KUALA LUMPUR: Interest groups believe that the government's plan to make SIRIM certification mandatory for all electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem components is a step in the right direction.

They believe this could reduce dangerous incidents such as electric vehicle charging systems (EVCS) catching fire.

Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) chairman Professor Dr Wong Shaw Voon said while it is better for the EV ecosystem components to be certified by Sirim, it's also important to look into the contents of the certification.

He said certifications were important to avoid any form of EV combustion similar to the fire at the EVCS bay in Johor on Dec 31.

"If something like that were to happen inside, say, a basement car park, it would be even more critical for us to work on the issue because there will be other cars which also can be burnt if you don't take care of the whole ecosystem and design of the EVCS.

"All these involve safety considerations and they have to be done properly."

He added that the government might need to rope in experts to ensure that the certification content was comprehensive.

On Dec 31 last year, a Mercedes Benz EQB model caught fire while charging at a car showroom in Tampoi, Johor.

The fire destroyed five per cent of the premises and 20 per cent of the EVCS bay.

The company that ran the EVCS bay was found to be operating without a licence from the Energy Commission.

The commission said that the Electricity Supply Act 1990 (Act 447) and the Electricity Regulations 1994 provided that energy supply activities from any installation must be carried out by obtaining a valid licence from the commission.

Malaysia Internet of Things Association vice-chairman Datuk Sri Ganes Palaniapan said a Sirim certification for the EV ecosystem should not be left as an option.

"SIRIM has all the framework and necessary fundamental things to consider for public safety.

"It must be mandatory so that we will not have issues of charging ports blowing up, especially as the ports are in public places."

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1039341/interest-groups-rally-behind-sirim-ev-certification