IPOH: Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Kits or RTKs are still well-stocked in pharmacies here but supplies for a brand of paracetamol products are running low. A check at several shops found that the test kits are still available in various forms.

       According to one Ipoh Garden South-based pharmacy, the test kits are restocked from time to time.

       “At our pharmacy, we have the saliva type, nasal-swab and the ‘lollipop’ test kits,” said a sales assistant.

       “The lollipop ones are sold at RM8.90 per unit while saliva and nasal swabs are sold at RM6.90 as they are from different brands,” he said when contacted yesterday.

       There had been complaints of shortage of the RTKs in the market while the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry had assured that the supply was still adequate.

       Meanwhile, in Cameron Highlands, a handful of pharmacies still have the RTKs.

       A farm worker, who only wanted to be known as Wong, said the RTKs were limited.

       “Some shops have run out while some still have it. Some farm owners resorted to buying the RTKs and paracetamol from Ipoh and have these delivered to the highlands,” she said.

       The Star had also recently ran a story assuring the public there is no need to be concerned about a purported shortage of paracetamol as the current shortage only affects one leading brand.