PUTRAJAYA, June 25 – Traders have been warned not to sell face mask over the maximum government fix price as it is a controlled item under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and the Supply Control Act 1961.
Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Hasan Malek (photo) said the government move effective August 26, 2009 was to check profiteering.
He said firm action would be taken against traders which tried to raise the price of face masks due to increased demand because of the haze.
Traders were also reminded them to display prices in accordance with the Price Control Order (Pricing by Retailers) 1980.
“Those who sell controlled items over the maximum price can be fined up to RM100,000 or jailed not more three years or both or compounded up to RM50,000.
“Companies that committed the offence may be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000.”
Hasan said traders who failed to display price tag on masks may be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed not more two years or both or compounded up to RM25,000.
“Companies that committed the offence may be fined up to RM100,000 or compounded up to RM50,000.”
The types of masks are one ply (ear-loop) at maximum retail priceof RM7 per box (100 pieces) and maximum wholesale price of RM5 per box, two-ply mask (ear-loop) at maximum retail price of RM10 per box (100 pieces) or 20 sen per unit with maximum wholesale price of RM7 box.
Three-ply (ear & head loop) at maximum retail price of 80 sen per unit and maximum wholesale price of RM25 per box (50 pieces) and three-ply (tie on) with maximum retail price of 80 sen per unit and maximum wholesale price of RM30 per box (50 pieces).
Hasan said the maximum price for N95 mask retails at RM6 each while the maximum wholesale price is fixed at RM100 for one box of 20 pieces.
The public can report to the ministry via email at e-aduan@kpdnkk.gov.my, toll free line 1-800-886-800, send SMS to 15888 by typing ‘KPDNKK ADUAN ‘ or report to ministry branch offices nationwide.
-BERNAMA
