by AZALEA AZUAR / pic by MUHD AMIN NAHARUL

DATA collected from Google Trends shows that Malaysians are taking more interest in indoor and outdoor personal protective equipment (PPE) this year compared to 2020, according to iPrice.

This is in response to the rising Covid-19 infection rate in the country, as well as the total death toll surpassing 4,720 cases, which led to Malaysians taking extra precautions against the virus.

“Overall, the country’s Google searches on outdoor PPE (surgical mask, face shield, cloth mask, KN95, N95 and gloves) and indoor PPE (Panadol, thermometer, birth control pills and condoms) grew by 223% and 320% respectively in the first half of 2021 compared to the same period of 2020. KN95 garnered the most Google searches,” it said.

While surgical masks are still very relevant and they can be easily found in pharmacies, convenience stores and grocery stores, people are now also interested in advanced masks such as the KN95 as new Covid-19 strains emerge.

Since 2021, searches on these items have been on a steady upward slope.

“Face shields and cloth masks have notable growth, seeing a 1,730% and 677% increase compared to last year.

“People voluntarily started wearing face shields as extra protection even without government protocol as seen in the Philippines,” iPrice said.

A face shield should not be used as a substitute for medical masks, but it acts as an additional layer of protection and its searches increased when Malaysia reached the highest daily Covid-19 cases on May 29.

Interestingly, searches for face shield increased by half a day after a Prasarana Malaysia Bhd press conference on May 25 following the Light Rail Transit Kelana Jaya Line collision.

“This may be attributed to former Prasarana chairman Datuk Seri Tajuddin Abdul Rahman’s appearance, where he only had a transparent face shield on during his speech.

“Perhaps, his fancy transparent face shield encouraged some people to get the same,” iPrice added.

When Health DG Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah encouraged double masking, the search on cloth masks also saw significant growth.

iPrice said Google searches act as evidence that Malaysians are no longer ignorant or stubborn as they are looking up more information related to the usage of double masking.

Regarding indoor PPE, searches on birth control pills have increased by 563% in volume, the highest this year compared to the first half of 2021.

“However, it is important to note that searches on Google Trends do not necessarily mean purchases.

“People may just consult Google for more information about certain products. It does not guarantee a purchase,” iPrice advised.

Since May 5, the day before the first round of AstraZeneca vaccination began, searches in thermometers and Panadol surged within the month.

“Searches on these two items grew by 200% and 29% respectively, indicating how vigilant Malaysians are with monitoring the fever and side effects of the jabs.”