KUALA LUMPUR: The government has set the ceiling prices for the Sinovac and Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccines in a bid to ensure that the public pay a fair price for them at private healthcare facilities.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi, in a joint statement today, said the implementation of the ceiling price for these two vaccines would take effect starting Saturday (Jan 15).
Sinovac will now cost a maximum of RM62 at wholesale level and RM77 at retail level. The wholesale ceiling price for Sinopharm is RM48 while retail price is capped at RM77.
"The government is aware that the prices of Covid-19 vaccines offered at private health facilities are still high and varied.
"In order to help the people cope with the rising cost of living and manage Covid-19, the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs and Health ministries have worked together to set the ceiling price for the vaccines to prevent it from being too costly in the market," read the statement.
The enforcement of the ceiling price will be implemented by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division under the Health Ministry.
Khairy and Nanta added that the ceiling price was set based on the import prices and latest market price.
The ministers however stated that these prices did not include the service fees and the cost of disposable items used in the vaccination process.
"All private healthcare facilities approved to offer private-purchase vaccinations must display vaccine prices so that customers can compare the prices and make their decision based on their choices."
They also cautioned that stern action can be taken against individuals and companies who fail to comply with the ceiling price under the Price Control and Anti-Profiteering Act 2011.
Individuals are liable to a maximum RM100,000 fine or a three-year imprisonment, or both, or a maximum compound.
Companies could face a fine of up to RM500,000 or a maximum RM250,000 compound.
Member of public can channel any complaints regarding the vaccine ceiling price through the public complaints management system at https://moh.spab.gov.my.