Most of us use power banks when we are out the whole day as the batteries on our smartphones sometimes simply cannot tahan until we reach home. We do so many things on our smartphones, no wonder we need a power bank! However, there have been many cases of exploding power banks happening in Malaysia that has given us quite a shock.
Hence, the government plans that starting from 2018, all power banks in Malaysia will have to obtain SIRIM certification before it can be sold here.
According to The Star, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry suggested this move after it was discovered that too many unsafe power banks were being sold in Malaysia.
Source: Cellular Outfitter
Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said that sellers would have to obtain SIRIM certification and once they have it, they would need to apply for an approval letter from the ministry. He added, “There will also be a logo or stamp so consumers can differentiate the type of power banks.”
Source: Elektrostator
Currently, power banks do not need SIRIM approval because they are not listed under the Electricity Regulations 1994 but a special ministerial level committee formed last year will be drawing up a guideline for it before it is meant to be gazetted next year.
Fomca deputy president Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman wholly approves of this and said that the move should include chargers, batteries and cables as well.
He said, “This is a good move because currently, there are no safety labels on power banks. With the certification, substandard ones will no longer be allowed to be sold in the market. Consumers can just look out for the safety label from SIRIM and the ministry.”
Phew, time to say bye to unsafe power banks at last!
Also read: Overheated Power Bank Left Behind Believed to Have Set Perodua Kancil Ablaze
