Here’s What You Can Do If You’ve Been Overcharged For Covid-19 Tests

If you’ve been overcharged, complaints can be made with the Covid-19 Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre.

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The government had set a ceiling price for all Covid-19 screening tests nationwide to make sure that it stays affordable for all.

According to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba the price cap was gazetted under the Emergency (Essential Powers) Ordinance 2021 on 11 May 2021;

The new prices for Covid-19 tests set across the country are;

RT-PCR: RM150 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM200 (East Malaysia)
RTK-Antigen: RM60 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM80 (East Malaysia)
RTK-Antibody: RM50 (Peninsular Malaysia), RM70 (East Malaysia)

No one really knew about this until now

Comments online reveal that Malaysians were largely unaware of the new price cap enforced by the government.

A number of people had voiced complaints that clinics and hospitals across the country were still charging high prices for Covid-19 screenings.

Friend did a test in a klinik in KL (June 2021). Itemized billing shows test cost rm200. pic.twitter.com/zb7TfvgPv1
— Sheikh Imran (@sheikhimran) June 15, 2021

@KKMPutrajaya I was charged 250 per pax yesterday at KPJ Damansara. Shouldn’t the price be the same for public and private hospital during state of emergency?
— Raja Zubaidah (@RZubaidah) June 15, 2021

A quick look through the social media pages of several prominent private medical facilities in the Klang Valley also shows advertisements offering Covid-19 screenings that are priced higher than the national ceiling.

Denizens also showed concerns over the price difference for the Covid-19 test between the Peninsular and East Malaysia.

Any reason why East Malaysia is more expensive than Wmsia? Our minimum wage is already lower than Wmsia but we have to spend more for swab test. Wth
— Lizzie (@lizziehwan) June 15, 2021

Sarawakian and sabahan is very triggered. Why must be different price i dont understand.
— H u b e r t 🪐 (@hubertlim) June 15, 2021

What do I do if I’ve been overcharged?

Dr Adham said that hospitals, clinics or test labs must provide specific details on any additional charges for Covid-19 tests.

He explained that the public can lodge a complaint with the Health Ministry’s Covid-19 Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) if they have been overcharged for their Covid-19 screenings.