THE widespread use of counterfeit smartphone batteries poses a serious threat to consumer safety, with risks ranging from device malfunction to deadly explosions or electrocution, a communications expert has warned.
Associate Professor Dr Mohd Khairie Ahmad of Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), who is also a researcher at the Advanced Communication Research Unit (ACRU), said fake batteries are typically sold at lower prices because manufacturers often compromise on quality and safety standards to maximise profit.
“Counterfeit batteries are made using substandard materials and often lack proper safety mechanisms. This makes them highly prone to overheating, swelling, and even exploding during the charging process,” he told Bernama.
He added that electrical shock risks from these batteries can potentially be fatal due to neglected insulation and circuit protection.
“Neglect of safety features by counterfeit battery manufacturers could result in electric shocks that may be deadly to users,” he said.
The damage isn’t limited to bodily harm — fake batteries can also irreversibly damage smartphones.
“They can lead to swollen batteries due to unstable chemical reactions during charging. This often results in damage to the device’s motherboard and circuitry,” Dr Mohd Khairie explained.
“Beyond hardware damage, counterfeit batteries significantly reduce device performance. Inconsistent and unstable power delivery can affect the phone’s operating system and shorten its lifespan,” he added.
Citing Datareportal 2025, he said 91.7 per cent of Malaysians own at least one mobile or smartphone, with 99.3 per cent of individuals aged 16 and above owning such devices — a fact that drives high demand for replacement parts like batteries.
He identified two primary reasons for the booming market for fake batteries: affordability and poor consumer awareness.
“First, economic factors. Many users try to balance limited finances with the need for a replacement battery. Budget constraints and a culture of seeking cheap alternatives drive this demand,” he said.
“The second reason is the relatively low level of consumer awareness. According to data from DOSM and Macrotrends, while 42 per cent of Malaysians prioritise product price, only 23 per cent are consistently willing to pay more for quality.”
He said the lack of emphasis on safety and quality has led many consumers to place cost above all else.
“Counterfeit products like these are significantly cheaper than genuine batteries. This, combined with weak consumer awareness, fuels the proliferation of dangerous, low-grade products,” he said.
Dr Mohd Khairie urged authorities to impose stricter penalties on manufacturers and retailers of counterfeit batteries.
“But more importantly, we must cultivate a culture of informed consumerism. Our people must be taught to prioritise safety and quality over price. As long as there’s demand, the supply of counterfeit batteries will persist,” he added. - October 12, 2025
