By Nur Ashikin Louis
LUNDU, Oct 31: The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) will give time for businesses to adjust to the new ceiling price for the Covid-19 self-test kit.
At present, the ceiling price for the test kit is RM16 for wholesale and RM19.90 for retail which came into effect on Sept 5, 2021.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the federal government has promised to reduce the ceiling price of test kit again by year end.
“But the ceiling price that we targeted is actually higher than some test kits that are being sold in the market at present, so by itself, the price has actually come down. This signals a good news for the consumers and the market.
“Nonetheless, we will still set the ceiling price because we do not want any situation in the future where suddenly there’s a spike in the use of test kits and some people may take advantage and increase (the price),” he told reporters at a press conference after his work visit to Lundu and Sematan today.
Nanta also said that the KPDNHEP has approved over 2,500 applications from business premises to sell Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit (RTK).
Previously, the test kits were only allowed to be sold in pharmacies and clinics.
“The more business premises allowed to sell the test kits, more brands of the item can be imported.
“By itself, there will be more keen competition that will push the price down,” he added.
He also urged the relevant industry players to take note of this matter and be prepared to avoid anymore cries stating that such imposition was too sudden and would pressure the industry players.
Also present were Tanjong Datu assemblywoman Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu, Lundu District Officer Gustian Durani, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Tanjong Datu Youth chief Azizul Annuar Adenan and KPDNHEP Sarawak director Datuk Stanley Tan. — DayakDaily.
