KUALA LUMPUR: Wholesale and retail prices of face masks will be cheaper by 30 sen per unit from Aug 15.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Alexander Nanta Linggi said the wholesale and retail price would be reduced to RM1.15 and RM1.20 per unit respectively.
He said the price reduction was to encourage the wearing of face masks in public places.
"This (the reduction of price) is in line with Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's recent advice to the people to wear face masks in public places," he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
Nanta was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim (Gabungan Parti Sarawak-Batang Lupar) who asked the government on the rationale behind the price reduction.
"Based on checks by the ministry, there is sufficient supply of face masks in the market at the moment. Hence, there is no issue about supply since people can also purchase the item online."
Nanta added the government would continue to review the need to further reduce the price of face masks apart from ensuring sufficient supply for domestic use.