent, and easily accessible trade remedy operations, with key features such as: 

• Single Window Access: TRIMA serves as a unified platform for all trade remedy matters, simplifying the process and providing a centralised resource for businesses.
• Cost Efficiency: Digital submissions eliminate the need for printed documentation, reducing administrative costs.
• Global Accessibility: Applications can be submitted from anywhere, promoting inclusivity by both domestic and international stakeholders.
• Enhanced Security: TRIMA safeguards sensitive business data, accessible only to authorised parties.
• Efficient Investigations: TRIMA accelerates response times for affected industries, potentially shortening the investigation period faster than the current statutory nine-month period.
• Transparency: The system offers real-time, online access to current and past investigation documents.
• Sustainability: By minimising hard copy documents and travel, TRIMA contributes to environmental sustainability and reduces carbon footprints.

Since the Act was enacted, Malaysia has imposed 68 anti-dumping measures. In the last five years alone, a total of 22 anti-dumping investigations have been initiated to protect the domestic industries from unfair practices.

MITI is dedicated to strengthening its commitment to free and fair markets by embracing a technology-driven, end-to-end digital services. The launch of TRIMA marks a significant milestone in modernising Malaysia's public service, ensuring that local industries remain competitive and well-prepared to succeed in an increasingly digital global economy.