Over A Dozen Malaysian Businesses Have Been Fined For Selling Overpriced Face Masks
Consumers have also been urged to lodge complaints.
By Sarah Razif — 12 Feb 2020, 05:21 PM
19 Malaysian businesses have been fined for hiking up the price of face masks since the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) reached the country
According to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), they have inspected over 2,453 business premises since 25 January.
Out of which, there were 19 offences that were detected with a compound value of RM67,400 and a seizure worth RM4,343.50.
In a statement issued by Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, of the 19 offences, 16 were involved in selling above the maximum price while the remaining for not displaying the prices.
According to Bernama, he added that the face masks (surgery/medical) 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 25 January
This means that any seller who sells the face masks above the regulated price commits an offence under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
"They will enhance monitoring of business premises selling masks until the COVID-19 issue can be curbed to address any sales beyond the controlled price or unreasonable price hikes according to the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011," Saifuddin said.
The maximum prices of the face mask are as follows:
- One-ply masks: RM5 per box (wholesale) or RM7 per box (retail).
- Two-ply masks: RM8 per box (wholesale), RM10 per box (retail), or 20 sen per piece.
- Three-ply surgical masks: RM25 per box or 80 sen per piece.
- Three-ply hijab-friendly masks: RM30 per box or 80 sen per piece.
- N95 face masks: RM100 per box or RM6 per piece.
Saifuddin hopes that traders will comply with the laws
He also urged consumers to lodge complaints to the ministry through any of its nine complaint channels.
Malaysians can now WhatsApp KPDNHEP at +6019-2794317, if they have found the items are sold above the controlled prices.
