The government is launching an integrated Special Compliance Operation to protect you from unsafe electrical products that do not meet required safety standards.

Deputy Finance Minister Liew Chin Tong said many electrical products entering Malaysia, whether sold online or at physical stores, do not carry the required SIRIM certification or meet local safety requirements. These products may pose serious risks, including fire hazards, with some fire incidents linked to non-compliant electrical items.

The operation will involve several agencies, including 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, and SIRIM. Liew announced the initiative following an engagement session with the Federation of Electrical Home Appliances Dealers Associations Malaysia (Fomeda).

34 Electrical Product Categories Under Review

The operation will focus on 34 categories of controlled electrical appliances regulated under the Electricity Regulations 1994. These include everyday household items such as electric kettles, refrigerators, washing machines, toasters, electric fans, chargers, cables and kitchen appliances.

The authorities will strengthen checks at entry points, inspect premises suspected of selling unsafe products, test electrical items, improve import declaration monitoring, and work with e-commerce platforms to ensure sellers follow safety requirements.

Be Careful When Buying Chargers And Other Electrical Items

Random market inspections by the Energy Commission and SIRIM found that more than half of the phone chargers available for sale were not certified with the ST-SIRIM mark, Liew said, meaning you could unknowingly be buying products that carry higher risks, including fire, electric shock and injury.

When shopping for electrical products, take a moment to check for the ST-SIRIM label on the product itself, not just the packaging. Uncertified items may look attractive because of their lower prices, but they may not go through the same safety checks as certified products, which could mean a higher chance of faults, a shorter product lifespan, or extra costs when you need to replace them.

If a price seems unusually low, check the packaging for the ST-SIRIM mark before buying, since the discount could mean it skipped certification altogether. A quick safety check before you buy can help protect your home and your wallet.

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Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

About THE AUTHOR

Iman Aminuddin

Iman Aminuddin

Iman writes about personal finance with curiosity. She is interested in the stories behind money, the hesitation around big decisions, and the small habits that shape financial futures. Off the clock, she is either dissecting a film or climbing her way up the leaderboard in her favourite games.

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