Its president, Amrahi Buang, took issue with the domestic trade and consumer affairs ministry for claiming that the price was set based on discussions with stakeholders.

“The actual ceiling price for self-test kits was not discussed with the industry stakeholders. It is rather unprofessional on the part of the ministry to claim otherwise,” he said in a statement.

Amrahi also described the ministry’s announcement as “sudden” and wondered why a grace period wasn’t given to industry players to clear existing stock.

The ministry’s announcement, he said, was “reminiscent” of its announcement on price controls for face masks.

“It was done haphazardly without planning and in the absence of due notice to stakeholders,” he said.

Amrahi said that in the absence of a grace period, the ministry must allow pharmacies to return stock that was purchased at higher prices or get suppliers to subsidise the cost.

Earlier today, the government set ceiling prices for Covid-19 self-test kits, with the wholesale price fixed at RM16 a unit and retail price at RM19.90 a unit. The ceiling prices will take effect from Sept 5.

Presently, self-test kits in the market are priced from RM28 to RM41.

Amrahi also called for the ministry to subsidise the cost of self-test kits for community pharmacies.

“As a Sarawakian, the minister should know that the logistics cost price for self-test kits to be sent to Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan remains high,” he said, referring to Alexander Nanta Linggi.

On the minister’s warning that action would be taken against individuals or companies caught selling the test kits beyond the ceiling price, Amrahi said the authorities should focus on curbing the illegal online sales of such kits.

“It is also high time that the enforcement arm conducts spot checks on non-community pharmacies and private healthcare facilities, such as DIY stores and roadside shops that sell such kits.”