Govt Increases 3-Ply Face Mask Prices To RM2 To Encourage More Local Production
The price of three-ply face masks was previously 80 sen per piece.
Today, 20 March, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) announced that the price of three-ply face masks has been increased from 80 sen to RM2 per piece
According to The Star, KPDNHEP minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the price increase is due to the higher cost of production materials.
He also said the government has banned the export of face masks since 18 March.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi.
Image via Berita Harian/Halim Salleh
"By allowing face masks to be sold at RM2, we hope to encourage local manufacturers to produce more," said Alexander
"For exporters, this price will help cover the costs to bring the product into the market.
A box of 50 three-ply face masks that was previously sold at RM25 will now cost RM100
In a visual tweeted by the KPDNHEP today, 20 March, it shows that only the three-ply face masks have increased in price, while one-ply masks, two-ply masks, and N95 masks remain the same price.
Previously, a box of three-ply hijab-friendly masks was sold at RM30, while a box of the ear-loop three-ply masks was sold at RM25, reported Free Malaysia Time.
The prices of face masks are protected under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Anyone who is found profiteering can face up to three years' imprisonment, a fine not more than RM100,000, or both.
Earlier this month, a pharmacy was fined with RM20,000 for selling two-ply face masks at RM1 a piece:
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