SIRIM certification for non-medical masks will only be enforced from January 2023, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said today.

This reverses the ministry’s earlier decision for the Sirim certification to take effect on July 4.

“The government will delay the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 to January 1, 2023,” Nanta said during a press conference.

The decision to delay the enforcement was made following feedback from the public, he said.

On Tuesday, the minister said that manufacturers and importers of non-medical masks must get Sirim approval by July 4.

The ruling comes following the gazetting of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.

The ministry said the move was to ensure that non-medical face masks, produced locally or imported, complied with the set safety standards set.

Nanta clarified today that the ministry will not fine individuals who wear non-medical masks without Sirim certification.

The ministry had previously announced that companies who fail to comply will be facing fines up to RM200,000, while individuals (manufacturers or importers of non-medical face masks) will be facing fines up to RM100,000 or prison sentences not exceeding three years or both.

For a second or subsequent offence, a fine not exceeding RM250,000 or imprisonment no more than five years or both will apply.

This caused confusion among the public who thought the ministry was going after them for non-compliance. – April 7, 2022.