Debate over price versus quality of face masks continues on

BINTULU: Choosing the right face mask is crucial in achieving better protection against Covid19 infection.

In pointing this out, Federation of Registered Chinese Associations (Forca) Bintulu chief Chin Chee Fui observes that some people may be wearing face masks that may not meet the key safety requirements.

“I believe there are those who choose the cheapest face masks, thinking that this is enough to comply with the SOP (standard operating procedures) – without realising that such face masks are not able to provide the necessary protection,” he told The Borneo Post here.

Chin believed that some consumers might be unsure in determining the quality of face masks, amidst so many varieties and offers available in the market now.

“Some advertisers on social media may offer a 50-piece box of three-ply face masks at just RM10; the prices can range from just RM10 to RM 90 per box.

“Quality is a factor in the vast difference in pricing. For a medical or surgical mask, the price of RM2 apiece is reasonable,” he said.

For local resident Francis Ngu, he said the government had assured the public that the price of the three-ply face mask would be lowered further.

The government has set the prices of a three-ply face mask at RM1 apiece for retail, and 95 sen apiece for wholesale.

“The price is now much cheaper – I can get a box (50 pieces) of masks for both adults and children at just RM8,” he said.

Another local resident, Frances Sherri Lia Jilan, hoped the government could reduce the prices further.

“As it is a must-wear item, specifically when we have to go to crowded public places, I think the pricing should be reduced.

“Moreover, some groups like school students and teachers need to wear face masks every day of the schooling week, which means they would have to change the masks regularly,” she said.

Local lecturer Dr Mohamad Maulana Magiman, on the other hand, was satisfied with the pricing and supply of face masks here, which he considered as ‘still under control’.

However, he called upon the relevant authorities to carry out frequent monitoring, especially on the quality of face masks being sold in the market.

Lyokarto Sikong expressed a similar sentiment, in that he noticed some sellers were offering very low prices.

“Some are selling prices a box (of 50 pieces) at RM20 per, and there are those who sell RM29 per box.

“I believe that the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) must continue to monitor not only the selling prices of the three-ply face masks, but also the quality of those being offered in the market to make sure that they are safe for use,” he said.

When contacted, KPDNHEP Bintulu chief Nazari Hassan assured the public that his enforcement teams had been closely monitoring the prices of face masks and other essential items in the local market.