The public will be able to purchase Covid-19 antigen rapid self-test kits from selected supermarkets and chain stores starting from this month, said the minister of the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP), Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

“The sales of Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits for self-testing by selected supermarkets and chain stores is expected to be implemented in October 2021,” said the minister in a statement, adding that the government is currently in final discussions with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to let more premises offer the kits.

At present, Covid-19 self-test kits are only permitted to be sold at registered pharmacies and health facilities nationwide. Datuk Seri Alexander said that this move to allow the sales of Covid-19 test kits at selected supermarkets and chain stores will give the public better access to the self-testing tool. There are approximately nine million Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits available in the market currently.

The minister further urged traders to take the initiative to provide the products at lower and reasonable prices, even without the government declaring a new ceiling price. The ceiling price for Covid-19 self-test kits are currently set at RM19.90 for retail and RM16 for wholesale, although KPDNHEP has mentioned that it is looking to further reduce it.

Additionally, Datuk Seri Alexander noted that the industry involved in bringing in and producing the test kits has responded positively to the suggestion of offering the test kits at a lower fee than the current ceiling price. “My ministry is confident that such joint efforts between manufacturers and importers, as well as supermarkets and chain stores can help stabilise prices in an effort to get through this pandemic,” he said.

(Source: Malay Mail)

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