Gyeonggi-do Intensifies Crackdown on Hoarding of Hygiene Products Such as Masks

[Asia Economy (Suwon) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] Gyeonggi Province has reported that hoarding of some hygiene products such as masks is occurring in relation to the 'novel coronavirus' (Wuhan pneumonia), and has decided to launch strong on-site crackdowns.

On the 31st, Gyeonggi Province announced that, under the direction of Governor Lee Jae-myung, the Gyeonggi Provincial Special Judicial Police Unit will conduct on-site guidance and inspections of mask sales and manufacturing companies within the province.

In addition, regarding unfair price increases of masks on online shopping malls, sellers will be requested to correct their practices, and to prevent consumer damage such as order cancellations or hoarding, the provincial reporting center (031-251-9898) will be operated.

Furthermore, a request has been made to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance to designate masks as items prohibited from hoarding. According to the Price Stabilization Act, if hoarding is detected, penalties of up to 2 years imprisonment or fines up to 50 million won may be imposed.

Earlier, Governor Lee attended a comprehensive review meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection chaired by President Moon Jae-in at the Government Seoul Office on the 30th, and immediately held a meeting with city and county heads.

Governor Lee explained, "I made a proposal because the supply issue of items like masks seems to be becoming serious."

Currently, mask prices on online shopping malls have surged more than tenfold, orders are being canceled, and masks are sold out at pharmacies and convenience stores, causing a surge in orders and sales volume.

Governor Lee also proposed to the government to expand the scope of information disclosure related to confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus.

Governor Lee believes that the lack of accurate information on the location, movement routes, and number of contacts of confirmed novel coronavirus patients may cause not only anxiety among residents but also distrust toward public institutions.

He stated, "Detailed information disclosure is very necessary to alleviate the public's anxiety, but specific locations are still not being disclosed, causing much confusion on the front lines. If additional information is secured at the Gyeonggi Province level, we will disclose the locations specifically."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.