The government has set ceiling prices for Covid-19 self-test kits since Sept 5, with the wholesale price fixed at RM16 a unit and retail price at RM19.90 a unit.

“Production and import costs have been analysed … and the ceiling price is at a reasonable rate that does not cause traders losses and is affordable for the rakyat,” said Alexander in a written parliamentary reply.

“For now, the government does not intend to provide any subsidy for the purchase of these self-test kits.”

He was responding to a question from Salim Sharif (Umno-Jempol), who wanted to know the ministry’s plans to control the “very expensive” price of Covid-19 self-test kits.

Previously, self-test kits in the market were priced from between RM28 to RM41.

Alexander added that a total of 1,734 premises – 91 wholesale and 1,643 retail – were inspected during a nationwide monitoring period on Covid-19 self-test kits prices which ran from Sept 5-16.

Ten warnings were issued to those found selling the kits over the ceiling price.