Although countries such as Singapore have since gotten rid of the face masks mandate in outdoor areas, it appears that we are not anywhere close to it.
Recently, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) announced that from 4 July onwards, manufacturers and importers of non-medical masks will need to apply for MS SIRIM certification and display markings from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd.
However, the announcement faced backlash from the public, and the Ministry have since announced that the new requirement will only commence on 1 January 2023.
The move was said to ensure that non-medical face masks, whether produced locally or imported, comply with the set safety standards.
Individual traders who fail to comply with the new requirement can face a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both for the first offence while subsequent offences can up the limit to RM250,000 and five years jail time.
As for companies who are caught flouting the rule, they face a fine of up to RM200,000 for the first offence and up to RM500,000 for following offences.
New requirement did not go down well with netizens
With the new requirement, netizens were quick to express their disapproval and confusion over the need for it in the first place.
There were also rumours that the government will fine anyone wearing non SIRIM certified masks. However, this has been put to bed by the Ministry as only manufacturers and suppliers will be fined.
The number one question was why is this only being enforced now, 2 years into the Covid-19 pandemic. “During the pandemic and cases were more than 20k a day, there was no need to have a SIRIM certified face mask,” pointed out one user.
“Other countries have started to remove mask mandate. Meanwhile in Malaysia, masks need to be SIRIM approved? WTF,” said another user.
Meanwhile, there were also concerns that the move will result in the sky rocketing of the prices of face masks.
What do you think of the new SIRIM requirement? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: KJ: No, We Are Not Near The Endemic Stage Yet
