THE Education Ministry (MOE) issued letters of acceptance to three companies that supply Covid-19 self-test kits to schools on September 13 with a total contract value of RM9.72 million.

Minister Mohd Radzi Jidin said the matter was decided after the ministry’s price negotiation committee found that the companies had succeeded in meeting the specifications set.

He said the delivery of the test kits was made by many companies to 140 district education offices (PPD) and state education departments (JPN) nationwide on September 25 for the school reopening session from October to December.

“The basis of consideration in selecting these company is that the Covid-19 self-test kit meets the specifications set, the offer price is favourable to the government and the added value offered by the company,” he said during question time at the Dewan Rakyat today.

“Another consideration is the financial capability of the companies in delivering the supply immediately and their ability to deliver to 140 PPD and JPN nationwide before or by September 26, 2021.”

Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Setiawangsa-PH) had asked for details on the procuring of Covid-19 self-test kits for schools, including the cost incurred by the ministry.

Radzi said the procurement was made through direct negotiation due to urgency as the test kits had to be supplied to schools before the school session started on October 3.

He said the ministry had submitted an application for the procurement through direct negotiation on August 9 and was approved by the Finance Ministry (MOF) on September 1.

“Among the conditions set by the MOF to the MOE is that the companies are approved and listed by the Medical Devices Authority and Health Ministry, and registered with MOF under the appropriate field code,” he said.

“The MOE also stipulates that Covid-19 self-test kits that use saliva will be considered as using these kits is easier and safer for students.” – Bernama, October 7, 2021.