Make safety checks and certification for power banks mandatory now

Wake-up call: There have been a number of incidents involving power banks, including fires on public transport and explosions during charging. — Pexels

THE Alliance for a Safe Community urges the government to immediately introduce mandatory safety checks and Sirim certification for all power banks sold in Malaysia.

At present, power banks are not subject to compulsory safety testing, nor are they required to carry the Sirim certification mark. This regulatory gap exposes consumers to serious risks, including fire hazards, battery explosions, overheating, and electric shock – particularly when using low-quality or counterfeit devices that do not meet safety standards.

Power banks are now widely used in our daily lives – from schoolchildren and commuters to office workers and travellers. They are often carried in bags, pockets, and even used while charging mobile devices close to the body. Without proper safety standards in place, defective or substandard units can cause injury, damage property, and in some cases, pose a life-threatening danger.

We have already seen a number of disturbing incidents involving power banks, including fires on public transport and explosions during charging. These incidents are not isolated and must serve as a wake-up call for tighter regulation and enforcement.

The Sirim certification is a vital step in ensuring that only safe and reliable power banks reach the Malaysian market.

It provides assurance to consumers that the product has been tested for quality, complies with international standards, and meets basic safety requirements. Countries such as Singapore and members of the European Union already mandate safety certifications for portable battery packs, and Malaysia should do no less to protect its citizens.

We urge the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, Communications Ministry and Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry to work together with Sirim Berhad and relevant enforcement agencies to:

1. Mandate Sirim certification for all power banks sold in Malaysia, whether locally manufactured or imported;

2. Launch public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on the dangers of uncertified power banks and how to identify certified products; and

3. Conduct market inspections and enforce compliance through stricter border controls and retail checks.

Public safety must never be compromised in the name of affordability or convenience. Power banks are essential in our digital age, but they must be safe to use. We cannot allow potentially dangerous products to flood our market unchecked.

TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE

Alliance for a Safe Community