KUALA LUMPUR: The government has decided to postpone the implementation of the mandatory MS Sirim certification and labelling for non-medical face masks to Jan 1, 2023.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the decision was made based on public feedback.
He announced this at an engagement session with stakeholders from the industry at a hotel here today.
Nanta said the face masks do not fall under price control items.
"Only 3-ply medical face masks have been listed as control items since Oct 2020 and is priced at 0.65 and 0.70 sen for wholesale and retail respectively.
"However I hope that the industry players are mature in terms of pricing their masks and do not profiteer. We will not hesitate to intervene if they do so by way enforcing a price control."
Nanta also said as the country transitioned into endemicity, the use of face masks would be reduced.
On Tuesday, the ministry announced that importers of non-medical face masks must apply for MS Sirim certification and labelling from Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd effective July 4.
The ruling comes following the gazetting of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act yesterday.
Nanta also said the government did not want a glut of locally produced face masks with questionable quality flooding international markets.
He was referring to Malaysia's position as one of the top producers of the items.
The announcement was met by grouses by industry players over increased cost, while the public also lamented that the certification would be used as a ruse for suppliers and traders to increase the price of the essential item.
However the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Electronic Cigarettes (vaping devices) Order 2022 that was also gazetted on Tuesday under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 stays. The ruling is to ensure that the devices manufactured locally or imported, comply with the safety standards.
The order, which would take effect on Aug 3, requires manufacturers and importers of electronic cigarette devices to apply for Sirim certification and labelling from Sirim QAS International Sdn Bhd as the certifying authority appointed by the ministry.
Companies failing to comply with the regulations can be fined up to RM200,000 while individuals will face a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both, if convicted.