On 1st December 2010, TEEAM held a dialogue with the Energy Commission (Suruhanjaya Tenaga, ST) at ST’s new office in Putrajaya. Engr Fu Wing Hoong (President) led the TEEAM delegation, comprising Ir Chew Shee Fuee (Vice President), Engr Leong Kam Seng (Vice President), Mr Ho Khai Hong (Honorary Secretary), Dato’ Ir Lee Peng Joo (Immediate Past President cum Adviser), Mr Suresh Kumar Gorasia (Past President), Mr Jack Soon Lee Hock (Assistant Honorary Secretary), Council Members: Mr V Perumal, Mr T Sundararaju, Mr Dahari Mat Siran, Mr Lawrence Lai Kun Hoong, and members: Mr Mark Gau, Mr Roy Chan and Ms Ong Siew Hong.
On hand to receive TEEAM were Ir Ahmad Fauzi Hasan (CEO) and ST officials: Ir Othman Omar (Director of Enforcement and Regional Coordination Department), Hj Abdul Rahim Ibrahim (Director of Electrical Safety Department), Ir Amir Hassan (Head of Unit, Electrical Equipment Department), Mr Shahidan Baharom (Head of Enforcement Department), Mr Mohd Nawawi Said Abdullah (Head of Supply & Monitoring Services Department), Mr Abd Razak Amin (Senior Executive of Competency Department), Mr Shahrilnizim Shaari (Head of Legal Department), Mdm Nazlin Ab Alim Sidiki (Senior Executive of Enforcement Department), Mr Azarudin Yusof Mansor (Executive of Competency Department), Mr Muhamad Zaiful Asmi Sulaiman (Executive of Competency Department), Ms Joanna Lenta Samana (Executive of Electrical Safety Development Department), Mr Mohd Azizi Che Aziz (Executive of Electrical Safety Development Department) and Ms Nur Faidarina Alias (Executive of Electrical Equipment Department).
Issues brought to ST’s attention were:
Market Surveillance
TEEAM highlighted that fake (pirated), under-specified (undersized cables & lugs), unapproved (31 controlled items) and false (not performing) electrical products are still rampant in the Malaysian market. TEEAM hoped that ST can spearhead a market surveillance group to monitor and recommend enforcement by the Domestic Trade, Customs and Police to stamp out this menace.
ST is receptive to setting up a market surveillance group with the participation of interested parties to improve the effectiveness on enforcement.
Fake SIRIM Labels & Imitation Products
TEEAM highlighted raid cases by SIRIM and Domestic Trade on products which carry fake SIRIM labels and imitation products. ST as the regulatory authority should protect the local genuine manufacturers against such misdemeanor and also to protect the public as safety aspect is compromised. TEEAM hoped for strict enforcement by ST against unscrupulous manufacturers. ST informed that the Commission is drafting higher penalty for such offences.
TEEAM appealed to ST to publicise raids and court cases so as to educate the public.
Low Loss Fluorescent Ballasts
TEEAM called for strong enforcement by ST on high watt loss ballasts. It is reported that ballasts of more than six watt loss are still widely available in the market. Genuine manufacturers who comply with ST’s requirement had to compete with noncompliance products. ST is aware of the issue and necessary actions are already being taken.
Non-standard Cables
There are many incidents of non-standard undersized wiring cables widely marketed and used. Unscrupulous factories are making these for deceitful middlemen who sell them to ignorant end users. TEEAM called on ST to issue directive to cable manufacturers to stop making non-standard cables. ST informed that the Commission has met with the Cable Association to enforce ‘embossing SIRIM marks’ on all standard size cables.
Parallel Import
TEEAM highlighted that there is parallel import of controlled items which are sold without SIRIM labels.
ST reiterated that controlled items sold without SIRIM label is an offence. Genuine controlled item which are imported and sold locally must carry SIRIM label. Confiscated product are sent for testing. If they pass the safety requirement test, the penalty is a fine not exceeding RM5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months or both. If these confiscated products failed the safety requirement test, the penalty will be a fine not exceeding RM100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
Hence, members are strongly advised not to buy or sell such products.
Residual Current Circuit Breakers (RCCB) Application
The various application of RCCB are stipulated in the Electricity Regulations. The sensitivity will assist in protection against direct contact. 30mA RCCB has not been widely used because of the fear of nuisance tripping. It can be used efficiently if the number of circuits for protection can be planned.
ST informed that the Commission will determine the level of compliance of the usage of RCCB which is commonly accepted by all stakeholders. A national conference on electrical safety will be organised by ST to inform industry players and the public of the best practice.
E-Application for Certificate of Approval (COA)
New application and renewal of COA for electrical and electronic equipment can be done online in ST website www.st.gov.my/ Electricity/Equipment/Application_Procedure for COA. The processing fee for new application is RM 20. Annual fee for single phase (230V) is RM 200 and three phase (400V) is RM 300. Renewal fee for single phase is RM 100 and three phase is RM 200.
ST clarified that hardcopy of the application form is not necessary. Scanned original test reports are acceptable by ST. This is to be in line with the government’s practice of 1-certification policy and payment can be done online.
TEEAM appealed to ST and hoped it can be brought up to MOF to waive some fees so as to encourage the entry of business into Malaysia.
Competency Examination
TEEAM is of the opinion that the criteria of academic qualification to sit for competency examination which is minimum Form Five is
too restrictive. The working experience of those who had dropped out of school at an earlier age should be recognised. For example, an apprentice who has been doing wiring works for many years should be given a chance to upgrade and be recognised.
TEEAM hoped that ST can recognise working experience in lieu of education qualification so that everyone can achieve PM’s aspiration of a high income nation. This can be presented in the form of a ‘log book’ with record of working projects. ST will consider this on a case to case basis.
Scope of Authority of Competent Personnel
TEEAM highlighted that some TNB offices insist that wireman and chargeman can only endorse drawings up to TPN 60A incoming. For incoming supply of TPN 100A and above, the drawing must be signed by professional engineer.
Nowadays, TNB standard three phase supply is 100A instead of 60A. Hence, TEEAM requested ST to look into allowing competent personnel to endorse TPN 100A supply. ST agreed to look into the matter.
Feed-in Tariff (FIT) & Photovoltaic (PV) Installation
FIT is a mechanism that allows electricity produced from Renewable Energy (RE) sources to be sold to power utilities at a fixed price for a specific term. For FIT to be implemented, the country needs to have a RE Act to provide a framework for the FIT to be operational. FIT is still in the finalisation process.
TEEAM highlighted that the ability and process to be trained and certified as a PV installer is very slow. At present, there are only 29 companies listed in the MBIPV – PV Business Directory. Green Tech is not under the purview of ST, however ST will highlight TEEAM’s concern at the Ministry’s level. ST updated TEEAM that the government is
planning to set up a new agency called ‘Sustainable Energy Development Authority’ to spearhead the FIT and take care of green matters.
False Product: Energy Saving Kit
It was published in the press that the Consumer Claims Tribunal Court on 22nd November 2010 ordered SmartSaver Technology, a company dealing with energy saving products to reimburse civil servant K Eeswary, for an ineffective energy saving kit. ST informed that the Commission never endorses any such device/product. The Commission will follow up on the case.
Power Factor (PF)
TEEAM is proposing that if every consumer can achieve 0.95 power factor, then TNB has another 10% of electricity for sale, without incurring any additional cost. Thus, TNB should share this windfall with the consumers by reimbursing consumers who achieve more than 0.85 PF. ST supports the reimbursement proposal.
Asean Harmonised Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulatory Regime (AHEEERR)
ST updated that the draft regulation for AHEEERR has been completed and submitted to the Ministry. To implement the MRA, the law of each Asean member country needs to be changed to accommodate mutual acceptance. Some regulations and conformity on the uniformity of the testing requirement have been adjusted and modified.
New Electricity Supply Act
The Electricity Supply Act 1990 is 20 years old. It is due for review as technology has surpassed the Act. ST informed that the Act is rewritten and now is at the Attorney General Office for submission to the Minister. The dialogue ended with a tour of ST diamond building and members were very impressed. A sumptuous lunch was later hosted by ST.