Electrical items without Sirim certification seized

0

TAWAU: More than 10 imported electrical items without the Sirim certification were seized from an electrical shop at Mile 4, Jalan Apas here.

The seizure was made during the first ‘Ops Electrical Equipment’ in Tawau, carried out by Energy Commission in collaboration with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and Sirim yesterday.

Regional director of Energy Commission Sabah East Coast, Mohd Yusrul bin Yusof, said the seized items included a mobile air-conditioner, a fridge, a microwave oven, a vacuum cleaner and a toaster worth about RM6,500.

He said the shop was also given one month to apply for the Sirim certification for its imported electrical products in the store.

The operation was aimed to ensure that electrical goods suppliers or shops complied with the Sirim standard for the safety of consumers.

Yusrul urged all consumers to be alert and to buy electrical products with the Sirim label for their own safety.

The public can contact Energy Commission at 089-666695 if they find electrical products being sold without the Sirim label.

The 97/98 Electricity Regulations 1994 carries a fine of up to RM5,000 or one-year imprisonment or both, if convicted.

Mohd Yusrul also said that no  case under 97/98 of Electricity Regulations 1994 had been received from Sabah so far.

“Electrical shops here are warned to be more responsible in ensuring that electrical products sold must have the Sirim labels and complied with the Certificate of Approval of Equipment (COA) for imported products,” he said.

Mohd Yusrul also said more electrical shops had begun complying with the regulations on electrical equipment.

However, a small number of shops had failed to comply with the regulations, especially on Sirim labels.

“Placing Sirim labels on electrical equipment would generate positive impact on consumers in terms of their safety,” he said, adding that the Energy Commission had the right to seize electrical products that had no Sirim labels on them at any time and stern action would be taken against the sellers.