KUALA LUMPUR – Now, the government says it will leave it to market forces to determine the retail rates of Covid-19 self-test kits, and will not revise down the current ceiling price.
Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Rosol Wahid said this is after the government was given commitment by manufacturers that they will ensure prices of the product are reduced by the end of the month.
“We were assured by some that the kits will be sold below RM10. This is what we have been waiting for.
“In view of this, the ministry no longer needs to set the ceiling or floor price. We will allow the free market to determine the cost,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today during his winding-up speech on the amendments to the Trade Descriptions Act 1972.
Cha Kee Chin (Rasah-DAP) said it is wiser for the government to set the ceiling price to ensure the self-test kits, which is now regarded a common medical item, can be affordable even by those in the B40 group.
“We want to make it easier for the rakyat (to purchase) and not be too reliant on the government. We should share our responsibility.”
Rosol responded saying the government had planned to cap the price of the product to between RM13 and RM15 per piece before changing its mind after being assured of a lower price by manufacturers.
“Many of the players came forward and advocated a cheaper retail price of below RM10. We are confident this promise will be fulfilled by the end of the month.”
The current retail value of the Covid-19 self-test kit is at RM19.90, which was fixed by the government on September 5.
On September 25, Rosol had said that an announcement on new ceiling prices would be made public soon, following pressure from various quarters.
Two days later, in a statement, he again expressed the government’s intention to lower the price of the kits, which he said can be expected to be announced earlier than its initial plan in December.
Meanwhile, the deputy minister told the Dewan Rakyat today that self-test kits can be expected to be on the shelves of more premises by next month, for easier access.
Among other places, Rosol said, the product will be sold in malls, chain stores and petrol stations. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
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