All Houses In Malaysia Must Undergo Wiring Checks Every 10 Years Starting 2018
"Due to the lack of awareness on electrical safety, people do not conduct checks on electrical wiring until something happens."
By Nandini Balakrishnan — 28 Nov 2017, 12:39 PM
A new amendment to the Electricity Regulation 1994 requires all houses in Malaysia to undergo electrical wiring inspection every 10 years, from 2018 onwards
According to a report by Bernama, Energy Commission's Electrical Safety Development Head Iffah Hannah Muluk made the announcement during the electrical safety discussion at Schneider Electrics yesterday, 27 November.
"Previously, we do not have such regulations. Due to the lack of awareness on electrical safety, people do not conduct checks on electrical wiring until something happens," she said.
Iffah said that the directive is issued due to the increasing number of fire incidents in the country, especially those involving residential units.
Fire incidents in Malaysia are on the rise. In 2017 alone, 49 cases were reported and half of them involved fatalities.
Electrical and Electronics Association President, Chew Shee Fuee said that electrical safety awareness among Malaysians is low, stressing that many are not even aware that the human body itself is a conductor.
"People nowadays think that everything can be Do-It-Yourself (DIY). They see online, and they try doing it without having proper knowledge. This is very dangerous as it can lead to electrocution," said Chew.
Chew also attributed the rising number of fire incidents to the fake and uncertified electrical items that are flooding the market
His examples of fake electrical goods included phone cables and chargers, as these products are more prone to electrical leakage, which can cause electrocution and fire.
"We need to be aware. These items, if anything happens, nobody can trace it back to who is the manufacturer. For safety, please use items that are certified," he advised.
Chew also warned people against using extension wires for high voltage electrical appliances.
"Do not use it on major appliances such fridge, over, and microwave. You are putting the lives of everyone in the house at danger. To be sage, unplug all appliances when you are not using them to reduce risk of fire," he added.
Earlier this month, Selangor Fire and Rescue Department chief Azmi Osman said that studies on fire investigation reports revealed that most fire incidents are caused by short circuit due to old and unserviced electrical system
"This year alone, we saw 14 lives lost in Selangor due to fire mishaps. This is a drastic increase compared to previous years. After studying these incidents, the department found that most of the cases happened at premises which were over 15 years of age, some more than 20 years.
"While it is costly to have thorough checks, it is still nothing compared to what one can lose in case of fire, including valuables and even lives of loved ones," said Azmi, as reported by New Straits Times on 11 November.