KUCHING: The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry has been actively inspecting and enforcing its rules and regulations on the sales of face masks.
From January to August 17 this year, 50,778 inspections were carried out nationwide.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said this included inspecting wholesalers and retailers.
“Of these inspections, 57 cases were recorded under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and Control of Supplies Act 1961, with a total seizure value of RM537, 235.40,” he said in reply to a question from Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi in Parliament, Putrajaya on Tuesday (August 25).
Of the total, he said actions were taken against 42 cases under Section 11 of the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 — the offence of selling above the maximum price.
Nanta added three cases of fraudulent sale of face masks online were detected nationwide.
“We have compounded those who are guilty. So, it does happen but not so much.
“We request for the cooperation of all out there to submit complaints to us. That is why we have several methods for complaints to be channelled to the enforcement arm of the ministry,” he said.
In response to a question from Rasah MP Cha Kee Chin, Nanta explained that the monitoring was done at business premises including pharmacies, supermarkets, convenience stores and grocery stores while prices on the online market were also monitored to ensure sufficient supply and that sellers were not profiteering from face mask sales.
“As a result of these inspections and monitoring efforts, face masks supplies are improving and prices have stabilised,” he said.
Nanta said his ministry was always ready to study the justification for lowering the ceiling price of face masks in the future.
