Netizens warned members of the public of the dangers of purchasing cheap electronic products after a massage gun from e-commerce platform Lazada caught fire after charging.
Facebook page Complaint Singapore member “Kim Eun-ji” purchased a red massage gun from Lazada, which caught fire and burned her table, shelf and wooden floor.
“It could have burnt the whole house; luckily I was there to put out the fire fast,” wrote the concerned individual. “This is a serious matter and totally unacceptable,” she added.
Ms Kim added photos of the aftermath, such as black dust particles surrounding the charging area and debris scattered around the floor.
She noted that the manual included warnings of a fire hazard. “This product really seems dangerous. Do not use,” she said.
Ms Kim then posted a product review on the seller’s page, but it appears that it was taken down or “expired.”
She also reached out to Lazada customer support for compensation for damages. “But they ignored my question and just asked me to ask for refund,” she said.
The seller has since refunded the amount, although the damage was already done, said Ms Kim.
Netizens urged others to refrain from purchasing electrical products without the SG safety mark. “You are buying at your own risk, and that’s why we have fires in HDB flats,” said Facebook user Chen Tianguo.
“Lazada is only a middleman, and they, of course, won’t entertain you unless they are the one bringing in the product.”
Many noted that the price of the massage was too low, to begin with. “Electronics items better buy personally and don’t buy online and some more its cheap,” said Facebook user ZamriBoy Kamarudin.
“For electronics stuff better to buy a reliable brand and from a reputable distributor. You are lucky, you didn’t get burnt or hurt or botak any parts of your hair!” added Facebook user Alicia Foo.
One Edwin Gan had the same product and thanked Ms Kim for raising awareness of the risks. “After reading this, I will dispose of it into the electrical and electronics recycle bin,” he said./TISG