Covid self-test kits coming to supermarkets, chain stores

Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits for self-test are expected to be sold in supermarkets and chain stores this month, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi.

He said the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry and the health ministry are at the final stage of discussion on the matter.

Self-test kits are currently 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,” Nanta said at an online press conference after the virtual launch of the Malaysia International Franchise Exhibition and Conference 2021 today.

In the meantime, he said, the government would also ensure that the new retail and wholesale ceiling prices for self-test kits do not have an effect on industry players.

“Discussions will be held until all parties agree on the maximum retail and wholesale prices for Covid-19 self-test kits.

“The ministry wants the new price to be the best for consumers without having an effect on their business,” he said.

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 Oct 8, Nanta was reported to have said that the government would set a new wholesale and retail ceiling price for the test kits in November.

Nanta said his ministry also took 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 for now,” he said.