KUALA LUMPUR – The Education Ministry (MoE) has issued a letter of acceptance to three companies that supply Covid-19 self-test kits to schools on September 13 with a total contract value of RM9.72 million.
Its minister Datuk Mohd Radzi Md Jidin said the matter was decided after the MoE Price Negotiation Committee found that the three companies had succeeded in meeting the basis of consideration set.
He said the delivery of the Covid-19 self-test kits was made by all companies to 140 district education offices (PPDs) and state education departments (JPNs) nationwide on September 25 for the school reopening session from October to December this year.
“The basis of consideration in selecting these company is that the Covid-19 self-test kit meets the specifications set and the offer price is favourable to the government, besides the added value offered by the company.
“Another consideration is the financial capability of the companies in delivering the supply immediately and their ability to deliver to 140 PPDs and JPNs nationwide before or by September 26, 2021," he said during question time at the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa-PH) had asked for details on procuring self-test kits for schools, including the cost incurred by the ministry.
Radzi said the procurement was made through direct negotiations due to urgency as the Covid-19 self-test kits had to be supplied to schools before the school session started on October 3.
He said MoE had submitted an application for the procurement through direct negotiations on August 9 and was approved by the Finance Ministry (MoF) on September 1.
“Among the conditions set by (MoF) to MoE is that the companies are approved and listed by the Medical Devices Authority and MoH, and registered with MoF under the appropriate field code.
“MoE also stipulates that Covid-19 self-test kits that use only the saliva will be considered, as using these kits is easier and safer for students,” he added. – Bernama, October 7, 2021
