KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Pharmacists Society is not surprised that certain areas of the country are reporting stock shortages and price hikes of Covid-19 self-test kits.
Its president Amrahi Buang told The Vibes that such problems are to be expected, especially during the nation’s ongoing battle with the Omicron variant coupled with the recent surge in travels over the festive period.
Noting that he has received news of up to a roughly 10% (RM1.10) increase in price for self-test kits, he said while the figure may vary based on the brand and locality, sellers are still adhering to the ceiling price of RM19.90 per kit.
“It would not be fair to say that pricing issues are happening everywhere, but it also cannot be denied that sellers in some areas are ‘playing around’ with their pricing.”
He added that a possible reason for the low supply of products could be due to the increased demand for self-test kits as people attempt to get themselves tested more frequently in light of the more infective Omicron variant.
Checks made by The Vibes to several pharmacies found that the situation is dynamic as some are facing little to no supply issues, while others are completely out of stock, with prices ranging from RM5.90 to RM17.
Amrahi also called on the government to do its part in ensuring that the situation, while relatively tame for now, does not drastically escalate anytime soon.
“The government must look into the situation and be proactive instead of only taking action once things begin spiralling out of control,” he said, adding that being alert and remaining vigilant is part and parcel of addressing the Omicron wave.
“How could they (the government) not anticipate the possibility of such events? Where is their preparedness?”
He added that the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and the Medical Device Authority should monitor prices of self-test kits and ensure that proper standards are adhered to.
He urged consumers to purchase self-test kits from community pharmacies as they are subject to regulations that ensure ethical handling of products.
“The healthcare professionals in community pharmacies practice ethicality. Self-test kits brought in for sale must comply with medical device requirements on quality, functionality and reliability.”
Meanwhile, Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Koh Kar Chai said while self-testing is important, the public should not overpurchase products to avoid low supplies.
“People should not buy more (Covid-19 self-test kits) than they need to ensure that there is adequate supply available.
“Daily testing may be an overkill unless they are in a high risk environment with a high traffic of positive cases.”
He encourages people to self-test at appropriate times, such as prior to attending events or before visiting those who are immunocompromised. – The Vibes, February 19, 2022
