The use of uncertified and faulty electrical equipment is among the factors that lead to electrical accidents

by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH / pic by BERNAMA

THE average number of electrical accidents in Malaysia is at 52 cases yearly over the past five years.

According to the Energy Commission (EC), the majority of these accidents were contributed by the usage and handling of uncertified and faulty electrical appliances.

In 2020, 45 cases were reported which included 28 fatalities and 17 non-fatal accidents, said EC CEO Abdul Razib Dawood (picture).

“The use of uncertified and faulty electrical equipment is among the factors that lead to electrical accidents.

“It not only represents the dangers posed by these products but also a loss to the country when lives are put in jeopardy when a disaster strikes,” he said during the virtual launch of the SIRIM-ST Safety Awareness Campaign yesterday.

Abdul Razib said the surge in online purchases of electrical equipment since the enforcement of the Movement Control Order last year has been a concern to the commission as the items often do not have the SIRIM-ST approval label.

“The safety awareness campaign undertaken by SIRIM QAS International Sdb Bhd, EC, Malaysian Electrical Appliances Distributors Association and the Federation of Malaysian Electrical Appliances Dealers’ Association is in line with the government’s aspiration to support greater collaboration between regulatory bodies and industry players.

“It is to ensure a broader share of responsibility to drive safety among consumers. The move is timely as the market has been excessively flooded with substandard electrical products over the years,” he said.

According to a survey conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, gadgets, sports-related goods and household appliances were among the top purchased items in 2018.

The category contributed about 56% of total online purchases during the year, followed by clothing and accessories.

In line with Regulation 97(1) of the Electricity Regulations 1994, a manufacturer or importer is required to obtain a Certificate of Approval from the EC prior to the manufacturing, importing, displaying and sale of a regulated electrical equipment, said Abdul Razib.

He added that only electrical equipment which received certification from the EC and SIRIM will be affixed with the SIRIM-ST label.

SIRIM Bhd president and group CEO Datuk Ir Dr Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani said all the electrical appliances certified by SIRIM are compliant to the Malaysian and international standards, which ensure their safety and quality.

“Under the SIRIM Product Certification Scheme, factory audits are done to ensure proper quality control system is in place, and consistency in product compliance.

“Alternatively, imported regulated electrical products can also obtain SIRIM approval through our consignment service.

“After undergoing inspection and testing, the products under consignment will be affixed with SIRIM-ST labels as an assurance of product safety,” he said.

The SIRIM-ST Safety Awareness Campaign is a three-month campaign which runs from February to May this year and will feature a short video that highlights the importance of purchasing SIRIM-ST certified electrical and electronic products.