Powering-up on enforcement

To date, we have yet to certify any power banks or USB cables under our product certification scheme. - Khalidah Mustafa

PETALING JAYA: More raids and checks will be conducted to “unplug” uncertified mobile phone chargers and electronic equipment from the market in a bid to protect users from dangerous products.

This is being sparked off by recent incidents involving handphones, including the case of a housewife who was electrocuted while she talking on her phone as the battery was being recharged in Kuala Lumpur last month.

To prevent such incidents, the Energy Commission (ST) told Sunday Star that it is intensifying enforcement to curb the manufacture, import and sale of uncertified products.

But as more users charge their handphones and devices with power banks, consumers are also hoping the authorities will look into regulating portable batteries.

Currently, power banks are not required under law to be certified for its quality and safety.

However, power bank manufacturers can voluntarily come forward to Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd to obtain product certification.

“To date, we have yet to certify any power banks or USB cables under our product certification scheme,” said the certification, inspection and testing body’s managing director Khalidah Mustafa.

Noting the lack of consumer awareness in getting original and certified devices, the Energy Commission said there are more unauthorised products sold in the market than before and which are usually cheaper than the original ones.

“Joint enforcement operations will be carried out soon with Sirim, the Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism Ministry, police, and related agencies to curb the sale of products that do not have a Certificate of Approval (CoA) and Sirim-ST label,” the commission said.

The commission is also working to increase consumer awareness using print, electronic and social media.

After the death of the housewife who was electrocuted, the commission carried out inspections on premises selling mobile phone chargers.

“From the inspection, we found that a significant number of chargers did not have the necessary approvals.

“So far, a total of 157 premises have been checked and 653 adapters and charger units of various brands did not have Sirim-ST labels,” it said.

The owners of these premises were given warning notices to withdraw, dispose or return the unapproved mobile phone chargers.

“If the notice is not complied with, action will be taken whereby chargers will be confiscated and the owners of the premises will be taken to court.

“If convicted, they can be fined up to RM5,000, jailed for a year or both,” the commission said.

Fomca secretary-general Datuk Paul Selvaraj urged consumers to use only registered products and be extra cautious as there are many counterfeit brands in the market today.

He also called on the authorities to make it mandatory for power banks to be certified as it concerns consumer safety.

“Power banks should be tested and come with safety certification labels to safeguard consumers.

“Anything that involves consumer safety should require mandatory checks and not be on a voluntary basis,” he said.

The Domestic Trade, Co-opera­tives and Consumerism Ministry advised consumers to always ensure devices purchased are from original manufacturers.

“If they encounter such counterfeit products in the domestic market, complaints may be made to the ministry’s enforcement division.

“Telecommunication devices and most of its accessories come with manuals, and consumers are advised to read the instructions carefully before using the product to avoid unwanted mishaps,” it said.