KUCHING, Oct 8: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will issue a new ceiling price for the Covid-19 rapid test kits (self-test) after several factors are refined and finalised this November.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government through KPDNHEP is conducting evaluations at the industry level before determining a new wholesale and retail price for the Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit.
“KPDNHEP notes that there are approximately 6 million Covid-19 antigen quick test kits (self-test kits) already in the market, and the pricing implemented by the government on Sept 5, also takes into account the costs involved in bringing in and producing such test kits,” he said in a statement today.
Meanwhile, Nanta said the government has also received feedback from industry players regarding the price levels that should be considered in order to ensure adequate and continuous supply.
He noted KPDNHEP is also holding talks with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to enable more premises to sell self-test kits, such as supermarkets.
According to Nanta, some have agreed to sell below the price level set previously by the government.
He said the ministry will continue to monitor the impact of prices and competition as the result of the expansion of the sales of self-test kits, apart from those being sold in pharmacies and clinics.
“I hope all parties involved in selling the these kits will be informed of the matter and cooperate for the benefit of everyone.
“This joint effort is also hoped to help the country out of the pandemic and revive various sectors in the country, including the domestic economic sector,” he added. — DayakDaily
