SERIAN: N95 face masks have sold out at a local pharmacy as residents seek protection from the prolonged haze affecting Serian.
PMG Pharmacy assistant, Stephanie Egang, 22, said its supply of face masks had been exhausted since last Saturday, with the pharmacy still waiting for new stock to arrive.
She said N95 masks were recommended for better protection, while demand had also increased for other products associated with haze-related discomfort and respiratory conditions.
“N95 masks are the most recommended, but our stock has been sold out since last Saturday and we are still waiting for new supplies.
“Other medicines have arrived, but the masks have not,” she said when met today.
Stephanie said the pharmacy had been particularly busy during the haze, with customers also purchasing cough medicine, eye drops and asthma inhalers.
She said inhalers were particularly sought after by customers with asthma, while some parents were stocking up on medicines for their children.
Multivitamins were also among the products purchased by customers looking to support their immune system during the haze period.
“You can see that many of the products being sold are related to the haze and illnesses or discomfort that people may experience during this period,” she said.
The use of face masks has also become increasingly common among those working outdoors.
Petrol station worker, Eta Usin, 29, said employees at her workplace had been instructed to wear masks while on duty to reduce their exposure to the haze.
As an outdoor worker, she said she had been wearing a mask consistently after falling ill during the early days of the haze.
“When the haze first started, I had a fever for about a week and suffered from headaches.
“After I recovered, I continued wearing a mask because my work requires me to be outdoors and exposed to these conditions,” she said.
Eta said many motorists arriving at the petrol station were also wearing face masks.
She hoped employers with staff working outdoors would similarly encourage or require their workers to wear masks during the haze.
“I see many people wearing masks when they come to refuel. Many are also buying mineral water because the haze makes the surroundings feel hotter,” she said.
