KUCHING, Oct 27: The maximum price of a three-layer surgical or medical face mask will be reduced from RM0.95 to RM0.65 per unit (wholesale) and from RM1 to RM0.70 per unit (retail).
Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi disclosed in a statement that the new price will be enforced through the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 beginning Nov 1, this year.
The price reduction was announced today after the ministry’s recent review and taking into consideration the need for the people to continue adopting new norms especially with the continuous use of face mask.
On Aug 15, the ministry gazette the maximum price of three-layer surgical or medical face mask at RM0.95 per unit (wholesale) and RM1 per unit (retail).
“KPDNHEP will always ensure sufficient supply of face masks and sellers are in compliance with the maximum price allowed through monitoring and continuous inspection at all business premises. Almost all traders are selling face masks either at the maximum RM1 per unit or even less than that.
“The Ministry also monitored the production status and distribution of face masks in all 12 local processing plants. A total of 141 million units of face masks have been produced by all these manufacturers and distributed for sale into the local market for the month of April until September this year,” Nanta added.
Meanwhile, KPDNHEP conducted a total of 67,217 inspections and monitoring of prices and supplies for face masks nationwide since Jan 29 until Oct 25.
They recorded a total of 73 cases with seizure worth RM 543,737, involving RM518,400 in compound.
Nanta asserted that strict action will be taken against those who fail to comply under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Individuals found guilty of selling above the maximum price may face a fined up to RM100,000 or imprisoned not exceeding three years or both by the court or compounded up to RM50,000.
For companies, they can be fined up to RM500,000 by the court or compounded up to RM250,000.
Those who fail to display proper price tags for controlled price items is liable to a fine up to RM50,000 or compounded up to RM25,000 (individual) and for companies, they can fined up to RM100,000 or compounded up to RM50,000. —DayakDaily
