The government has set a ceiling price of RM16.00 (wholesale) and RM19.90 (retails) for the COVID-19 self-test kits.
Photo via NST
This was announced in a joint statement on Thursday (September 2nd) by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi and Health Minister, Khairy Jamaluddin.
This will take effect from September 5th.
Datuk Seri Alexander said the price control was aimed at ensuring the self-test kits are affordable for both businesses and the public.
Right now, the self-test kits are priced from RM28 to RM41.
According to FMT, the ceiling prices were set under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011 and Control of Supplies Act 1961, following consultations with local industry players and importers.
He also warned that legal action would be taken against individuals or companies caught selling the test kits beyond the ceiling price and may be fined up to RM100,000, or sentenced to a jail term of no more than three years, or both.
They may also be issued compounds of up to RM50,000.
Companies may be fined up to RM500,000 or issued compounds of up to RM250,000.
So guys, if you see a place that sells these COVID-19 self-test kits above the ceiling price, you can report them to the ministry through its online portal or contact their call centre at 1800 886 800, the Enforcement Command Centre (ECC) at 03-8882 6245/6088 or WhatsApp 019-279 4317!
Stay safe!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
