GEORGE TOWN: With interstate travel now allowed for the fully vaccinated, demand for Covid-19 self-test kits is expected to surge with more people moving around.

       Pharmacist Lim Chee Mun, 36, said she would ensure her store has enough stock to cope with the increasing demand for the kits.

       “Even now, the demand is already high with companies and individuals doing their own routine checks using self-test kits. Some use the kits every few days, while others self-test fortnightly.

       “But as there are many brands currently on the market, I think there should be no problem with meeting increasing demands,” she said when contacted yesterday.

       Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild president Lovy Beh said many pharmacies and consumers have stocked up on self test kits.

       She also urged consumers to be wary of counterfeit products when getting their supplies from online platforms.

       “For consumers, we hope to encourage them to buy from reputable and registered pharmacies and healthcare facilities.

       “If consumers want to buy online, it is best to seek out registered pharmacies or platforms of registered healthcare facilities. This is to ensure consumers are buying proper and working self-test kits.

       “It can be dangerous for those who have potentially contracted Covid-19 to use a test kit that is not working and then miss out on signs to get help or seek their next course of action,” she said.

       Caring Pharmacy Retail Management Sdn Bhd head of procurement, health, beauty and own brands category Foo Fung Jiun said the sales of self test-kits have been quite consistent.

       “Many people have taken the initiative to do regular self-testing and corporate companies are buying from us to conduct regular self-testing for their employees, too,” he said.