THIRTY-FOUR categories of household electrical products are regulated by the Energy Commission and must bear the Sirim (Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia) label before they can be sold.

However, a recent survey conducted by Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) on several outlets in the northern region has revealed that the regulations have not been enforced adequately.

The survey found that many domestic electrical appliances and accessories were sold without valid Sirim certification. There were products that did not conform to any safety standards, including Sirim (electrical accessories, extension power sockets, electric irons, immersion water heaters and decorative lights); those that had certification from foreign national safety standards but not from Sirim (mainly audio-video and kitchen appliances); and products that were assembled with one or two Sirim-approved components such as electrical cable and plugs, but as a whole had no Sirim approval (mainly extension power sockets, irons, hair dryers and toasters).

CAP urges the Energy Commission to ensure that manufacturers and importers use genuine Sirim labels and follow the correct procedures when attaching them on products. The Customs Department should ensure that imported goods are declared under the correct categories.

MOHIDEEN ABDUL KADER

President

Consumers Association of

Penang