Building safer future: Your role in improving electrical safety

SHAH ALAM - The country was recently shaken by the tragic death of 18-year-old Mohamad Nur Asymawi Jasmadi, who was electrocuted while charging his mobile phone on an express bus at Penang Sentral on Nov 1.

It was reported that the charging cable was found melted and the victim's phone was overheating at the time.

In response to the incident, Transport Minister Anthony Loke set up a special task force for a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar incidents and improve passenger safety.

Sharing this view, Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research Board of Directors chairman Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon highlighted the importance of each party's role in properly maintaining and managing electrical systems.

"I believe that safety isn’t just about this specific cable or anything like that. To me, it’s about how we view safety as a whole.

"So we should put in mind that safety comes first and we should prioritise safety over convenience," he said when contacted.

Wong had suggested some ways to safely use electrical equipment whether on buses or in personal devices.

Design and manufacturing standards

Every electrical system starts with the design, where safety features must be carefully integrated.

Wong stressed that manufacturers should prioritise quality components and ensure compliance with established safety standards.

He said this included selecting the appropriate type of wiring and power management systems based on the intended current load and lifespan.

Proper installation and competent handling

Wong pointed out that professional installation was key to safe electrical systems.

When dealing with power wiring, he said it was crucial to hire certified electricians with proper competency, not just any handyman.

He said skilled professionals can install wiring that meets required safety standards and manages power effectively, preventing frequent blackouts or hazards.

He also warned that improper installation, particularly by unqualified individuals, compromised safety and could lead to dangerous outcomes.

Maintenance and regular inspections

Wong said like any electrical infrastructure, wiring and components degrade over time.

Operators should schedule regular maintenance and replace worn-out parts, including ageing wires or broken sockets, to prevent accidents.

"When something is new, it usually works fine, but over time like in our homes after 15 or 20 years, things start to degrade, and it’s the same with cables and even buses," Wong said.

For vehicles, such as buses, he said these systems were particularly critical since they were in frequent use and exposed to various conditions.

User responsibility in device and adapter selection

He also highlighted that for consumers, ensuring that cables and adapters were compatible with their devices was essential where higher-powered devices, such as laptops, required specific adapters that can safely handle the current without overheating.

Fast-charging technology is convenient but often generates more heat and puts extra stress on cables, which can cause them to wear out over time if not properly monitored.

Wong said choosing certified adapters and cables with built-in safety mechanisms, like smart IC chips can reduce the risk of accidents.

"However, these advanced cables typically aren’t the most affordable options, so when you purchase external cables, you often don’t have to worry about selecting the wrong type," he added.

He also said it was crucial to replace adapters and cables when they showed signs of wear.

Raising awareness and reporting unsafe equipment

Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Wong said people should report to bus operators or building management when they noticed faulty plugs or cables in public spaces, hence avoid using them.

He believed that taking action and encouraging others to replace worn-out equipment can help prevent accidents.

"We should take action by filing a complaint whenever we see something dangerous, raising awareness so that others would notice (the problem) and can prevent potential issues," he said.

Empowering consumers and encouraging safety-first mindsets

He also emphasised that consumers have a role in demanding safety from manufacturers and operators by exercising their right to report and expect improvements.

Wong also highlighted that avoiding unsafe devices can protect individuals, however reporting issues promotes a safer environment for everyone.

"There are channels for filing complaints beyond just QT or bus operators and utilising these can help ensure your concerns are addressed," he said.

By choosing safe devices, reporting risks and advocating for quality standards, the public can help prioritise safety over convenience.

Electrical safety required a collective effort from everyone, including responsible manufacturing, skilled installation, diligent maintenance and careful consumer choices.