The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) has inspected 2,453 business premises from January 25 and found 19 offences of businesses hiking up the price of face masks.
According to BERNAMA, KPDNHEP has collected a compound value of RM67,400 and seizures of up to RM4,343.50.
Photo: The Malaysian Reserve
In a statement, Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said of the 19 offences, 16 of them were selling above the maximum price, while the remaining was charged for not displaying the price.
According to Minister Saifuddin Nasution, (surgical/medical) face masks were regulated goods under the Price Control (Controlled Prices) Order 2009 and the Price Control (Maximum Pricing) (No. 2) Order 2009.
Enforcement officers have conducted daily inspections at businesses selling face masks nationwide since January 25.
“This means that any seller who sells the face masks above the regulated price committed an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 (AKHAP). KPDNHEP enforcement officers will enhance monitoring of business premises selling masks until the 2019 Coronavirus (COVID-19) issue can be curbed to address any sales beyond the control price or unreasonable price hikes according to the 2011 AKHAP,” Saifuddin said.
The maximum prices of face masks are as follows:
One-ply masks (100 pieces): RM5 per box (wholesale), RM 7 per box (retail)
Two-ply masks (100 pieces): RM8 per box (wholesale), RM 10 per box (retail) or 20 sen per piece
Three-ply surgical masks (50 pieces): RM 25 per box, 80 sen per piece
Three-ply hijab friendly masks (50 pieces, tie-on): RM30 per box, 80 sen per piece
N95 face masks (20 pieces): RM100 per box, RM6 per piece
Saifuddin urged consumers to lodge complaints to the ministry through any of its nine complaint channels - or just WhatsApp KPDNHEP at +6019-2794317 if you spot items being sold above the controlled prices.
So guys, if you see shops selling expensive face masks, report them straight to the ministry!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
