GOVT MAY LIST MASK AS CONTROLLED ITEM

BUKIT MERTAJAM (Malaysia), Aug 17 (Bernama) -- Deputy Prime Minister
Muhyiddin Yassin said the government was considering to list masks under the
controlled items list to avoid suppliers from inflating its price.

He said the government was aware that the prices of masks had increased
tremendously as the demand for masks rose due to the Influenza A (H1N1)
outbreak.

"If the price is raised from 40 sen to RM5, that is daylight robbery. If the
price was increased from 30 sen to 60 sen, it is still acceptable," he told
reporters here Monday.

Muhyiddin said if mask come under controlled items, retailers must be
licenced to sell such items and under the Price Control Act 1946, action can be
taken against suppliers who raised prices.

"Those who wished to sell the item must apply for a licence and if the
outbreak has come under control, they can return their licence," he said.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai who was also at the nomination centre, also
welcomed the proposal, since the country was faced with a major task in
containing and controlling the outbreak.

"Masks are important to control the spread of the disease. Those with
symptoms must wear the mask," said Liow.

Liow added that the Health Ministry would work with the Domestic Trade,
Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry to implement the proposal quickly," he
said. (US$1=RM3.50)
-- BERNAMA