Alias said the ministry was investigating a complaint about mobile phone battery power banks found to be filled with sand. The ministry constantly checked on traders and the products they sold, but lacked sufficient manpower, he said.

However, consumers must also exercise caution by checking on a brand’s reputation and the warranty on a product before making a purchase and not be drawn too easily by a product’s cheap price.

“If it’s too good to be true then it probably is,” he said. “Consumers should check the products’ packaging to see if there is a Sirim or international standard sticker or stamp.”

Consumers who have been cheated can take up the matter at the Consumer Claims Tribunal and lodge a report to the ministry for action against unscrupulous traders.

Alias also urged government agencies in charge of entry points to ensure fake or imitation products do not get through the borders.

“In our war against the sale of fake products, we need the cooperation of all parties,” he said.

The Consumers Association of Penang said yesterday that a few customers had complained that the power banks drained very quickly compared to the size of the units.

CAP said it bought a few units and found that the power banks – sold openly in flea markets and pasar malams – contained cheap batteries for power storage and had casings filled with sand to make up for the weight of the power bank.