Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) refers to the recent report in the press of a lady who suffered burns on her arms when handling her gas stove. While at times, accidents like this may be the result of poor installation, it is also very likely that the product concerned itself is defective and poses a hazard to users.

CAP calls on the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs to investigate the matter and to take action against the manufacturers if they are found to be at fault.

In the wake of a number of incidents involving product safety, CAP also renews its call on the ministry to form a Consumer Product Safety Commission that is dedicated to ensure the safety of consumer products that are not covered by any other commissions, such as some household gadgets, household chemicals, toys, cribs and other children’s products.

This commission, which could come under the supervision of the Consumer Affairs Division, would be able to oversee product safety and keep a database of accidents or untoward incidents.

Other commissions that are dealing with specific products, such as electrical goods or telecommunication devices, could have very strong links with this general Product Safety Commission.

Any information on product safety problems could be relayed to this commission for the purpose of central record-keeping and any follow-up action.

This commission could also be responsible for ensuring that mandatory safety standards are in place and that there is also a clear procedure in cases where a nationwide recall on an unsafe product is required.

A formal system to relay information on unsafe products to the public could also be overseen by this commission.

Often, encompassing action is only taken after a really serious accident or a spate of similar injuries occur. CAP calls for immediate proactive measures to protect the public.

The writer is President of the Consumers Association of Penang