Authorities Detain Online Seller In Kota Damansara For Hoarding 223,000 Face Masks
The value of all the face masks seized is estimated at RM446,000.
By Arisha Rozaidee — 26 Mar 2020, 12:58 PM
An online seller in Kota Damansara was recently detained by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP)
KPDNHEP wrote about the incident on their Facebook page, saying that the seller had 223,000 pieces of three-ply surgical masks in their possession.
In an official statement, KPDNHEP explained that they received information from the public regarding the sale of these face masks online.
The value of all the face masks seized is estimated at RM446,000.
Authorities found boxes of face masks hidden in a store
Meanwhile, there is a shortage of supplies for medical personnel working in the front lines.
KPDNHEP wrote, "Irresponsible individuals are taking advantage of this situation where there is a dire need for face masks."
"The face masks were being sold for RM3.50 per piece when the controlled price is RM2.00. The suspect used the social media platform Facebook to advertise the sale of the face masks. Sale method is via WhatsApp and the items are sent to customers by post or cash on delivery (COD) around Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya," they added.
The suspect violated Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011
If found guilty, they can be charged a fine up to RM500,000.
Meanwhile, if the accused is not a body corporate or an enterprise, they can face a fine of not more than RM100,000 or up to three years of imprisonment, or both.
On the other hand, medical personnel working in hospitals are forced to improvise due to the lack of supplies:
