WITH newly-minted Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin making a series of announcements on containing COVID-19 spread, the Umno man won the hearts of many on social media.
(Good. It looks like KJ is working hard. Other ministers are still daydreaming, taking pictures of performing prayers)
“KJ now in different league from the rest of cabinet mangkok (imbecile),” user Xtrailme added.
Yesterday, Khairy announced that the Health Ministry (MOH) would start disseminating granular data to the public beginning next week.
“We will release more detailed data by next week. This is the granular data that we will offer all to see, which is more than what has been provided before.
“I have made the decision to increase the transparency of the MOH, so there will be no accusations of us working in secrecy or becoming a stumbling block to those seeking information from the Government,” he was reported saying.
Many states, especially Selangor, has been calling for the Government to share granular data since the pandemic hit, which will help them enact better policies at their locality to prevent COVID-19 spread.
Today, the Rembau MP announced that his ministry is looking at capping COVID-19 rapid test kits at RM19.90 for retail and RM16 for wholesale.
“We will also be exploring bulk purchase options to drive the price down further & also look at providing free kits for B40 families,” he announced.
Not all happy campers
Lauding Khairy’s pro-active approach, netizens said that his predecessor, the gaffe-prone Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba should take note of his successor on how to get one’s act together.
However, not everyone on social media was impressed with Khairy’s decision to lower COVID-19 rapid test kit prices, adding MOH should consult stakeholders before making a decision.
User Thayalan T remarked: “YB how about the pharmacies that had purchased kits at RM25 cost per kit. You expect them to sell them at RM19.90 now? Who is going to cover their loss?” – Sept 2, 2021
