Domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi revealed earlier today that the government will continue to monitor the ceiling prices of COVID-19 Antigen self-test kits in Malaysia. Prior to this, the kits have been gazetted as a controlled item under the Control of Supplies Order 2021 on 24 November of last year, and was later enforced on 1 December 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,” the minister explained. “As such, enforcement, inspection and monitoring by my ministry’s enforcement division are always done on relevant items at every level, such as manufacturers, wholesalers and traders.”
Linggi’s statement comes as a reply to a question by Pakatan Harapan-Rasah parliament member Cha Kee Chin regarding on whether the ministry would review and reduce the ceiling prices of face masks and Covid-19 self-test kits, as well as set ceiling prices for oximeters and thermometers – all of which are considered as essential items at this time. For the latter, the minister says that the government would implement a pricing review for the items if necessary.
“In relation to COVID-19 test kits, [the medical standard] is indeed under the jurisdiction of the MDA (Medical Device Authority) under the Ministry of Health,” the minister stated. “This ministry will continue to work with the MDA to continuously monitor the matter to ensure these devices [in the market] are of quality.”
(Source: The Edge Markets)
