KUCHING, Jan 27: Stern action will be taken against traders who hike up the price of face masks in light of the Novel Coronovirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak.
The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will not hesitate reprimanding sellers or business premises taking advantage of the current global health scare involving the Wuhan virus.
Its secretary-general Datuk Muez Abd Aziz, in a statement today, said face masks are under the price control list, whereby regulated under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
He added that the maximum ceiling price has been fixed on five types of face masks namely;
Face mask with earlobes:
- one-layered mask sold at RM5 per box (wholesale) or RM7 per box (retail).
- two-layered mask sold at RM8 per box (wholesale) or RM10 per box (retail), or 20 sen per piece.
- three-layered surgical mask sold at RM25 per box or RM0.80 sen per piece.
Surgical mask:
- three-layered hijab-friendly mask sold at RM30 per box or RM0.80 sen per piece.
- N95 face mask sold at RM100 per box or RM6 per piece.
“Legal action will be taken against the errant traders and if found guilty, they will face a maximum fine of RM100,000 or imprisonment up to three years, or both.
“Companies, if found guilty, can face a fine up to RM500,000 or compound up to RM250,00,” he said.
Apart from the five items mentioned above, Muez added that KPDNHEP has the power to take action against those who indiscriminately increased the price of other types of face masks.
“The ministry has deployed 2,300 enforcement officers since Jan 25 to monitor and conduct checks nationwide,” he continued.
Members of public who wished to enquire or came across such cases can lodge their complaint through e-aduan.kpdnhep.gov.my, call 082-466052 or WhatsApp 019-2794317. — DayakDaily
