PETALING JAYA: Covid-19 self-test kits will be sold at more premises including supermarkets and chain stores, says Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.

       He said making the kits widely available on the market would also help to drive retail prices down.

       “Discussions between the ministry and the Health Ministry are in the final stages to make more premises such as supermarkets and chain stores sell Covid-19 self-test kits.

       “This will be implemented in October. For starters, the self-test kits will be sold at selected supermarkets and chain stores," he said on Thursday (Oct 14).

       Nanta said by making it widely available, it would be easier for the public to get their hands on self-test kits.

       “At the same time, the ministry is encouraging retailers to offer lower and more reasonable prices for self-test kits without relying on the government to put in place a new ceiling price,” he said in a statement.

       Currently, Covid-19 saliva self-test kits are sold at pharmacies and health clinics.

       The government has set a ceiling retail price of RM19.90 for self-test kits, while the wholesale price is at RM16.

       Recently, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said he was looking at lowering the current ceiling price.

       The ministry has so far approved 32 brands of self-test kits

       Nanta added that there were currently nine million self-test kits available on the market.

       “Industry players who are involved in bringing in and producing these Covid-19 self-test kits have given positive feedback on selling the kits below the ceiling price.

       “The ministry is confident that this collaboration between manufacturers and importers as well as supermarkets and chain stores can help stabilise prices, in our effort to get out of this pandemic,” he said.