PUTRAJAYA – Covid-19 self-test kits will begin to be sold in supermarkets and chain stores this month, said Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
This, he said, is because his ministry and the Health Ministry (MoH) are in the final stages of discussion regarding the matter.
Currently, Covid-19 self-test kits are only being sold at registered community pharmacies and health facilities nationwide.
“Making these self-test kits available at selected supermarkets and chain stores will make it easier for the public to purchase them,” he told an online press conference after the virtual launch of the Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition and Conference 2021 (FIM 2021) today.
Nanta said that, in the meantime, the government will also ensure the new retail and wholesale ceiling prices for the self-test kits do not have an adverse effect on industry players.
“Discussions are still being held until all parties agree on the maximum retail and wholesale prices for the Covid-19 self-test kits.
“The ministry wants the new price that will be set to be the best for consumers and one that will not have an effect on businesses,” he said.
Effective September 5, the maximum retail price for self-test kits has been fixed at RM19.90 per set while the wholesale price is capped at RM16 per set.
On October 8, Nanta was reported to have said that the government will set a new wholesale and retail ceiling price for the self-test kits next month.
Nanta said his ministry takes note of the fact that there are currently about nine million self-test kits available on the market.
“The industries involved in bringing in and producing these kits have given positive feedback so that the kits can be sold at a lower price than the maximum retail price.” – Bernama, October 14, 2021
