MAIN Market-listed apparel maker Prolexus Bhd has obtained the SIRIM certification for its in-house developed ProXmask fabric mask – the first company in Malaysia to achieve that feat.
The product has been tested and proven to be >99% effective in its anti-viral function against coronavirus and bacteria by an international laboratory.
“We are proud of this certification by SIRIM which bears testimony that Prolexus can become a leader in innovative products as we adapt to the new normal,” its executive director Tan Eik Huang pointed out.
“Our unique micro-filtration technology enables ProXmask to maintain its filtration efficiency despite being subjected to multiple wash cycles. ProXmas is also able to effectively inactivate coronavirus and bacteria on its surface unlike disposable masks.”
During a working trip to Honsin Apparel Sdn Bhd (a subsidiary of Prolexus) in April, SIRIM Bhd’s president and Group CEO Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad had explored collaboration opportunities with Prolexus as its working partner in setting the standards for Malaysian-made fabric mask.
Towards this end, both SIRIM and Prolexus have placed heavy emphasis on industrial innovation and environmental sustainability.
According to Tan, the ProXmask product line-up is vital as society re-opens and international travel resumes. Most of the health mandates imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 will be gradually lifted, including the mask mandate (except for indoor settings).
As a result, consumers are to decide themselves on the appropriateness of donning a face mask in various settings. Hence, the availability of fashionable and sustainable face mask provides an added incentive to consumers – on top of being a layer of protection from coronavirus – especially for high-risk individuals and the unvaccinated.
“While face masks are no longer mandatory in many countries, it remains a habit and basic counter-measure that provides a sense of security and help to reduce community infections,” justified Tan.
“This is evident in countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and China where the use of face masks were normalised even before the pandemic outbreak in 2020.”
“With the endemic phase implemented globally, we believe that demand will gradually shift towards fashionable and reusable masks, mainly due to the environmental impact of disposable masks. Globally, the pandemic is estimated to generate up to 7,200 tonnes of medical waste every day, much of which are disposable masks.”
ProXmask is not only positioned as a virus protection essential but its ergonomic design enables a better-sealed fitting with ease of breath. It is washable and reusable up to 60 times, making it a more environmentally friendly and sustainable product.
Aside from the SIRIM certification, ProXmask is also registered with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Conformite Europeenne (CE), and is tested by internationally renowned laboratories.
Tan is optimistic that ProXmask will continue to drive earnings recovery for Prolexus in the post-COVID era.
At 4.42pm, Prolexus was up 0.5 sen or 1.01% to 50 sen with 274,700 shares traded, thus valuing the company at RM138 mil. – May 11, 2022
