PUTRAJAYA must assure the public that there are enough face masks in the market to stop panic-buying, said pharmacies.

They told The Malaysian Insight that since Senior Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s announcement on Thursday that wearing masks in public will be mandatory from August 1, there has been a rush to their outlets.

Some said mask sales have increased by eight to 10 times.

Caring Pharmacy senior marketing manager S.M. Seow said there has been sufficient supply in the market in the last couple of weeks from both locally produced and imported stock.

“The sudden announcement by the government has led to consumers stocking up on supplies.

“The supply in the past month is sufficient. Consumers need not panic.

“Our suppliers, whether local or overseas, told us that supply is enough.”

She said the government’s intention is to raise awareness on health and protection by making the wearing of masks mandatory, and not to create panic.

Putrajaya must inform the public that there is enough supply in the domestic market, as frantic hoarding will lead to a price hike, she said.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi had said the new ceiling price for masks would be RM1.20 from August 15, adding that the revision was in line with the mask mandate.

The current wholesale price of the face coverings is RM1.45 apiece. It will be reduced by 30 sen to RM1.15. 

The retail price, now at RM1.50 per unit, will go down to RM1.20.

Seow said many suppliers have stopped stocking up as they are worried about the revised ceiling price.

Another pharmacist, who wished to be known only as Ooi, also said there is enough supply in the market despite higher sales since the government’s announcement.

“There is no need to panic,” said Ooi, who operates the AA Pharmacy in Kepong. – July 26, 2020.