SHAH ALAM, 15 February 2021: In a continuous effort to curb the sale of non-certified electrical and electronic products (E&E) online, a Safety Awareness Campaign has been launched.
Led by SIRIM QAS International, a wholly-owned subsidiary of SIRIM Berhad, in collaboration with the Energy Commission (ST), Malaysian Electrical Appliances Distributors Association (MEADA), and Federation of Malaysian Electrical Appliances Dealers’ Association (FOMEDA), the campaign aims to raise awareness among consumers and industry players of the importance of the SIRIM-ST label on E&E appliances.
The three-month campaign will commence with a video that highlights the importance of purchasing SIRIM-ST certified electrical and electronic products. The video will be released on various social media platforms beginning today.
Speaking during the virtual launch of the SIRIM-ST Safety Awareness Campaign, Datuk Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil Mohamad Hani, President and Group Chief Executive of SIRIM said consumers must be vigilant and only purchase SIRIM-ST approved electrical appliances.
“This is to prevent any accidents or fires that could result in injuries or fatalities. The SIRIM-ST label affirms that a product is safe for consumption, therefore their safety can be guaranteed,” he said.
This is especially important as gadgets, sports-related goods, and household appliances are among the top online purchases in Malaysia as revealed in a 2018 survey conducted by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), Datuk Ir. Dr. Ahmad Fadzil added.
Findings by the Energy Commission also revealed that the estimated number of electrical accidents averages at 52 cases per year, for the past five years cycle. In 2020, a total of 45 cases were reported which include 28 fatal and 17 non-fatal accidents. The use of uncertified and faulty electrical appliances are among the factors that led to accidents in domestic premises.
CEO of Energy Commission, Abdul Razib Dawood in his speech at the launch of the campaign said: “Before any electrical appliances can be sold in the market, it needs to obtain the Certificate of Approval (COA) from ST and undergo necessary testing and certification conducted by SIRIM. Electrical appliances that have been approved shall be affixed with SIRIM-ST labels or bear the SIRIM Certification Mark.”
“ST only issues COA to E&E manufacturers and importers for appliances that meet the relevant standards and safety requirements as prescribed under the Electricity Regulations,1994,” he said.
Currently, there are 34 categories (including 199 sub-categories items) of electrical products regulated by ST which include low-voltage household appliances.
Meanwhile, the public is also advised to be wary of any misuse or forgery of the SIRIM-ST label by irresponsible parties. Consumers can easily check whether a product purchased online or in physical stores is certified by SIRIM by entering the product details in the SIRIM QAS free mobile application.
About SIRIM QAS International
SIRIM QAS International is Malaysia’s leading conformity assessment body with over 40 years of experience in providing certification, inspection and testing services in Malaysia and overseas. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of SIRIM Berhad. The various accreditations and recognitions from Malaysian and international bodies not only attest to its impartiality and competence in conformity assessment but also facilitates the acceptance of its certificates and test reports worldwide. www.sirim-qas.com.my
About Energy Commission
The Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga – ST) is a statutory body responsible for regulating the energy sector, particularly the electricity and piped gas supply industries in Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah. The Energy Commission ensures that the provision of electricity and piped gas to consumers is secure, reliable, safe and reasonably priced.
Media Contact
- Amalia Hasannudin, Tel: 03 55445021/ 017 3096519 or e-mail: amalia@sirim.my
- Patricia Limbang, Tel: 03 55446803/ 0192685679 or e-mail: patricia@sirim.my
- Azlina Mohammad Jais, Tel: 03 8870 8753/019 3589255 or e-mail: azlinamj@st.gov.my
- Zairulliati Mali, Tel: 03 8870 8598/013 2183778 or e-mail: zairulliati@st.gov.my