2 November 2021
With the price reduction, the public will be able to use Covid-19 self-test kits for self-access and monitor themselves to prepare for the endemic phase
THE Covid-19 self-test kit price is now available for as low as RM6.90, said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP).
Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the price reduction was made after considering the public interest and ensuring that it is widely available to benefit the public, particularly those who require them on a regular basis and the bottom 40% group.
He said KPDNHEP is in talks with the Health Ministry (MoH) to expedite the lowering of the current ceiling price.
Apart from making it more accessible to the general public, the reduction is also part of a strategy to aid the retail industry’s economic recovery and maintain its competitiveness in the marketplace.
“With the price reduction, the public will be able to self-access and monitor themselves to prepare for the endemic phase. This will also ease the burden among the frontliners in the health sector,” Nanta Linggi said after the launch of the new Covid-19 self-test kit priced at RM6.90 at a 24-hour convenience store, KK Supermart, at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 (KLIA2) yesterday.
“KPDNHEP is very optimistic that the decision taken to expand the sales of RTKs (rapid test kits) will bring various benefits to the public. With the lower RTK prices and availability of RTK supply, this will increase the competitiveness and economy of the retail sector.”
The test kits will also be made available at more premises, including at certain supermarkets, convenience stores and petrol stations.
“This is the lowest price set so far and we thank KKmart for taking up and implementing this price in its convenience stores chain,” Nanta Linggi added.
He also encourages retailers to offer lower and more reasonable prices based on the new ceiling price announced.
“As of now, we want to be fair for both consumers and the businesses. Hence, the retailer is given the freedom to set the price as it also depends on their manufacturers,” he explained.
“Some customers may also want to choose their preferred brand,and because they have the option to do so, the price and quality may differ.”
As of Oct 28, 2021, a total of 2,570 business premises in the category of supermarkets, chain of convenience stores and petrol stations have been given approval to sell RTKs across the country that have been approved by the Medical Device Authority (MDA).
“We are still accepting application from retailers and supermarkets, hence we believe the market will continue to expand from time to time and not only just at the selected supermarkets and chain stores,” said the minister.
All self-test kits must obtain approval from the MDA and the MoH prior to their distribution in the market.
After the ceremony yesterday, Nanta Linggi also conducted a survey at KLIA2’s Jaya Grocer on the implementation of the first day of the Festive Season Maximum Price Scheme in conjunction with the upcoming Deepavali celebration.
Source: themalaysianreserve.com
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