MySejahtera temporarily disables Covid-19 self-test kit purchase feature on app

Under the Covid-19 Self Test icon, users clicking on Purchase Online will be directed to a message by MySejahtera saying the self-test kits are not available for online sales temporarily. — ANGELIN YEOH/The Star

PETALING JAYA: MySejahtera has removed the listing to purchase Covid-19 self-test kits through the app, a feature introduced last week.

Under the Covid-19 Self Test icon, users clicking on Purchase Online will be directed to a message by MySejahtera saying the self-test kits are not available for online sales temporarily.

“The merchants for these self-test kits are working with the relevant authorities on ensuring they are available as soon as possible,” it added.

According to the statement, orders will be shipped to customers who have successfully purchased the self-test kits. They are urged to contact the merchant for any enquiries.

When asked whether the app would be reintroducing the feature at a later date, MySejahtera told LifeStyleTech in an emailed statement that it is currently obtaining the relevant approvals for it again.

MySejahtera also advised users who need self-test kits urgently to purchase them from community pharmacies and health facilities.

Other features under the Covid-19 Self Test icon, namely Information on Self Test Kits and Update Self Test results, are still available.

On July 30, three different self-testing kits with prices ranging from RM29 to RM39.90 were listed for purchase on the MySejahtera app. Clicking on any of the items at the time directed users to a pharma e-commerce platform to get more information about the product and make payment.

A check on the pharma e-commerce platform showed that it recently listed all available items as sold out, adding that self-test kits are not available for online sales temporarily.

On Aug 1, the Malaysian Pharmacists Society issued a complaint against the appointment of the e-commerce platform for Covid-19 self-test kits on MySejahtera. It said the move goes against the existing clauses in the Covid-19 Management Guidelines in Malaysia issued by the Ministry of Health, indicating that only licensed community pharmacy premises or Medical Device Authority-approved healthcare facilities are allowed to provide sales on Covid-19 self-test kits.

It suggested that MySejahtera provide maps with listings for community pharmacies to help users locate places to purchase the Covid-19 self-test kit.

The app has introduced a Locate Health Screening Facility feature for users to search and contact nearby clinics for Covid-19 screening.