Hanizam (standing centre), Mariane (fifth right) and Chen (second right) pose with the champion team from SMK Batu Lintang.
KUCHING: Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumers Affairs Sarawak has not received any complaint from the public about insufficient face masks, including the N95 type, says its enforcement chief Mohd Hanizam Kechek.
On the contrary, he believes there is sufficient supply of face masks, including the N95 type, in Sarawak.
“So far, there has been no complaint from anybody pertaining to this matter – lack of masks. There are enough masks and this is not an issue in Sarawak,” he told reporters when asked about claims that it was difficult to find N95 face masks here yesterday.
An N95 mask is designed to filter at least 95 per cent of harmful particles, and is far more effective than the more commonly seen surgical face mask, which only protects the wearer from fluids.
Hanizam, however, assured that the ministry would closely monitor the face masks supply situation throughout Sarawak and advised the public to inform the nearest ministry office if they had any problem in obtaining the masks.
“We will go to the ground and monitor the situation if there is any complaint. For now, everything seems to be alright and there should be enough supply of face masks in Sarawak,” he said.
He also disclosed the ministry had not received any complaint about profiteering from the sale of face masks in Sarawak.
He encouraged consumers to report to the ministry should they find any shop selling the masks at a higher price than the stipulated price during the haze because it is against the law to increase the price of controlled items.
It is reported that the controlled price of common surgical masks is RM0.80 per piece while the recommended ceiling price for the N95 mask is RM6.
Earlier, Hanizam officiated at the closing ceremony of the consumerism sketches competition organised by the ministry in conjunction with the Sarawak Zone Consumerism Mini Carnival.
Six secondary schools took part in the competition, which was won by the team from SMK Batu Lintang. The champion team, which walked away with RM700 and trophy, will represent the state in the national competition in November.
SMK Bandar Kuching No. 1 emerged second to grab RM500 and trophy while SMK Pesantren Abdul Taib Mahmud finished third to win RM300 and trophy.
Sarawak head of consumerism Mariane Jemlin and a representative from the State Euducation Department Chen Fei Ming were also present.