Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, RAHIMY RAHIM and TARRENCE TAN

       THE government cannot rush to further lower the ceiling price of Covid-19 self-test kits as the interest of all parties must be taken into account, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       “The decision to reduce the price of the self-test kits must be implemented carefully and not rushed as the ministry wants a win-win solution.

       “The ministry will have to consider the views of related industry players so they can ensure the sustainability of their business,” he said when answering a question from Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah) during Question Time.

       The question was whether the ministry would set a lower ceiling price for items besides Covid-19 self-test kits such as sanitisation spray guns, pulse oximeters and air purifiers.

       Cha suggested that the ceiling price of the test kits be reduced in stages from RM15 to RM5 compared to the current RM19.90 to enable more people to afford them, especially the B40.

       Nanta said the best approach was for the ministry to engage with all levels of the industry so that no party would feel mistreated or affected, including traders, consumers, wholesalers and anyone who needs those items.

       He said the decision must also benefit consumers so they remain free from Covid-19 infections.

       He also said from Sept 5-20, 123 wholesale premises and 2,138 retail premises selling self-test kits were inspected.

       He said 10 warnings were issued to traders for selling above the ceiling price.