Its minister Alexander Nanta Linggi said at the moment, the retail price for RTK-Antigen (RTK-Ag) self-test kits was fixed at RM19.90, and at RM16 wholesale, under the Price Control And Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.

“The government always takes into account the needs and interests of consumers, especially in relation to adequate supply in the market as well as ensuring that the price of face masks and self-test kits will not burden the public,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was replying to Cha Kee Chin (PH-Rasah), who asked whether the ministry planned to review the ceiling price for face masks and self-test kits, as well as fix a ceiling price for digital thermometers and oximeters.

Nanta said the government gazetted the self-test kits as a controlled item effective from Dec 1 last year, under the Control of Supplies Act 1961.

On Nov 1, 2020, face masks were also gazetted as a controlled item under the same Act, to ensure price stability and availability.

As for the ceiling price for digital thermometers and oximeters, Nanta said he welcomed the suggestion.

“The ministry will set a ceiling price on those devices if there is a need to do so.”

Nanta gave an assurance that the ministry’s enforcement officers frequently conducted inspections on manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to ensure that face masks and self-test kits were sold at fixed prices, and that supply was adequate for the public.