PUTRAJAYA: The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) on April 7 announced that the Enforcement of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order which requires manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks to apply for MS SIRIM certification and labelling has been postponed to Jan 1, 2023.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi who made the announcement at the Le Meridien Hotel in Putrajaya, said the government was not making a ‘U-turn’ but was sensitive of the people’s fear and concern that this would result in a price increase.
“The postponement gives leeway to the industry and the people to make adjustments,” he told the media after a briefing for the industry in conjunction with the gazetting and enforcement of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) Order 2022 for non-medical face masks and electronic cigarette devices here yesterday.
The KPDNHEP in a statement on Tuesday (April 5) informed that the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Masks Order 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011 was gazetted on April 5.
In a statement, the ministry said the order would take effect on July 4 and manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks were required to apply for SIRIM certification and labelling from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd.
The MS SIRIM labelling which indicates the products have met the required standards, must be placed on the boxes or packages and is easily visible to consumers.
Nanta assured consumers that the price of non-medical face masks would not be increased as the industry had given their word and had also been warned not to take advantage of the gazetting as an excuse to increase prices.
“I am confident that manufacturers and importers will not increase prices even if they are charged for the MS SIRIM marking certificate. I am of the view that the imposition of a reasonable charge by SIRIM on manufacturers and importers will benefit all parties,” he said.
Nanta said before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Malaysia was an exporter of face masks and the gazetting was to ensure Malaysian products were of quality standards and accepted worldwide.
The gazetting was also aimed at safeguarding the interests of the people as well as to overcome the dumping of poor quality non-medical face masks in the local market, he said.
Nanta also explained the action against manufacturers and importers in the event of non-compliance has nothing to do with consumers as it only involved those related to the business.
The minister said that this would also cover fabric masks that are non-medical grade.
During the press conference, Nanta also assured that consumers who wore face masks without the SIRIM accreditation would not be fined, adding that the onus is on the distributors and producers. – Agencies
