Consider subsidising Covid self-test kit, govt told
3 Aug 2021
By Ilona Andrew
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah DAP Acting Chief Datuk Frankie Poon said the government should seriously consider subsidising the Covid-19 self-test kit to the general public by cutting down the prices to RM15 or at least 50 per cent less than the original prices.
In his Facebook posting, he said the prices for a self-test kit available on the MySejahtera application ranges from RM35.00 to RM41.00 that many would find expensive and unaffordable.
"Whilst it is good to self-test when one feels that he/she has developed certain symptoms or in close proximity with a Covid-19 person or in such environment, the prices of a self-test kit are simply beyond the reach of many, especially in this weak economic situation.
"Many simply find it hard to edge a living and would prefer to use the money to put meals on the table than buying the test kits. To spend extra on the kit is simply something that many can ill afford," he stated.
According to him, in uncertain situations, those who want to perform a self-test but cannot afford the kit may have unknowingly contracted the virus and unintentionally spread it to others.
Poon who is also the former State Minister of Health hence suggested that the Federal or State Government provide subsidies on the test kits.
"This would certainly encourage many to use the test kits more frequently and whenever there is a need, such as family wage earners who frequent to work on a daily basis. It will also encourage establishments to use them regularly.
"In the long run, we would save our Health Ministry a lot of money by having fewer cases in the quarantine centres and hospitals. Maintaining these facilities require a lot of money and manpower."
