Govt studying need to review ceiling price of COVID-19 self test kits - Nanta Linggi

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking into the need to review the ceiling price for COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits (Self-Test Kits) in the market which are one of the people's necessities currently, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government had gazetted the COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK) as a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Order 2021 on Nov 24 and was enforced on Dec 1 to ensure adequate supply in the market.

"The government always takes into account the needs and interests of consumers, especially from the aspect of adequacy of supply in the market as well as getting face masks and self-test kits at prices that are not burdensome.

"As such, enforcement, inspection and monitoring by my ministry's Enforcement Division is always done on relevant items at every level such as manufacturers, wholesalers and traders," he said during the Ministers' Question Time.

He said this in replying to a question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) on whether the ministry would review and reduce the ceiling prices for face masks and COVID-19 self-test kits, as well as set ceiling prices for oximeters and thermometers which are essential items at this time.