Buy certified Christmas lights to avoid fire risk – association

KOTA KINABALU: With barely 16 days before Christmas, Malaysian Consumer Protection Association (MPCA) Sabah Chapter chairman David Chan warned the public to be vigilant when buying Christmas lights to avoid accidents.

According to David, it is best to buy Christmas lights that bear the SIRIM sticker to ensure a hazard-free holiday.

SIRIM stickers are mandatory for importers to assure customers that their products passed the inspection and test requirements based on Malaysian safety quality standards, he explained.

“Christmas lights without SIRIM stickers or with fake substitutes are possibly substandard and may cause fires due to electrical malfunctions.

“To avoid accidents during the Christmas season, the public are advised to spend a little more on their decorations,” David advised.

While Christmas lights have a maximum life span of three years, it is sometimes better to buy new ones, he said.

David further noted that it is also important for the Ministry of Trade and Industry to constantly monitor business establishments in the city in order to keep a lookout for fake products being sold in the market which are harmful to consumers.

He said the Ministry of Trade and Industry office here regularly conducts information and education campaigns for different business establishments on the rights of consumers and consequences of selling counterfeit products which could result in a heavy fine and cancellation of business permit.

Thus, David said, the MCPA urges the public to report to the ministry or MCPA office on stores selling Christmas lights without SIRIM stickers for appropriate action.