PETALING JAYA (Sept 19): The ceiling price for five types of masks against the current haze “has been set” and traders have been warned not to raise their prices.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the five versions of masks have been “declared price-controlled items under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011”, The Star reported today.

“Those who breach provisions under the Act for all types of face masks stated will face legal action,” Saifuddin said.

According to the same report, the price for the N95 face mask has been set at a maximum wholesale price of RM100 per box and retail price of RM6 per piece; single-ply face mask (ear loop) is set at a maximum wholesale price of RM5 per box or retail price of RM7 per box; the two-ply face mask (ear loop) is fixed at a maximum wholesale price of RM8 per box, retail price of RM10 per box or 20 sen per piece; the three-ply face mask (ear loop/head loop) is set at a maximum wholesale price of RM25 per box or retail price of 80 sen per unit; and the three-ply face mask (tie-on) is set at a maximum wholesale price of RM30 per box or 80 sen per unit.

“Other than the five types of face masks that were given a maximum price, the ministry still has the power to take action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 against any moves to unreasonably raise the wholesale or retail prices of other face masks,” Saifuddin said.

“The ministry will continue monitoring during the haze season and take stern action against any parties taking advantage of the situation by unreasonably raising the prices of face masks,” he added.

Bernama reported yesterday that sale of face masks all over the country has increased significantly as Malaysians take precautionary measures against the persistent transboundary haze.

Guardian Health And Beauty Sdn Bhd marketing director for Southeast Asia D Y Cho told Bernama that the company recorded a more than 100 per cent increase in face mask sales in the first 17 days of September compared with the whole of August.

“We have seen a dramatic increase in the sale of our masks especially the (N95) face mask,” he said.

Cho said Guardian has posted educational posters on haze on its Facebook and Instagram to remind customers on the importance of staying indoors and taking good care of their health.

Watsons Malaysia managing director Caryn Loh also said that there have been increased sales for face masks since the hazy conditions began.

She told Bernama that the public should keep themselves hydrated by taking in more fluids and consuming vitamin C or multivitamins to strengthen their immunity systems. 

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