The government has agreed to set a ceiling price for Covid-19 antigen rapid self-test kits, fixing it at RM16 per unit (wholesale price) and RM19.90 per unit (retail price). These prices are slated to take effect starting from 5 September 2021.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), it said that this move – which is a collaborative effort carried out with the Ministry of Health (MOH) – seeks to ensure that the self-test kits are made available at an affordable price for businesses and the public. At present, the price of these kits typically range between RM28 to RM41, depending on where the public purchase them from.

The minister of KPDNHEP, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi also explained that the ceiling prices were set under the Price Control and Anti Profiteering Act 2011 and Control of Supplies Act 1961. Additionally, the ministry had consulted relevant local industry players and importers prior to fixing these prices.

Datuk Alexander further emphasised that legal actions will be taken against entities that are caught selling the self-test kits beyond the ceiling price once it is enforced. Specifically, individuals may be fined up to RM100,000 or sentenced to jail for no more than three years, or both. They may also be issued compounds of up to RM50,000. Meanwhile, companies may be fined up to RM500,000 or issued compounds of up to RM250,000.

Should the public encounter any such irresponsible entities and would like to submit complaints, they can do so through the e-Aduan portal or the Ez ADU mobile app, or by sending an email to KPDNHEP at e-aduan@kpdnhep.gov.my. Alternatively, they can also contact the call centre at 1800 886 800, the Enforcement Command Centre (ECC) at 03-8882 6245/6088, or send a WhatsApp message to 019-279 4317.

KPDNHEP said that it will also establish a dedicated Skuad Tindakan Aduan Rakyat (STAR) to address the public’s complaints more efficiently.

We have set the ceiling price for COVID rapid test kits at RM19.90 for retail and RM16 for wholesale. We will also be exploring bulk purchase options to drive the price down further & also look at providing feee kits for B40 families. @KKMPutrajaya @kpdnhep

— Khairy Jamaluddin 🇲🇾🌺 (@Khairykj) September 2, 2021

Separately, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that the government will also explore bulk purchase options to further decrease the price. This is on top of efforts to provide free self-test kits for B40 families.

(Sources: KPDNHEP, Free Malaysia Today)

• TAGS:
• B40
• B40 Households
• Covid-19
• Covid-19 Self-Test Kits
• Covid-19 Self-Test Kits Ceiling Prices
• Covid-19 Tests
• Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi
• Khairy Jamaluddin
• KPDNHEP
• Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs