KUALA LUMPUR: The growing demand for N95-type face masks has led to its stock being almost depleted in the market as the people are now more aware of the importance of using the mask to protect themselves from the haze that has blanketed the nation.
Although there are various types of masks to cover the nose and mouth, the N95 mask has been recommended by the Health Ministry as it can filter at least 95% of particles which measure at 0.3 microns and it works best when used properly and fits the wearer’s face.
Izzul Azri Mohd Asri, 23, who lives in Shah Alam, said the N95 mask was difficult to obtain at pharmacies or shops especially in urban areas due to the high demand now.
“Earlier last week, it was easier to buy the mask even though it was quite limited. But recently, most shops and pharmacies have run out of (the N95 mask) stock,” he told Bernama.
Izzul Azri said that there had been no increase in price and it had not exceeded the RM6 per unit fixed price as set in the controlled items list.
Meanwhile, Zulsyahmi Rahman, 23, who lives in Klang also voiced his regrets at being unable to obtain the masks for himself and his family.
“My seven-year-old sister had to wear a surgical face mask because we could not buy the N95 mask as it was always out of stock. My sister started coughing and developed a fever as a result,” he added.
He said although N95 masks were not easily available, surgical masks were easier to find but most people were already aware of the need to use N95 type masks to protect themselves from the effects of haze and prevent diseases.
At the same time, efforts by some corporate companies in giving away N95 masks for free to the public and workers should be emulated.
A student in Shah Alam, Siti Nur Akma Abdol, 22, said she obtained a free N95 mask at a petrol station near her university.
Muhammad Nabil Ab Rahim, 23, who works for a company in Kajang, said his company provided the masks for free to its workers.
In PENDANG, sale of face masks at a pharmacy here increased dramatically since yesterday, after the local community started taking precautions to protect themselves against the haze.
A pharmacy assistant, Nadia Izati Muhd ??Shabudin, 27, said in just two days more than 700 face masks were sold at the pharmacy and she reckons the number would increase if the Air Pollutant Index (API) gets worse.
“The high API in Kulim, Sungai Petani and Alor Setar had affected residents of Pendang so many have been coming for the face masks from yesterday evening until this morning. Some took 10 to 20 pieces each, or bought them by the boxes.
“The most popular ones are those with ear loops or tie strings as they are cheap and sold at 50 cents a piece compared to the N95 mask at RM8 each.
“Though the N95 mask is expensive, they are easily sold out due to its efficiency in filtering out extremely small particles,” she told Bernama here today. — Bernama
