Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail speaks at the launch of the Buy Malaysian Products Campaign at Tesco Extra Kajang January 30, 2020. — Picture by Hari Anggara

KAJANG, Jan 30 — Shortage of face masks reported in the country is due to panic buying because of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak as well as manufacturing halt as factories were closed during the Chinese New Year Holidays.