Bring down price of face masks, says minister

The domestic trade and consumer affairs minister said the price of masks has been increased from 80 sen to RM2 a piece.

PETALING JAYA: The domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry has been asked to review the ceiling price of face masks which was increased from 80 sen to RM2 a piece earlier this week.

At a press conference today after a special Covid-19 meeting among ministers, Defence Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government agreed that the RM2 ceiling price for the masks is too high.

“The prime minister (Muhyiddin Yassin) also does not agree (with the ceiling price),” he said.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi previously said the price of masks has been increased from 80 sen to RM2 apiece.

Ismail Sabri said: “If it is possible, lower it to the original price. There is no reason to increase the price as the government has agreed to abolish import duties for the masks.”

The face masks remain one of the most sought after items, even after the government restricted exports. Medical professionals have also voiced their concern over the lack of supply.

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