PMD fires worrying, don't use illegal devices bought online: Minister

Another warning about the fire hazards of illegal personal mobility devices (PMDs) has been sounded by a Cabinet minister.

- Shermaine Ang

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said at a community event that PMD fires are becoming more and more of a concern in Singapore, and residents should not use illegal PMDs bought online. Their batteries are unsafe, and may overheat and catch fire during charging.

“Always buy from the proper shops. Don’t go and ‘zhng’ your device... Use the original approved batteries for your own safety,” he added, using the Hokkien term for modify.

Mr Chee, who is an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC, was speaking at the Community Resilience Day event held at Plaza@128 in Toa Payoh on Oct 19.

In the event of a PMD-related fire, residents may not be able to put out such fires on their own, as the PMD batteries continue to have a lot of heat, he said.

“Don’t take on PMD fires on your own because the fire extinguishers that we have and the hose for common areas may not be suitable or enough to deal with PMD fires.”

As part of the new Better Awareness, Safer Homes campaign, Mr Chee said town councils will increase inspections of HDB estates' common areas, as well as promptly address cases reported through the OneService app.