Shopee Strengthens Face Mask Supply

Companies in China are gradually resuming operations and therefore, easing the pressures on the production of face masks. As such, this should contribute to improved supply in the coming weeks. Closer to home, the ban on export and tax relaxations on face masks have also resulted in a general stronger supply of face masks in Malaysia.

To further aid Malaysians, Shopee is working closely with manufacturers and distributors in our local and regional networks to offer convenient online access to face masks in the country. We now have both local and cross-border face mask sellers on our platform who are able to offer face masks in larger quantities and at better prices to end consumers.

With the increase in supply of face masks on the platform, we noted that prices of face masks have decreased. While we are an open platform for traders to sell on and we do not dictate prices of goods on behalf of sellers, we have cautioned them to exercise care and concern to ensure that these masks are affordable enough for Malaysians. As a result, we have sellers on our platform offering boxes of 50 pcs 3-ply surgical face masks between RM60 and RM85, below the regulated retail ceiling price of RM100.

Shopee is committed to the national effort against the COVID-19 outbreak. We encourage consumers to continue being considerate and not buying more than they need, so that every Malaysian has access to essential products. We also call on Malaysians to join our efforts in keeping essential products affordable for all. Some general tips for online buyers:

1. Read the product description and reviews from other buyers carefully before making a decision
2. Use the in-app Shopee Live Chat to verify prices and quantity and/or to obtain more information from sellers 
3. Stay away from and report overpriced masks. While Shopee proactively bans the sale of face masks that are sold above the regulated retail ceiling price, we encourage our buyers to report any overpriced products encountered as keeping the online shopping environment fair is a community effort between us, our sellers and buyers. They can use the “Report This Product” function located at the top right corner of any product listing, email us at help@support.shopee.com.my or call 03 2777 9222 (Monday to Sunday - 9.00am to 6.00pm, including Public Holidays) to make a report.
4. Ensure that all your transactions take place within our platform as you are protected by our Shopee Guarantee Policy. Shopee Guarantee is a feature where Shopee holds your payment in escrow to ensure that you have successfully received your order on time; is accurate and in good condition, before releasing the payment to the seller.

These tips are useful for all online purchases, beyond just face masks. This is especially since we noted that more Malaysians are now shopping online for their daily necessities such as milk powder, MILO, diapers, toilet paper, cereal, pasta, rice and more. Since the start of the Movement Control Order (MCO), we have also seen robust online shopping activities throughout the country, and even in Sabah and Sarawak as well as rural Malaysia. To this end, we have curated a special ‘Shop Safely From Home’ campaign from now till 4 April, for users to purchase their necessities at one place without breaking the bank. On 27 March and 4 April, there will be deals starting at RM0.44 and discounts up to 80%.

Do note however that there may be a slight delay in shipment with the MCO in effect. Nevertheless, the entire logistics sector is working tirelessly to fulfill orders. In addition to Shopee Express, most third-party logistics providers have implemented safer and simpler delivery processes to discourage prolonged contact between buyer and delivery personnel. Precautionary measures have also been taken such as disinfection of warehouses and vehicles, while temperature checks are done for workers, drivers, and riders in the interest of safety.