SINGAPORE - After a mask manufacturer was featured on a Channel 8 television show, the Health Sciences Authority investigated the company and found that it did not have a licence to make masks.and was fined $8,000 in court on Sept 23.
HSA's medical devices branch became aware of First N-Lab after it was featured on Channel 8 on or about May 18, 2021. First N-Lab also advertised its masks on various other online platforms, including Shopee, Qoo10 and Instagram. During an inspection of First N-Lab's premises on June 9, 2021, HSA officers found that it was fully air-conditioned and well kept, and its operators wore uniforms with masks and gloves.A total of 323,870 masks were seized during the inspection.
Shouldn't the question also be asked whether the masks manufactured met the Ministry of Health's medical standards. If they did, then the licence requirement is a mere bureaucratic omission. The bureaucrats are penalising the company for their own little thrills.