KUCHING: The requirement for manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks to apply for MS SIRIM certification and labelling is a good measure to ensure only quality ones are sold, but an implication is the increase in the prices of the items.
Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences public health expert Associate Professor Dr Helmy Hazmi said that it still cannot be determined how much the face mask would cost after that.
“However, it is hoped that it will be minimal. It will be better if the additional increase is not passed on to consumers, and absorbed as the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of importers and manufacturers,” he said when contacted yesterday.
He added that the MS SIRIM certification requirement is a measure aimed at ensuring that only quality face masks are sold in the market.
“It is like other products such as helmets, house lights and so on, where we feel confident in the quality and safety of the product if it has SIRIM certification.
“This may be the starting point from the sale of counterfeit Korea’s KF94 face masks,” he said.
Dr Helmy went on to say that the public can still use the existing face masks, as long as they follow the rules and recommendations given by the MOH.
“There is no penalty for using face masks without SIRIM certification, as the instructions are only for importers and manufacturers.
“Most importantly, the face masks should have at least three layers, with the inner layer being able to absorb liquids and the two outer layers consisting of a waterproof material,” he said.
He also said that for now and in the near future, face masks are still important because the COVID-19 virus is still around and coupled with the emergence of new variants that are highly contagious.
“We cannot follow other countries that do not require the use of face masks by its citizens because our health system with theirs is different.
“We have to make sure that our health system operates well at all times and other health services are not disrupted as a result of the surge of COVID-19 cases into wards and ICUs.
“When are we no longer required to wear face masks? it depends on current health data,” said Dr Helmy.
Earlier, 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, initially slated for July 4, has been postponed to Jan 1, 2023.
