Non-medical masks have been gazetted under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Non-Medical Face Mask) Order, under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011. With that, from 4 July onwards, manufacturers and importers of non-medical masks will need to apply for MS SIRIM certification and display markings from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) said that the move was to ensure that non-medical face masks, whether produced locally or imported, comply with the set safety standards. “The MS SIRIM label must be placed on the boxes or packages and are easily visible to consumers,” said the ministry, as the label is an indication of quality.
KPDNHEP also hopes that compliance with standards by manufacturers and importers would solve the issue of dumping poor-quality masks in the local market. Substandard face masks carry the risk of poor filtration, allowing for viral particle penetration and rendering the product practically ineffective.
Individual traders who fail to comply with the new requirement can face a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both for the first offence while subsequent offences can up the limit to RM250,000 and five years jail time. As for companies who are caught flouting the rule, they face a fine of up to RM200,000 for the first offence and up to RM500,000 for following offences.
(Source: Bernama)
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