LETTERS: In a tragic incident, a young teenager recently lost his life while charging his handphone on a bus, highlighting a critical gap in vehicle safety regulations.
This needless death serves as a wake-up call for action, underscoring the absence of safety inspections on charging ports in public transport vehicles, a gap that urgently needs to be addressed to prevent future incidents.
Charging ports in buses and other forms of public transportation have become a standard convenience for passengers.
However, without mandatory inspections or safety certifications, these seemingly benign devices pose a potential risk, especially when electrical surges, overheating, or faulty wiring are involved.
No one should have to choose between staying connected and their personal safety.
Key safety measures and recommendations:
1. Regulatory Safety Standards: Charging ports in public vehicles should be subject to the same stringent safety standards as other onboard electrical equipment. Authorities must establish and enforce clear guidelines for installation, inspection, and maintenance.
2. Mandatory Inspections: Safety inspections should include thorough testing of all electrical components, including charging ports, as part of regular vehicle checks. Certified electricians should confirm that each port meets safety requirements to avoid electrical risks.
3. Quality Control: Charging devices installed in vehicles must be sourced from trusted manufacturers and meet safety and quality certifications. Unauthorized modifications to these devices should be prohibited.
4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Passengers should be informed of the potential risks associated with charging personal devices on public vehicles. Clear instructions on safe usage should be visibly displayed in public transport to minimise risks.
5. Collaborative Action: It is crucial for transport operators, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers to work together to implement these safety standards, ensuring that safety is prioritized over convenience.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family of the young victim. No family should endure such a tragedy, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure public transportation is safe in every respect, down to the last detail. We urge the authorities to address this gap immediately and introduce mandatory safety measures to protect all passengers from preventable harm at all times.
TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE
CHAIRMAN
ALLIANCE FOR A SAFE COMMUNITY