KOTA KINABALU – The government should step in to subsidise the cost of Covid-19 tests, said Labuan MP Datuk Rozman Isli, as the island sees enhanced restrictions to curb the virus.
The charges imposed by private clinics for swab tests in Labuan should be the same as on mainland Sabah, and the waiting period for the results shorter, too, he said.
“The cost of a Covid-19 test in Kota Kinabalu is RM80 for RTK-Ag and RM200 for PCR.
“In Labuan, it is RM150 for RTK-Ag and RM500 for PCR.
“Inflation and the cost of living continue to rise in Labuan, and there is a need for a subsidy scheme for transportation and tests.”
He said the wait for a PCR test result takes three to five days, way past the 72-hour validity period.
“The PCR test is a must for anyone who wants to enter Labuan from Kota Kinabalu.
“Now, Labuan is under an enhanced lockdown, hence the tighter SOPs.”
Rozman urged the authorities to restrict the entry of travellers from the peninsula and Sarawak into Labuan.
“This is the best way to end the chain of infection and curb the spread of the virus from one state to another, especially the spread of the Indian variant, which has been cited on the island.” – The Vibes, May 27, 2021
