KUALA LUMPUR: A total of RM1 billion will be allocated to curb the third wave of COVID-19 next year, said Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

He said the allocation would include RM475 million for the purchase of reagents, screening kits and consumables, specifically for the use of the Ministry of Health (MOH).

The allocation also include RM318 million for the provision of personal protection equipment (PPE) and hand sanitiser to MOH frontline personnel and RM150 million to the National Disaster Management Agency to coordinate efforts to combat COVID, he said when presenting Budget 2021 in Parliament today.

Besides that, RM50 million will be allocated for the procurement of equipment, laboratory test supplies and medicines at the University Teaching Hospital.

He said the allocation also included for the purpose of adding dental facility operating equipment, virtual services, as well as the provision of screening zone facilities and thermometers at health facilities to meet the standard operating procedures (SOPs) under the new norms.

-- BERNAMA