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COVID-19 Self-Test Kits In Malaysia: Where To Buy And How To Use It

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Cheng Sim •  Jul 21, 2021

[Updated on 24 July 2021]

There are many ways to keep yourself  protected against COVID-19. Besides practicing social distancing measures and staying home as much you can, you can now buy a COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia!

COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia

Where to buy COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia

Credit: DoctorOnCall

Now available in Malaysia, the Rapid Antigen Kit (RTK-Ag), also known as a saliva-based COVID-19 self-test kits, can be used to detect SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins in human saliva. It's easy to use and can be performed anytime and anywhere. While the COVID-19 self-test kits are designed for workplaces that require daily or weekly COVID-19 screenings, you can purchase it for home use too.

As of July 2021, there are three COVID-19 self-test kits in Malaysia that have received conditional approval for import and distribution. Currently, both kits are priced below RM40. You can expect more kits to come your way, and the list will be updated on the Ministry of Health's Medical Device Authority website.

  1. Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Rapid Test (Saliva/Nasal Swab Samples) by Reszon Diagnostic International Sdn Bhd
  2. Gmate Covid-19 Ag Saliva For Home Use by Philosys Co Ltd
  3. Beright Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device by Medinics (M) Sdn Bhd

How accurate are COVID-19 self-test kits?

Where to buy COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia
Credit: @salixium.malaysia on Instagram

While the COVID-19 self-test kits provide instant results, it should only be used as a screening test. For accurate diagnostic test, RT-PCR test is still required to confirmed whether you have COVID-19. These self-test kit might also show a false-negative result if the antigen is too low or the test is not done correctly.

These are the sensitivity and specificity levels for the available COVID-19 self-test kits in Malaysia.

  • Salixium Covid-19 Rapid Antigen Rapid Test: 91.4% sensitivity and 100% specificity
  • Gmate Covid-19 Ag Saliva For Home Use: 90% sensitivity and 100% specificity
  • Beright Covid-19 Antigen Rapid Test Device: 90.1% sensitivity and 99.3% specificity

Where to buy COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia
Credit: @salixium.malaysia on Instagram

How to use a COVID-19 self-test kit at home?

COVID-19 self-test kits are easy to use, and takes minimal time and effort to provide instant results. Below is a video sample on how to use a Gmate Covid-19 Ag Saliva Home Kit at home.

Where to buy COVID-19 self-test kit in Malaysia?

As of July 2021, the COVID-19 self-test kits are only available at registered community pharmacies and health facilities in Malaysia. While stocks last, you can pre-order or buy a COVID-19 self-test kit at these locations:

  • BigPharmacy
  • Caring Pharmacy
  • DoctorOnCall
  • Alpro Pharmacy

If you're planning to take the extra step to keep yourself and your loved ones safe, be sure to pre-order or buy the COVID-19 self-test kits in Malaysia! For more articles like this, check out our recommended reads below.