By Jaythaleela K
MIRI, Feb 14: The public who come across traders selling face masks for unreasonable prices are urged to file complaints with the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP).
Its deputy minister Chong Chieng Jen said the ministry is monitoring closely on the supply of face mask in the local market to ensure no shortages.
He urged the public to lodge a report if they found traders selling face mask beyond the gazetted prices.
He added that the face mask is a regulated price item under the Price Control (Controlled Prices) Order 2009 and the Price Control (Maximum Pricing) (No.2) Order 2009.
“Demand for the face mask has increased recently due to the 2019 novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. Lodge a report to us (KPDNHEP) so that we can deploy our enforcement officers to carry out inspection immediately,” he told a press conference here today.
Chong said the maximum price of face mask is RM25 per box for wholesale containing 50 pieces, while the three layer type head and ear loop is at 80 sen each.
Trader or retailer found to have breached the directive is liable to fine up to RM100,000 or maximum three years’ jail, or both, or pay a compound of RM500,000, he added.
Chong said the ministry has instructed face mask manufacturers in Peninsular Malaysia to increase their productions to ensure the supply chain in the domestic market is sufficient. — DayakDaily
