By Nadiah Zamlus
SHAH ALAM, Feb 5 — The Federal government is urged to set a price ceiling on Covid-19 test kits in tandem with the implementation of the Emergency Ordinance announced on January 12.
Selangor Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said the proposal can be executed with the scope of power the government now has, so that the test kit can be made affordable for public use.
“I have already voiced out on this to the National Security Council (NSC) and maybe (it) can be subsidised.
“When this is done, that is the real justification of the emergency declared by the (Federal) government,” said Amirudin during a live discourse hosted by Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Facebook yesterday.
Also featured in the one-hour virtual talk titled ‘Covid-19 Discussion: Preparation by States’ were Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
At the same time, Amirudin also suggested for the Federal government to set up a collaboration with private hospitals to take in Covid-19 patients who are now being treated in the intensive care unit (ICU).
“This is to reduce the burden at government hospitals and the collaboration would enable both sides to share existing facilities.
“The government has to act quickly and definitely we, from the state governments, will be ready to give our assistance because fighting Covid-19 must be done with everyone’s efforts,” he added.
