CYBERJAYA, Oct 6 — The labelling of communications devices imposed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) allows consumers to be certain the devices are safe to use.
The MCMC label that must be affixed onto communications devices serves to indicate they have been certified according to the standards in order to protect consumers.
Consumers must be aware non-certified communications devices may come with sub-standard or counterfeit electrical chargers which do not meet the safety requirements.
Their use may lead to electric shock or injury and cause fires.
The increasing use of wireless devices also means consumers are more exposed to radio frequency emitting devices. MCMC requires all portable and handheld wireless devices comply with the regulatory limit to ensure their safety.
"Consumers are therefore advised to make sure communications devices carry the MCMC label before buying the device. They are also encouraged to verify the authenticity of the label by checking the certification details by using the ‘Check Your Label’ mobile app,” MCMC technology and society division senior director Aisharuddin Nuruddin said.
"The mobile app can be downloaded from Google Play or Apple App Store. Consumers can verify by keying in the device’s IMEI or serial number and compare whether the information displayed on the app matches the devices they want to buy,” he said, adding this would protect the consumers from dishonest sellers.
Aisharuddin said it was mandatory for all communications devices to be labelled with the correct MCMC label in accordance with the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
He said all communications devices must undergo a series of tests which must be conducted by accredited testing laboratories before they could be certified by Sirim QAS International.
"The procedure involves testing and evaluating the devices to see if they comply with the technical specifications set by MCMC,” he said, adding Sirim is the certifying agency appointed by MCMC under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
MCMC also requires only certified communications devices are allowed to enter the market. This is enforced through the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) (Amendment) (No. 4) Order 2015.
Aisharuddin said the Royal Malaysian Customs Department will only grant importation for communications devices with an import permit issued by Sirim. An import permit will only be issued after the devices are verified to possess the certification.
He stressed it was the responsibility of the manufacturers or importers to apply for the device’s certification.
"Sirim has restricted the application to only companies registered under the Companies Commission of Malaysia,” he said.
"This acts as a means of protection because it would make the tracking process easier in cases of fraud.”
As part of MCMC’s initiative to promote continued compliance of communication devices in the market, Aisharuddin said, the commission has embarked on market surveillance exercise in collaboration with Sirim.
"We are making sure imported devices meet our requirements and are enforcing administrative and legal sanctions when necessary, he said.
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