Face masks have become an essential part of our daily lives for obvious reasons, but constantly having to replenish our supply could eventually take a toll on our bank accounts in the long run.
Having said that, the government has promised to further reduce the ceiling price of face masks, lower than it already is right now.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government will decide by the end of September or early October on a new ceiling price, which will be lower than the current retail ceiling price of RM1.
This is to ensure that Malaysians won’t be financially burdened, as the country ramps up local supply to meet consumer demand for face masks.
Nanta Linggi told Parliament yesterday (August 25th), “We are looking to implement a new ceiling price within the next month or two after taking all views into consideration. I hope industry players will take note of the matter and not say we have not issued any notice.”
“The reason we can further reduce the price is because we have adequate supply of face masks currently. We now have 10 face mask manufacturers nationwide compared to six previously. I am told that there will be four more manufacturers come October.”
As of August 15th, the ceiling price for face masks are at RM1 per piece or RM50 per box, from RM1.50 previously, while the wholesale price is now at 95 sen per unit, or RM47.50 per box, from RM1.45.
It’s understood that the government is looking to bring down the price further to between 70 sen and 80 sen a piece.
Nevertheless, the most important thing now is to never forget to wear a mask when you’re out and about!
Stay safe, guys!
by Kyle Roshen Jacob
