Govt studying need to review ceiling price for self-test kits

The government is looking into the need to review the ceiling price for Covid-19 antigen rapid test kits or self-test kits which are currently considered a necessity, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said the government had gazetted such kits as a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Order 2021 on Nov 24, 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 was 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.

Responding to Cha’s suggestion on ceiling prices for oximeters and thermometers, Nanta said these would be implemented if necessary.

To a supplementary question on the government’s efforts to control the quality of products in the market like face masks and self-test kits, Nanta said the ministry was evaluating the matter to ensure that the quality of these items is of medical standard.

“Not only are the prices monitored, we also want quality (standards) to be met. We are looking into the matter and will gazette the standards on quality later.

“In relation to the Covid-19 test kits earlier, it (medical standard) is under the jurisdiction of the MDA (Medical Device Authority) under the health ministry. So this ministry will continue to work with the MDA to monitor the matter to ensure these devices (in the market) are of quality,” he said.