The face mask needs SIRIM certified. The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs has recently announced it. The announcement is effective on 4th July. Manufacturers and importers of non-medical face masks must apply for the certification and marking of MS SIRIM from SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd.
According to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs, gazetting aims to ensure one thing. That is for non-medical face masks. The production is either locally or imported to comply with safety standards set widely.
For those who might not know, these are 3 different types of medical face masks:
- Firstly is the Type I. It can help to reduce the risk of the spread of infections. In particular, in epidemic or pandemic situations,
- Next, the Type II. Principally intended for use by healthcare professionals in the operating rooms or other medical settings with similar applications in Type I and lastly,
- Last but not least is Type IIR. These would have similar applications in Type II with additional properties of Splash Resistance (R).
It is very important for all face mask needs SIRIM. Failure to comply with the order may result in any company being fined not more than RM200,000 while a second or subsequent offense may be fined not more than RM500,000.
Sources: SIRIM.