Published August 18, 2009

Malaysia to cap price of face masks

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(KUALA LUMPUR) Malaysia, where swine-flu deaths have more than quadrupled in two weeks, plans to cap the price of face masks after the cost of the most basic covering soared, the country's health minister said.

A disposable cloth over the mouth and nose, which normally sells for 30 sen (S$0.12), is fetching RM3 in some parts of Malaysia, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said in an interview yesterday.

'We can't allow this during times of emergency,' Mr Liow said. The domestic trade ministry will probably add masks to items whose prices are set by the government, a list that already includes cooking oil and flour, he said.

As much as 20 per cent of Malaysia's 27 million population may be infected with the H1N1 virus within a year, The New Straits Times said on Sunday. Manufacturers from 3M Co in the US to Japan's Shikibo Ltd have benefited from a rush on masks as more Asian nations report their first deaths from the disease.

Total deaths from swine flu in Malaysia climbed to 59, and 2,253 people have been infected, according to the health ministry's telephone hotline yesterday. The country reported its first fatality from the disease less than a month ago, and the number of deaths reached 14 on Aug 5, according to the ministry.



Pharmacies are struggling to replenish supplies of masks, and customers are clearing the shelves within days. The health ministry, which has advised people with flu-like symptoms to avoid public places, said on Sunday that those who must leave their homes should wear a face mask.

'It's hard to get stocks these days,' said Helmi Mustafa, supervisor of the Watson's pharmacy beside the Petronas Twin Towers in the centre of Kuala Lumpur. 'Every time new stock comes in, it finishes.'

The shop, part of a chain controlled by Hutchison Whampoa Ltd in Hong Kong, sells simple masks for between 80 sen and RM1 each. Before the H1N1 virus arrived, a batch of 200 took a month to clear. Now 600 can sell in two days, said Mr Helmi.

At the nearby Guardian pharmacy, standard disposable masks are sold out. Five of the shop's own-branded Nano masks cost about RM35.

The government will use the Price Control Act to control selling prices of the masks, said Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, according to The Star newspaper, which reported the plan yesterday. -- Bloomberg