KUALA LUMPUR: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has categorised face masks as price control items following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) which has now spread to more than 14 countries.
The price of five types of face masks come under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 to prevent traders and retailers hiking the price of the item, said the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Muez Abd Aziz.
“Surgical or medical masks (one layer-type) should be sold at RM5 per box for wholesale; retail price RM7 per box; surgical or medical masks (two layer-type) priced at RM8 per box for wholesale price, RM 10 per box for retail price, and at RM0.20 sen each.
“Surgical or medical masks (three layer-type) priced at RM25 per box for wholesale price, RM0.80 sen each for retail price; surgical or medical masks (three layer-type with head tie) RM30 per box for wholesale price, RM10 per box for retail price and RM0.80 sen each.
“Surgical or medical masks (N95) is RM100 per box for wholesale price, retail price of RM6 each unit,” he said.
Muez said trader or retailer found to have breached the directive was liable to face fine up to RM100,000 or imprisonment for not more than three years or both or a compound of RM50,000.
Companies found selling the controlled items above the maximum prices set can be fined up to RM500,000 or compound up to RM250,000, according to the Act, he said.
He also warned traders and retailers not to raise the price of other masks which had not been categorised as price control item.
“However, for other face masks not listed under the 5 types of masks, the Ministry still has the power to take action under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011, for those raising the price of wholesale or retail face masks,” the statement said.