Beginning today, Malaysians and foreigners entering the country will have to bear the cost of Covid-19 tests which are conducted upon their arrival, said Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
He said, however, three categories of individuals including differently abled people (OKU) carrying the OKU card issued by the Social Welfare Department (JKM) would be exempted from paying.
The other two categories which need not pay for the tests are government officers returning from official duty and students coming back for the first time, with proof of their studies, he added.
“Anyone in these three categories who have paid for their screening before this decision on fee waiver was made can claim for a refund from the Health Ministry (MOH),” he told a press conference today.
It was reported that the Covid-19 tests for returning Malaysians cost between RM30 and RM150 each while the charge for foreigners is between RM60 and RM250.
The RM30 fee for Malaysians is for an antibody rapid test kit, RM60 for antigen rapid test kit, while RM150 is for a polymerase chain reaction test kit.
For foreigners, the fees start from RM60 (antibody rapid test kit), RM120 (antigen rapid test kit), RM250 (polymerase chain reaction test kit).
Malaysians or foreigners may undergo Covid-19 detection test at any government hospital, including clinic and medical institution.
The new regulations published on June 26 and taking effect from today is known as the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Fee for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) Detection Test) Regulations 2020.