Sabah energy watchdog cracks down on uncertified electrical, gas equipment

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 22): The Energy Commission of Sabah (ECoS) is intensifying its efforts to enforce the sale of electrical equipment and gas appliances that comply with safety standards and legal requirements. On September 17, an operation involving 22 ECoS officers and four from Sirim uncovered four locations suspected of selling such items without proper safety labels or markings.

The agents seized various products, including light bulbs, electrical cables, electric kettles, electric irons, and gas cookers. According to Regulation 107 of the Electricity Supply Regulations 2024 (ESR 2024), electrical equipment must be approved and display the safety label or marking prescribed by ECoS before being sold. Non-compliance can result in fines of up to RM20,000, a jail term of up to two years, or both.

Gas appliances, as per Regulation 117 of the Gas Supply Regulations 2023 (GSR 2023), must also bear the prescribed safety marking or label for sale. Violations of this regulation can lead to fines of up to RM500,000 upon conviction, with additional fines possible for repeat offenses. ECoS has called on traders, suppliers, importers, and distributors to ensure that all electrical equipment and gas appliances on the market adhere to safety and legal requirements.

Consumers are also reminded to verify that the products they purchase carry valid safety labels or markings. The commission emphasizes its commitment to continue monitoring the market and conducting enforcement operations to safeguard consumers' safety and interests.