All state offices and branches of the domestic trade, cooperative and consumerism ministry (DTCCM) have been directed to conduct checks on the sale of face mask during the current haze.

Its enforcement division chief, Roslan Mahayudin said this was important to prevent traders from taking advantage of the situation to manipulate prices and reap excess profits, and prevent hoarding.

He said 2,200 enforcement personnel nationwide had been mobilised to boost checks and actively monitor all levels of wholesalers and retailers.

"The demand for face masks is expected to go up, following the haze affecting the nation which is pushing the Air Pollutant Index to an unhealthy level," he said in a statement here today.

According to Roslan, face masks are a controlled item under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

Companies found to have committed offences under the act could be fined up to RM500,000 or compounded up to RM250,000 each, he said.

He added that the face mask was also a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Act 1961 and it provided a fine of not exceeding RM1 million or jail not exceeding two years or both against those who hoarded or refused to sell the controlled good.