MUKAH: The supply of reasonably priced face masks as well as hand sanitisers here is still currently out stock amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
A survey by New Sarawak Tribune yesterday found that all the three pharmacies in town were running out of stock of the two much-needed items.
An assistant at one of the pharmacies said the stock of face masks had been running out about three months ago, and there was no supply since then.
“For hand sanitisers, we finished our stock about a month ago,” he said.
At another pharmacy, it was found that only face masks tagged at RM7 a piece were available.
At the third pharmacy, the proprietor through a simple notice on the door informed that there was no supply of face masks, hand sanitisers and Dettol, except hand gloves.
It also notified that it was not conducting any blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol checks for the time being.
The low supply of reasonably priced face masks as well as hand sanitisers amid the Covid -19 pandemic is not only happening here but almost throughout Sarawak, according to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Mukah branch chief Salihin Den.
“The priority now is to ensure that the items reach those who need it the most such as hospitals, clinics and those serving in the front lines,” he told reporters via WhatsApp here yesterday.
He said the ministry would also be constantly monitoring the movement of supplies to ensure that nobody would take the opportunity to sell to those who are not supposed to receive the items during the current situation.
