Radzi: 800,000 Covid-19 self-test kits supplied to schools nationwide at a total cost of RM9.72mil

KUALA LUMPUR: Three companies were picked to supply 800,000 Covid-19 self-test kits to schools nationwide at a cost of RM9.72mil, says Education Minister Datuk Dr Radzi Mohd Jidin.

Radzi explained that there were initially 16 companies registered with the Health Ministry and Medical Device Authority (MDA) that could potentially supply the kits, but it was found that only seven fulfilled criteria by the Finance Ministry and Education Ministry.

Of the seven, six submitted proposals to the Education Ministry while one company failed to meet the Sept 6 deadline, he added.

Radzi said the ministry's Price Negotiation Committee met on Sept 10 and identified three companies that fulfilled all of its requirements.

"The ministry issued a Letter of Acceptance on Sept 13 to the three successful companies with a total contract value of RM9.72mil," he said in Parliament during Question Time on Thursday (Oct 7).

"The delivery of the kits was completed to 140 district education offices and state education departments across the country on Sept 25," he added.

Earlier, Radzi had said that on Sept 1, the Finance Ministry approved an application by his ministry to acquire the kits through direct negotiation.

Radzi said the companies are registered with the Finance Ministry, and also approved and listed by MDA and the Health Ministry.

"The companies were also chosen based on the lowest offered price.

"The Education Ministry may appoint more than one company to carry out procurement, whether by zoning or otherwise," he added.

At present, students returning to fully residential schools are required to do Covid-19 self-testing upon registration, on the sixth day, as well as the 14th day of the school session.

For day schools, students are only required to be tested once upon registration.

Covid-19 self-test kits are used for early detection if students show symptoms on school grounds.