In a joint statement, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin and domestic trade and consumer affairs minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said this comes after the government noticed the high and varying prices of vaccines in the private market.

Sinovac will now cost no more than RM62 via wholesale or RM77 for customers.

For the Sinopharm vaccine, the wholesale ceiling price has been set at RM48, with a retail cap of RM61.

The ceiling prices for these vaccines will come into effect from Jan 15.

Enforcement of the ceiling prices will be carried out by the health ministry’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division.

These prices are not inclusive of service fees and the cost of disposable items used in the vaccination process, like syringes.

All facilities selling vaccines will be required to clearly display their sale prices so that consumers are able to make an informed decision about their purchase.

Those who are found selling the vaccines above the ceiling price will be prosecuted under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

Individuals are liable to be fined in court for up to RM100,000 or imprisoned for up to three years, or both. A compound for RM50,000 may also be issued.

Companies face a fine of up to RM500,000 or a compound of up to RM250,000.

Consumers can channel any complaint through the Public Complaints Management System.

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