BERNAMA
13/08/2020 03:54 PM
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 13 -- The new ceiling retail price of RM1 per piece for the three-layer face mask will be enforced from Saturday, Aug 15.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ceiling price was set after the ministry found that the supply of that type of face mask is adequate to meet the demand from consumers throughout the country.
“Since the supply of face mask in the market is adequate as proven by our inspections and monitoring, as well as through our engagement with the industry players, manufacturers and retailers, the ministry had decided to revise the ceiling price.
“This is also because we have found that although the ceiling price was set at RM1.50 per piece, some retailers were able to sell it below the ceiling price,” he told a press conference at the Parliament Building here today.
Last Monday, during question time at the Dewan Rakyat, Nanta announced that the government has agreed to reduce the ceiling price of the three-layer face mask to RM1 per piece to help reduce the people’s burden following the government's directive in making compulsory the use of face mask at public places starting Aug 1.
Nanta said the ministry is also committed to revising and reducing the ceiling retail price of face mask if and when the situation allows.
“It depends on the availability of the product. That’s what’s important. No use of reducing the price when there is no supply in the market.
“There was once the price was only 80 sen, but we cannot buy because there were no supplies. Local manufacturers could not meet the demand, and we have to import,” he said.
On enforcement, Nanta said anyone found of selling the face mask above the ceiling price will face legal action under the existing law.
Meanwhile, in a statement, the ministry announced that the ceiling wholesale price for the three-layer face mask will also be reduced from RM1.45 to 95 sen per piece.
-- BERNAMA
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