Government May List Mask As Controlled Item

BUKIT MERTAJAM, Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the government was considering to list masks under the controlled items list to avoid suppliers from inflating its price.
He said the government was aware that the prices of masks had increased tremendously as the demand for masks rose due to the Influenza A (H1N1) outbreak.
"If the price is raised from 40 sen to RM5, that is daylight robbery. If the price was increased from 30 sen to 60 sen, it is still acceptable," he told reporters after accompanying Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Permatang Pasir, Rohaizat Othman, to the nomination centre at the Bukit Mertajam National Youth Vocational Institute (IKBN) in Jalan Berapit here on monday.
Muhyiddin said if mask come under controlled items, retailers must be licenced to sell such items and under the Price Control Act 1946, action can be taken against suppliers who raised prices.
"Those who wished to sell the item must apply for a licence and if the outbreak has come under control, they can return their licence," he said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai who was also at the nomination centre, also welcomed the proposal, since the country was faced with a major task in containing and controlling the outbreak.
"Masks are important to control the spread of the disease. Those with symptoms must wear the mask," said Liow.
Liow added that the Health Ministry would work with the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to implement the proposal quickly," he said.

tunku : don't just say "may consider".act fast and make mask as an item under Price Control act 1946 asap. this is no joke situation as WHO said that up to 80000 malaysians may be infected with H1N1. it is the government job now to make sure there is enough supply of mask,anti viral jab(tamiflu) and all related to it have enough supply in whole malaysia may it be in rural area.don't wait until there are more deaths then only the government wants to act.at least muhyiddin said the government will consider not like the minister concern,ismail sabri who said the ministry can't do anything.