KUALA LUMPUR: Apparels maker Prolexus Bhd obtained a SIRIM certificate for its in-house developed ProXmask fabric mask in Malaysia.

Executive director Tan Eik Huang said the certification shows that Prolexus can become a leader in innovative products in the new normal.

"Our unique micro-filtration technology enables ProXmask to maintain its filtration efficiency despite being subjected to multiple wash cycles.

"ProXmask can effectively inactivate coronavirus and bacteria on its surface, unlike disposable masks," he said in a statement today.

SIRIM president and group chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ahmad Sabirin Arshad visited Honsin Apparel Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Prolexus, during a working trip in April.

His visit was to explore further collaboration opportunities with Prolexus and commended the company's efforts and initiatives to be its working partner in setting the standards on fabric masks in Malaysia.

Both SIRIM and Prolexus emphasize industrial innovation and environmental sustainability.

Tan said the ProXmask product line-up is vital as society reopens and international travel resumes.

Most of the mandates imposed to curb the spread of Covid-19 will be gradually lifted, including the mask mandate (except for indoor settings).

"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 helps to reduce community infections.

"This is evident in countries such as Vietnam, Japan, and China, where face masks were normalized even before the pandemic outbreak in 2020.

"With the endemic phase implemented globally, we believe that the demand will gradually shift towards fashionable and reusable masks, mainly due to the environmental impact of disposable masks," he said.

Globally, the pandemic is estimated to generate up to 7,200 tons of medical waste every day, much of which are disposable masks, Tan added.

Tan is optimistic that ProXmask will continue to drive earnings recovery for the company in the post-Covid-19 era.