Facemasks are controlled item till A(H1N1) pandemic ends
PUTRAJAYA (Aug 19, 2009) : Facemasks to help prevent the spread of the infuenza A (H1N1) virus has become a price-controlled item, according to Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
The wholesale maximum price of a box of One-Ply ear loop (100 pieces) is RM5 while the retail price is RM7. For a box of Two-Ply ear loop, the maximum price is RM8 while the retail price is RM10 or 20 sen a piece.
"For Three-Ply ear loop, the wholesale maximum price is RM25 a box (50 pieces) while the retail is 80 sen a piece. The maximum price for a Three-Ply tie-on is RM30 a box (50 pieces) and the retail is 80 sen per unit," added Ismail.
The maximum wholesale price for a box of 20 N95 masks is RM100 while the retail price is RM6 a unit. However, the minister reminded consumers that the health ministry advised against using the 'One-Ply' and 'Two-Ply' surgical masks as they are ineffective to prevent the spread of H1N1.
According to Ismail, the ministry could take action under the Price Control Act 1946 where individuals found guilty could be fined up to RM15,000 or jailed up to two years, or both. Recalcitrant companies can be fined up to RM25,000
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