LUNDU: Businesses have been forewarned on the new ceiling price for the Antigen Rapid Test Kit (RTK-Ag) before the end of this year, said Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
The Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister said that he had notified the businesses on the matter since Sept 5 when he had announced the ceiling price of the test kit at RM19.90 each.
“We have promised that a new ceiling price will be set. Hence, we have given a little more time for the businesses to adjust to it.
“We have set the ceiling price because we do not want any situation in the future where there will be a sudden spike in the use of the test kit and some people will take advantage of this situation,” he told a press conference after handing over the Fair Price Shop Award (AKHP) 2021 award to BS Supermarket here on Sunday (Oct 31).
Nanta disclosed that his ministry approved over 2,500 letters of applications for business premises to sell the test kit.
“The more premises we allow to sell the test kit, more brands will be imported here. This will bring in more competition and eventually, push down its price,” he said.
He explained the test kit was not classified as an ordinary product.
“In order to sell it, businesses have to apply to KPDNHEP for the permit. In addition to that, the kit is subjected to the Medical Device Authority (MDA) under the Ministry of Health (MoH).
“The role of my ministry is only to look at the pricing and supplies, but not the device. That is why, we cannot issue permits simply to any shops because proper storage is needed so that the credibility or the integrity of the device will not be compromised,” he said.
