The haze in Indonesia, Singapore and Malaysia is back again. It has become an almost annual season as thick smoke blanket our country, causing respiratory problems and rendering visibility issues for many. Kuala Lumpur and Penang recorded unhealthy API’s reading and has led hundreds of schools closed.
Lazada sold over 36,000 face masks in under 48 hours
As a precaution to hinder any respiratory problems, e-commerce platform, Lazada made an effort by bringing down prices of masks and other air quality control products with its campaign “To Keep The Haze Away Sale“. The sale was held on Sunday and Monday (15-16 Sept) due to the unhealthy API readings in many areas across the country.
The most-sought items were from the health accessories section with 66 times more than usual sale
During the sale period, M’sians purchased face masks and items from the health accessories section 66 times more than usual. The sale saw face masks selling 18 times more during the haze season compared to regular day sales. Air purifier sales also shot up 10 times with offering 20% discount from the recommended retail price.
Air purifier products sold out within the first 20 hours of the sale as Msians are tired of breathing unhealthy air
Lazada recorded air purifiers as the top there most searched for items in the Home Appliances section. Many air purifier products sold out within the first 20 hours of the sale on the TechMall store offered on LazMall.
Due to high demand, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has set a ceiling price to stop traders from making profits
Some sellers took advantage during the haze season by making profit where the demand from consumers is soaring. Some even sell face masks at an unreasonable price but consumers willing to pay because they had no choice.
In tackling the issue, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry has set a ceiling price for five types of face masks under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011:
- N95 face mask at RM100/box or RM6/unit
- One-ply face mask (ear loop) at RM5/box wholesale or RM7/box retail
- Two-ply face mask (ear loop) at RM8/box wholesale, RM10/box retail, or 20 cent/unit
- Three-ply face mask (ear loop/head loop) at RM25/box or 80 cent/unit
- Three-ply face mask (tie-on) at RM30/box or 80 cent/unit.
According to Indonesia’s disaster management agency, a whopping 3,600 fires have been recorded in parts of Sumatra and Borneo. Apparently it’s to do with slash-and-burn practices by Indonesian farmers.
Discussion about this post