Retail price of Covid-19 self-test kits now capped at RM19.90

 

The government has decided to cap the retail price of Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits intended for self-testing at RM19.90 each.

In a joint statement between Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi and Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, they said their ministries are cooperating to set the price in view of the increasingly challenging Covid-19 situation.

The duo said they expected demand to rise as people are becoming more aware of self-testing to ensure they are free of Covid-19 and competition will also help to stabilise prices.

"The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) had engaged with all local industry players and importers in determining a reasonable controlled price for all," they said.

They added that feedback was also sought from the Medical Device Authority (MDA) and Royal Malaysian Customs on top of general monitoring of premises and pharmacies which have been selling the product.

With the price control, the retail price for the Covid-19 antigen rapid test kit (self-test) will be RM19.90 while wholesale purchase will be capped at RM16 each.

Previously, the price of the self-test kits can go as high as RM39.90 each.

The price control applies to Covid-19 antigen self-test kits that are based on saliva samples or nose swabs.

The devices are approved by the MDA, an agency under the Health Ministry.

 The price controls take effect on Sept 5 under the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and Control of Supplies Act 1961.

The ministers reminded that violating the Price Control Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or imprisonment of up to three years or both for individuals.

Alternatively, a compound of up to RM50,000 can also be issued to individuals.

Companies can also face a fine of up to RM500,000 or a compound of up to RM250,000.

They said the KPDNHEP has also set up a team to receive complaints about any violation of the price controls.

Complaints can be addressed to e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my or the call centre at 1-800-886-800, the enforcement command centre at 03-8882-6245 or WhatsApp at 019-2794317. - Mkini