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 through e-commerce platforms and physical retail outlets.
Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said the operation would be carried out jointly by 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 (AKPS) and Sirim.
"We 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. This is a major concern because statistics show that a significant number of fires are linked to products that do not meet electrical safety requirements," he said after an engagement session with the Federation of Electrical Home Appliances Dealers Associations Malaysia (Fomeda) here on Thursday (July 23).
The session focused on issues related to the entry of non-compliant electrical products, unlicensed business operations and unlawful trade practices.
Liew said the special operation would focus on five key areas, including strengthening enforcement at the country's main entry points, such as ports and airports and conducting integrated inspections and enforcement operations at premises suspected of selling non-compliant electrical products.
It will also focus on carrying out product sampling and testing to ensure compliance with Malaysian safety standards; enhancing monitoring of import declarations to prevent false, inaccurate, or misleading submissions; and strengthening cooperation with e-commerce platforms to ensure sellers comply with Malaysian laws and safety regulations.
He said the operation would target 34 categories of controlled electrical appliances regulated under the Electricity Regulations 1994.
These include electric kettles, refrigerators, toasters, portable lighting products, washing machines, electric fans, chargers, cables, kitchen appliances, vacuum cleaners and electric massagers.
Liew said reviews conducted by industry players, the Energy Commission and Sirim found that electrical products that do not meet safety standards continue to be widely sold through online platforms and physical retail outlets.
"Random market inspections revealed that more than half of the phone chargers available for sale were not certified by ST-Sirim.
"This situation exposes consumers, particularly children and teenagers, to risks such as fire, electric shock and injury," he said.
He stressed that the government remains committed to strengthening enforcement efforts to protect consumers, ensure fair competition and uphold compliance with the law.
"This operation aims to ensure that only safe and certified electrical products are available in the Malaysian market, improve compliance among importers and traders, protect consumer safety and create a level playing field for businesses that adhere to the law," he said. – Bernama
