Article

PETALING JAYA - 7 April 2022: The requirement for non-medical masks to have Sirim approval will only be enforced from January 2023, the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry announced today.

“The government will delay the enforcement of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 to Jan 1, 2023,” its minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said.

At a press conference, he said that the decision was made after receiving feedback from the public.

He added that the postponement will allow the industry and consumers to adjust to the ministry’s safety standards.

He urged the industry, including manufacturers and importers not to raise the prices of non-medical masks arbitrarily in light of the new standards to be enforced.

Earlier, Nanta clarified that the ministry will not fine people for wearing non-medical face masks without the Sirim certification.

He said that any action will only be taken against manufacturers and importers, be they companies or individuals, who fail to comply with the safety standards set under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking) of Non-Medical Face Mask Order 2022 and Electronic Cigarette Device 2022 under the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.

According to the health ministry, non-medical masks refer to those made of woven fabrics such as cloth, and/or non-woven fabrics, and must consist of at least three layers of different material.

Full Article : https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2022/04/07/sirim-approval-for-non-medical-mask-to-start-in-2023-says-minister/