I refer to the news report, “Govt starts task force to look into fires caused by personal mobility devices” (Sept 1). 

This is a good move, as is the implementation of UL2272 certification — a safety standard that will reduce the risk of fires caused by personal mobility devices (PMDs) — by July 2020.

I am not a PMD user, but I have neighbours who use them. The spike in fires breaking out in public housing estates due to PMDs alarms me and I hope the task force can reduce or eliminate such fires.

Meanwhile, I would like to suggest that the authorities implement a rule for all PMD owners to have a fire extinguisher in their homes.

Should a fire break out, this should be the fastest way of fighting the fire before it gets worse.

Owners can also consider putting the extinguishers outside their homes if they are not around, so that neighbours or first responders can react quickly and help to contain the fire before the arrival of firefighters.

This way, PMD owners will shoulder some responsibility in minimising the dangers posed by PMD-linked fires to themselves and their innocent neighbours.

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