The price ceiling of face masks may be further lowered depending on the supply situation, said Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi, the Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, according to Bernama.
Previously, the price ceiling of face masks was already reported to be reduced from RM1.50 to RM1.20 starting 15 August 2020 in line with the government’s implementation of making wearing face masks mandatory in public places. The wholesale price of the product was also decreased from RM1.45 to RM1.15.
“Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) is monitoring supply at the production, import and retail stages for the purpose of determining the appropriate maximum price reduction based on the current market situation,” Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said in a press statement on 5 August 2020.
He mentioned that the price reduction was already decided two weeks before the government announced the compulsory use of face masks for everyone in public places and crowded places.
“There is no shortage or problem in the supply of face masks in the market at present,” he added. Through monitoring the supply and production of eight local factories between April up to 28 July 2020, it was found that 78 million units of face masks were being produced and distributed to the market.
Since consumers can now purchase fabric face masks as an alternative, he said that this would help reduce dependence on disposable ones.
“KPDNHEP guarantees that it will always find the best and balanced approach in the interests of various parties to ensure that the price of face masks can be controlled and are always available,” he said.
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