Unsafe electrical goods face govt crackdown

 

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong says the government will launch a special operation to curb the import and sale of electrical products that fail to meet safety standards. – NSTP pic

PUTRAJAYA: The government will launch an integrated Special Compliance Operation to curb the import and sale of electrical products that fail to meet safety standards, including those sold online and through physical outlets.

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said the operation would involve the Finance Ministry, Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Energy Commission, Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Customs Department, Malaysia Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), and Sirim.

"We have found that many products entering the country do not carry Sirim labels or certification and fail to comply with local safety standards.

"Electrical products that do not meet Sirim standards pose a serious fire risk, with statistics showing many fires are linked to products that fail to meet safety requirements," he said after an engagement session with the Federation of Electrical Home Appliances Dealers Associations Malaysia (Fomeda) today.

The session focused on issues involving non-compliant electrical products, unlicensed businesses and unlawful trade practices.

Liew said the operation would focus on strengthening enforcement at major entry points, conducting inspections at premises suspected of selling unsafe products, carrying out product testing, improving import declaration monitoring and working with e-commerce platforms to ensure sellers comply with safety regulations.

The operation will target 34 categories of controlled electrical appliances regulated under the Electricity Regulations 1994, including electric kettles, refrigerators, washing machines, chargers, cables and kitchen appliances.

Liew said industry reviews by the Energy Commission and Sirim found that unsafe electrical products continued to be widely sold online and at physical outlets.

"Random market inspections found that more than half of the phone chargers available for sale were not certified by ST-Sirim.

"This exposes consumers, especially children and teenagers, to risks such as fire, electric shock and injury," he said.

He said that the government remained committed to strengthening enforcement to protect consumers, ensure fair competition and uphold compliance with the law.

"This operation aims to ensure only safe and certified electrical products are available in the Malaysian market, improve compliance among importers and traders, and create a level playing field for businesses that follow the law," he added. - NST