Consumer groups today supported the government's move to impose the Price Control Act on the sale of face masks to curb excessive profiteering.

Subang and Shah Alam Consumers' Association president Jacob George said that it is timely for the government to move in.

"We were behind the whole scene and know there is widespread profiteering and market manipulation. Our enforcement agencies do not work.

jacob george cassa 240408 02 "By imposing price control, we are sending a message to businesses and industry players to put an end to the escalating cost," he said.

He called for an inter-ministerial initiative between the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism to curb hoarding and manipulation of prices by the industry.

"We want all clandestine operations that make huge profits to stop as they go against all norms and etiquette," George (right) said.

Free masks not viable now

However, he expressed dismay and frustration at the government for being "extremely slow" in enforcing the Act.

He hoped that industries and businesses will abide by the minister's directive.

While the government needs to ensure that a stockpile of masks is ready, he stressed that it must also peg the price at a particular rate in all places.

"We do not want people, especially those from the lower income group, to be manipulated or cheated," he said.

h1n1 flu malaysia school children students wearing mask 260609 06 He agreed with the suggestion that there should be free distribution of face masks in the vicinity of all health facilities, local councils, public and private agencies.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association vice-president and Penang Consumer Protection Association president K Koris said that it is the social responsibility of an elected government to give free masks to citizens to curb the outbreak.

"I am sure it would not involve a huge cost. At the same time, the government must educate the public on preventive measures," he said.

He advised members of the public to co-operate with the government by staying indoors and avoiding public areas.

Plans for free distribution

Selangor Health Committee chairman Dr A Xavier Jayakumar said it is a good move by the government to enforce the Price Control Act on the sale of face masks, as unprofessional and unscrupulous business people are taking advantage of the situation by increasing the price.

"Face masks are flying off the shelves at a very rapid pace," he said.

He confirmed that there is a plan to distribute free face masks to the public but said that, at present, it is not necessary.

"Face masks only cost around RM1 and this should not be beyond the means of the people. We cannot supply to all 4.8 million people in Selangor," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin today announced that the Price Control Act will be imposed on the sale of face masks to curb rampant profiteering during the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic.