Market to determine price of self-test kits, says deputy minister

 

Rosol Wahid said there was no need for Putrajaya to set a maximum or minimum price for these self-test kits as suppliers are willing to sell them at prices below RM10. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The government may eventually let the market decide on the price of Covid-19 self-test kits, deputy domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Rosol Wahid said.

He revealed several suppliers had informed the ministry that they were willing to sell their test kits for below RM10, the price that the government had been asked to set by many groups.

Currently, the ceiling price for such kits stands at RM19.90 per unit, while the wholesale price is RM16. The government previously said the cost would be lowered further.

Rosol said with suppliers now guaranteeing that they could retail the kits at even lower prices, there was no need for Putrajaya to set a maximum or minimum price.

Rosol Wahid.

“We will let the market decide,” he said when debating amendments to the Trade Descriptions Act in the Dewan Rakyat today.

Rosol also said the government would allow for the self-test kits to be sold at petrol stations, chain stores and malls soon.

“This is to ensure easier access to the self-test kits and ensure healthy competition (among suppliers).”

To a question by Che Abdullah Mat Nawi (PAS-Tumpat) on the reliability of the low-cost self-test kits, Rosol said only those approved by the Medical Device Authority (MDA) would be allowed to be sold.

“If it has the MDA stamp, it means it has been approved by the government. So, there’s no need to worry.” - FMT