KUALA LUMPUR – The government will not rush any decision to further reduce the ceiling price of Covid-19 self-test kits to be fair to industry players, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.
Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the ministry must also consider the views of industry players and continuity of businesses while ensuring consumers are safe from the coronavirus.
“The decision to lower the price must be done with consideration and not hastily, seeing that it has to consider the interest of all parties, for a win-win approach,” he said.
“Our ministry will continue engaging with the Health Ministry and all stakeholders (on the price). Additionally, consideration must also be given to manufacturing and importing costs before setting a new ceiling price.”
Nanta was responding to a question from Cha Kee Chin (Rasah-PH) on whether the government intends to further reduce the ceiling price of Covid-19 self-test kits from the current retail cost of RM19.90, especially for the B40 group.
The minister noted that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob had already announced on Sunday a Covid-19 care package for B40 households which will include, among others, the self-test kits.
Nanta had previously in a parliamentary written reply last week said the current ceiling price imposed by the government is reasonable, and that there is no need for subsidy.
In a supplementary question, Cha proposed that the government reduce the price in phases by capping it to RM15 next month followed by RM10 in November, and finally reducing it to RM5 by the end of the year.
Cha also questioned if the government intends to set ceiling prices for other Covid-19 related equipment, such as oximeters and air purifiers.
Nanta responded that the government will review this proposal, but maintained that engagements must first be conducted in order not to maltreat any quarter.
“At the same time, we will continue to monitor the prices of these products from time to time, and warn of stern action against those who charge exorbitant prices, under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011,” he said. – The Vibes, September 21, 2021
