SINGAPORE — An online seller has stopped selling N95 masks on the internet and apologised after it was questioned by the authorities over its pricing practices. 

In a statement on Monday (May 11), the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said it issued a letter of demand to the retailer, EKSK Mall, on April 23, after complaints from customers that it was profiteering from mask sales on various e-commerce sites. 

Five days later, the store replied, explaining how it decides on its prices for the masks, including their cost price and profit margins, said MTI.

It also apologised and stopped selling the masks.

On account of this, no further action will be taken against EKSK Mall at this time, said MTI. The ministry added that it would continue to monitor the seller’s pricing practices.

“(MTI) reserves the right to take further control under the Price Control Act if warranted,” said the ministry.

TODAY has reached out to EKSK Mall for comment.

MTI said that the Government takes a serious view of profiteering. "We remind all businesses to exercise corporate social responsibility and not take advantage of the Covid-19 situation,” it added. 

Should members of the public come across errant sellers, they can report them to the Consumers Association of Singapore on 6100 0315.