A mother and her daughter suffered burns after a soy milk maker bought through a China-based e-commerce platform exploded during its first use at their home in Sungai Ara, George Town, on 2 June.
The victims, identified only as Madam Zhang and her daughter, were taken to a nearby medical centre with burn injuries to their faces and shoulders from boiling liquid.
The soy milk maker had been delivered at about 4pm and was switched on shortly afterwards. It exploded while in operation.
Impak Madani Welfare Organisation of Penang advisor John Ooh Sin Hwa said an inspection of the appliance found it did not carry the SIRIM safety certification mark, which is mandatory for electrical products sold in Malaysia.
“How can such electrical appliances, allegedly lacking the necessary safety certification, enter the local market and be sold directly to consumers through overseas e-commerce platforms?” he asked.
Ooh cited Regulation 97(1) of the Electricity Regulations 1994, which requires low-voltage electrical appliances sold in Malaysia to obtain approval and a Certificate of Approval from the Energy Commission, as well as SIRIM certification.
The organisation has submitted complaint letters to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, urging the authorities to investigate.
“We want stricter monitoring of imported electrical appliances sold through foreign online shopping platforms to ensure compliance with Malaysian safety standards.
“We advise consumers to verify that electrical appliances purchased online carry recognised safety certification before use to reduce the risk of accidents,” he added.
Ooh said electrical products that do not comply with local safety requirements could pose risks of injury and fire.
Source: New Straits Times
