Govt Covid-19 testing bill - RM96m to date

PARLIAMENT | The government had paid close to RM100 million for reagents and test kits to conduct Covid-19 test to date, the Health Ministry said.

According to Health Minister Dr Adham Baba, the RM96 million cost is inclusive of testing carried out since January 2020, when the coronavirus was identified and testing was made available in Malaysia.

He stated this in a written reply, dated yesterday, to a question from Lim Lip Eng (Pakatan Harapan-Kepong) on the cost and volume of Covid-19 testing carried out by the government.

“To date, 55 public and private facilities can conduct Covid-19 tests. The testing involves reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid antigen test kits (RTK Ag),” the minister replied.

“Taking into account cases of individuals undergoing confirmation tests more than once, therefore up to Aug 6, 1,867,673 Covid-19 testings have been carried out involving 1,742,302 RT- PCR and 125,371 RTK Ag tests.”

To Lim’s question on the number of foreigners tested and action taken for those found to be infected, Adham said 72,736 non-citizens were tested up to Aug 6.

This comprised 7.2 percent out of 1,012,660 individuals tested in that same time, of which 2,683 foreigners tested positive for the virus, which has caused a global health crisis.

“Positive cases will be admitted in isolation wards for further treatment, depending on the individual’s clinical needs.

“Whether citizens or not, whether foreign immigrants with permission (Padi) or foreign immigrants without permission (Pati), everyone undergoes the same process for public health activities,” read the reply.

Among the process to be followed are:

• Case detection and contact tracing;

• Implementing Covid-19 testing;

• Issuance of surveillance and observation orders at home or quarantine stations;

• Managing cases and contact tracing;

• Treatment protocols;

• Disinfecting activities;

• Notification of health issues and advice; and

• Handling of deceased in Covid-19 deaths.

As of noon yesterday, Malaysia recorded a total of 9,129 positive Covid-19 cases nationwide, of which 183 are active cases. The death count stands at 125.

- Mkini