KUALA LUMPUR: There are no plans at the moment to fix a new ceiling price for Covid-19 self-test kits, says Datuk Rosol Wahid.

       "This is because there are still some 17 million kits in stock and we will allow market forces to determine the prices.

       "We worry that if we fix the ceiling price, there will be manipulation and the self test kits will be sold at maximum price for profit," said the Deputy Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister in reply to Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif (BN-Jempol) in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday (Nov 29).

       The government had set the maximum retail price for the self-test kits at RM19.90 per unit, and the wholesale price at RM16 per unit effective Sept 5.

       Previously, Covid-19 self-test kits that had received conditional approval from the Medical Device Authority were sold at selected clinics and pharmacies at about RM40.

       Mohd Salim commended the government's effort in fixing the ceiling price of the kits at RM19.90.

       "There are self-test kits which are now being sold at RM4.90.

       "I hope suppliers and importers will be able to lower the prices further, as the kits are widely used by the general public," he added.

       Meanwhile, Rosol reminded members of the public who buy self-test kits online to do so from suppliers who display their company registration.

       He also urged those who have been duped to report the matter to the ministry.

       He was responding to Mohd Salim's question on the proliferation of self-test kits offered online.

       He said some of the kits offered online were either not approved or recognised by the ministry.