KUALA LUMPUR: The government, through the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, has banned exports of face masks to ensure sufficient supply for Malaysians during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the supply of face masks in the country is currently at an unsatisfactory level, thus the government has decided to import the masks from China.
Speaking at a press conference here today, he said that the local production of face masks has been affected by the inadequate supply of raw materials.
“I am told that the face masks will be imported at about RM1.18 per piece, and we will be distributing these for free to the people who need them,” said Muhyiddin.
On Saturday, the government announced that it will be importing 10 million pieces of face masks from China, to be coordinated by the Transport Ministry.
Works Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof said that priority will be given to the frontliners managing Covid-19 as well as the clinics, Health Ministry offices at the federal and state levels, police, immigration authorities and military personnel working with the frontliners. - Bernama
