Tag Archives: MYEG

Malaysia Adopts Digital Road Tax : Sticker Not Required!

Malaysia has officially adopted the digital motor vehicle licence (e-LKM), removing the need for physical road tax stickers on vehicle windshields!

Malaysia Adopts Digital Road Tax : Windshield Sticker Not Required!

On Friday, 10 February 2023, Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke announced that, effective immediately, private vehicles owned by Malaysian citizens no longer need to display their motor vehicle licence (Lesen Kenderaan Motor, or LKM for short), which is colloquially known as the “road tax”.

Effective 10 February 2023, the Malaysia Transport Ministry will no longer enforce Section 20 of the Road Transport Act, which states that motor vehicle licences must be fixed to, and exhibited, on all vehicles.

Any summons issued for not displaying the road tax sticker will be classified as “No Further Action”.

In line with this initiative, the provision under Section 20 of the Road Transport Act 1987 (Act 333) where “each vehicle registration licence must be affixed and displayed on the relevant vehicle will no longer be enforced for the category of owners under the first phase.

This exemption will be gazetted under the authority given to the Minister of Transport under Section 127(1)(b) of the Road Transport Act 1987.

This initiative will be implemented in stages, with the first phase involving individual private vehicles, including motorcycles, owned by Malaysians.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke

During this first phase, other vehicles must still display their road tax / motor vehicle licences, including:

private vehicles owned by private companies
private vehicles owned by foreigners
commercial vehicles
public service vehicles

This move is part of the broader digitalisation plan for JPJ, which should provide a smoother and faster service to the people.

I welcome all drivers and vehicle owners to transition to the digital platform. With this, the congestion and long lines at JPJ counters will be reduced.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke

Please note that the e-LKM digital road tax is optional. You can continue to use your physical road tax sticker. This is merely a new way that gives you access to a digital copy of your driving licence, and your road tax.

Private Vehicle Road Tax Now Available Through MyJPJ App!

Please note that this does not mean the road tax has been abolished. You still need to pay for the road tax. It is merely the physical motor vehicle licence that has been abolished.

But do not think you don’t have to pay for your Road Tax anymore. You still have to pay for it

I want to stress that enforcement action will continue to be taken against anyone found driving a vehicle without a valid motor vehicle or driving licence, in line with the Road Transport Act.
– Malaysia Transport Minister Anthony Loke

Instead of physical road tax stickers, motorists will now obtain their digital road tax certificates (e-LKM) through the MyJPJ mobile app, which is available in:

Motorists can also use the app to show enforcement officers their e-LKM digital road tax certificates. However, this is not necessary.

Loke said that it is not an offence if you cannot show enforcement officers your digital road tax certificate. On top of that, the police and JPJ enforcers can use their own devices to check on the vehicle’s road tax status.

Alternatively, motorists can use the JPJ mySIKAP portal to obtain their e-LKM digital road tax certificates, which can be printed. A screenshot can also be taken of the e-LKM to be shown to enforcement officers.

Finally, JPJ will continue to offer the printed sticker to motorists who still prefer to install it on their cars. These printed stickers will be available at JPJ branches.

The alternative methods of using a screenshot and/or printed certificate are useful if the driver is not the actual owner of the car. And of course, the physical road tax stickers are still available for those who prefer the “old school” ways.

e-LKM Digital Road Tax Initiative : Good Or Bad?

While some people are already complaining about the hassle of opening a mobile app, or printing a physical copy, the move to digitising the motor vehicle licence / road tax is inevitable.

Digitising the motor vehicle licence would mean you can now renew it online, or through the MyJPJ app, saving you time and the hassle of going to a JPJ branch and queuing up.

Even if you have to print a physical copy, it is still cheaper than paying for MYEG delivery of the road tax, or actually spending your time and money to get the sticker.

And did you forget what a chore it was to install the road tax sticker every year? We all had to very carefully peel the sticker the right way, or risk tearing it!

All that will be history now that we are moving to digital certificates that we can retrieve online, from the MyJPJ app, or print anytime we want, from the comfort of our own home / office!

As for the claim that the digital motor vehicle certificate will make it easier for people to steal cars – that’s just absurd. People have been stealing vehicles even with a physical road tax sticker. Moving to a digital certificate won’t make it easier for thieves to steal your vehicle!

In fact, now that the road taxes / motor vehicle licences are digitised, it will be easier for enforcement officers as they can now check your vehicle’s validity using their own devices. They no longer need to peek at your road tax sticker.

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He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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Where + How To Renew Driving Licence In Malaysia!

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Find out where and how you to renew your driving licence in Malaysia!

Why You Need To Renew Your Driving Licence ASAP

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has discovered that hundreds of thousands of people are driving with expired licences.

They recently reminded motorists that the moratorium on expired driving licences will end on 30 June 2022.

Right now, those that JPJ caught were “only” been slapped with a fine. But after 30 June 2022, they will be issued with a summon and their licences may be revoked.

These are the four categories of expired licences that may be revoked, if they are not renewed in time :

Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL) : Up to 2 years
Probational Driving Licence (PDL) : More than 1 year
Competent Driving Licence (CDL) : More than 3 years
Public Service Vehicle / Goods Driving Licence (PSV / GDL) : More than 3 years

If your licence is revoked, you will need to undergo the full process to re-qualify and obtain a new licence.

Fine For Driving Without A Valid Licence In Malaysia

If you are caught driving without a valid licence, you will be fined based on how long your licence has expired.

How Long Your Licence Has Expired	Delivery Fee
1-15 Days	RM 150
16-30 Days	RM 200
31-60 Days	RM 300

But as noted earlier, if you do not renew your licence for more than 3 years, you will not only be fined, you will be required to take the driving exam again.

Even worse, you will have to submit an eRayuan letter to obtain a learner’s licence (LDL) which costs RM30, and after passing the exam, you be issued a probationary licence (PDL) for 2 years.

How To Check Your Licence Expiry Date In Malaysia

Did you know you can check your driving licence expiry date, even if you are overseas? Here is what you need to do :

Go to the official JPJ Licence Expiry Date enquiry page.
Select your identification type
– Temporary Resident (MYKAS)
– Permanent Resident (PTM)
– Malaysian Public (MYKAD)
– Police (POL)
– Military (TEN)
– Non Malaysia (LLN)
Key in your Identification Number (without dash)
Key in the CAPTCHA security code – the 4-digit number in the image.
Click Search.

You should get a report like this, which shows you when your driving licence was last renewed, and when it will expire.

Where To Renew Driving Licence In Malaysia

You can renew your driving licence in person, or online, depending on the licence type.

For in-person renewal, you can even get a representative (a friend, relative or runner) to renew it for you.

JPJ Licence Type	Expiry	Where To Renew
Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL)	Up to 2 years	JPJ Pos Malaysia
Probational Driving Licence (PDL)	Over 1 Year	JPJ
Competent Driving Licence (CDL)	Over 3 Years	JPJ MyEG Pos Malaysia
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) / Goods Driving Licence (GDL)	Over 3 Years	JPJ

In Person Renewal Options

Pos Malaysia post offices
– this is where I prefer to renew my driving licence
– post offices located within shopping malls are open on weekends, which makes them super convenient
– unless there is a queue, you can get your licence renewed within 15 minutes
JPJ state and branch offices
Urban Transformation Centres, where you will find a JPJ branch
– UTC Kuala Lumpur
– UTC Sentul, Kuala Lumpur
– UTC Keramat, Kuala Lumpur
– UTC Kedah
– UTC Sungai Petani, Kedah
– UTC Perak
– UTC Melaka
– UTC Johor
– UTC Pahang
– UTC Terengganu
– UTC Kuching, Sarawak
– UTC Sibu, Sarawak
– UTC Miri, Sarawak
– UTC Sabah
– UTB Tawau, Sabah

Online Renewal Option

Currently, the only online renewal option is MyEG. While convenient, just be aware that :

they can only renew the Competent Driving Licence (CDL)
you will need to submit a photo (with a white background)
they will charge a fee for delivery of the new driving licence
you won’t get your driving licence immediately

Area	Fee	Max. Delivery Time
Klang Valley	RM 6	2 working days
Peninsular Malaysia	RM 8	Towns : 2-3 working days Rural : 5 working days
Sabah + Sarawak	RM 10	5 working days

What You Need To Renew Driving Licence

Competent Driving Licence (CDL)

Renewal Options : 1 Year, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years
Fee :

RM 2 per year for Class A or A1
RM 20 per year for Class B, B2 and C
RM 30 per year for Class D and above

Required Documents

Original MyKad / passport, or copies if renewal is undertaken by representatives
Original MyKad / passport of representatives, if necessary
Original / copy of driving licence
1 colour photo (white background) with dimensions of 25 mm x 32 mm
If you are applying in JPJ offices, you can take the picture at the counter, or use the picture embedded in your MyKad

Vocational Driving Licence (PSV / GDL)

Renewal Option : Only 1 Year
Fee : RM 20 per year
Required Documents

Original MyKad / passport, or copies if renewal is undertaken by representatives
Original MyKad / passport of representatives, if necessary
Original / copy of driving licence
Certification from medical officer (JPJL8 Form)
1 colour photo (white background) with dimensions of 25 mm x 32 mm
If you are applying in JPJ offices, you can take the picture at the counter, or use the picture embedded in your MyKad.

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Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

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Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

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JPJ : Renew Driving Licence Or Retake Full Driving Test!

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If your driving licence has expired, you need to renew it ASAP, or you will be forced to retake the full driving test!

Here is what you need to know…

JPJ : Renew Driving Licence Or Retake Full Driving Test!

The Road Transport Department (JPJ) is warning that the moratorium on expired driving licences will end on 30 June 2022.

The moratorium actually ended on 31 December 2021, but many drivers were under the impression that the moratorium was still in effect.

After checking their records and conducting operations across the country, JPJ found that hundreds of thousands of drivers have yet to renew their expired licence.

Thus, they are reminding those with expired licences to renew them before the end of the month.

Right now, those that JPJ caught were “only” been slapped with a fine. But after 30 June 2022, they will be issued with a summon and their licences may be revoked.

These are the four categories of expired licences that may be revoked, if they are not renewed in time :

Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL) : Up to 2 years
Probational Driving Licence (PDL) : More than 1 year
Competent Driving Licence (CDL) : More than 3 years
Public Service Vehicle / Goods Driving Licence (PSV / GDL) : More than 3 years

If your licence is revoked, you will need to undergo the full process to re-qualify and obtain a new licence.

JPJ Fine For Driving Without A Valid Licence

If you are caught driving without a valid licence, you will be fined based on how long your licence has expired.

How Long Your Licence Has Expired	Fine
1-15 Days	RM 150
16-30 Days	RM 200
31-60 Days	RM 300

But as noted earlier, if you do not renew your licence for more than 3 years, you will not only be fined, you will be required to take the driving exam again.

Even worse, you will have to submit an eRayuan letter to obtain a learner’s licence (LDL) which costs RM30, and after passing the exam, you will need be issued a probationary licence (PDL) for 2 years.

How To Check Your Licence Expiry Date

Did you know you can check your driving licence expiry date, even if you are overseas? Here is what you need to do :

Go to the official JPJ Licence Expiry Date enquiry page.
Select your identification type
– Temporary Resident (MYKAS)
– Permanent Resident (PTM)
– Malaysian Public (MYKAD)
– Police (POL)
– Military (TEN)
– Non Malaysia (LLN)
Key in your Identification Number (without dash)
Key in the CAPTCHA security code – the 4-digit number in the image.
Click Search.

You should get a report like this, which shows you when your driving licence was last renewed, and when it will expire.

JPJ : Where To Renew Driving Licence

The four licence types can be renewed at all JPJ state and branch offices, as well as JPJ offices in Urban Transformation Centres (UTC).

However, those with a learner’s licence (LDL) can also renew it in any Pos Malaysia branch; while those with a regular licence (CDL) can also renew it at Pos Malaysia or MyEG.

Please don’t wait until the last minute, as there will inevitably be a rush of people trying to do just that. And the police and JPJ will, no doubt, be conducting more traffic stops and roadblocks to look for people with expired licences and road tax.

Here is a summary of the four licence types, and where you can renew them :

JPJ Licence Type	Expiry	Where To Renew
Learner’s Driving Licence (LDL)	Up to 2 years	JPJ Pos Malaysia
Probational Driving Licence (PDL)	Over 1 Year	JPJ
Competent Driving Licence (CDL)	Over 3 Years	JPJ MyEG Pos Malaysia
Public Service Vehicle (PSV) / Goods Driving Licence (GDL)	Over 3 Years	JPJ

What You Need To Renew Driving Licence

Competent Driving Licence (CDL)

Renewal Options : 1 Year, 2 Years, 3 Years, 4 Years, 5 Years
Fee :

RM 2 per year for Class A or A1
RM 20 per year for Class B, B2 and C
RM 30 per year for Class D and above

Required Documents

Original MyKad / passport, or copies if renewal is undertaken by representatives
Original MyKad / passport of representatives, if necessary
Original / copy of driving licence
1 colour photo (white background) with dimensions of 25 mm x 32 mm
If you are applying in JPJ offices, you can take the picture at the counter, or use the picture embedded in your MyKad

Vocational Driving Licence (PSV / GDL)

Renewal Option : Only 1 Year
Fee : RM 20 per year
Required Documents

Original MyKad / passport, or copies if renewal is undertaken by representatives
Original MyKad / passport of representatives, if necessary
Original / copy of driving licence
Certification from medical officer (JPJL8 Form)
1 colour photo (white background) with dimensions of 25 mm x 32 mm
If you are applying in JPJ offices, you can take the picture at the counter, or use the picture embedded in your MyKad.

Please Support My Work!

Support my work through a bank transfer / PayPal / credit card!

Name : Adrian Wong
Bank Transfer : CIMB 7064555917 (Swift Code : CIBBMYKL)
Credit Card / Paypal : https://paypal.me/techarp

Dr. Adrian Wong has been writing about tech and science since 1997, even publishing a book with Prentice Hall called Breaking Through The BIOS Barrier (ISBN 978-0131455368) while in medical school.

He continues to devote countless hours every day writing about tech, medicine and science, in his pursuit of facts in a post-truth world.

Recommended Reading

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KKM : No Online Ad / Sale Of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits!

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The Malaysia Ministry of Health struck back at MYEG, admonishing them for advertising and promoting their COVID-19 rapid test kits without prior approval.

MYEG beat a hasty retreat, offering those who pre-ordered their rapid test kits a refund. Here are the details…

KKM : No Online Advertising / Sale Of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits!

On 24 March 2020, the Medical Device Authority (PBPP) of the Malaysia Ministry of Health issued a statement, directly admonishing MYEG for advertising and promoting their COVID-19 rapid test kits without prior approval.

Allowing the online advertising and sale of such rapid test kits will increase the risk of infection, because the public does not have the necessary knowledge to interpret the results, or handle the situation should they receive a positive result.

That’s why they believe the COVID-19 screening test should be performed by trained healthcare professionals in a health facility certified by the Ministry of Health.

The PBPP notes that while COVID-19 rapid test kits may receive Special Access exemptions to fast-track their availability in the market, it is NOT PERMITTED to promote them through advertisements.

In addition, the PBPP stressed that such “fast tracked” COVID-19 rapid test kits can only be distributed through authorised health facilities.

They also pointed out that anyone who contravenes the Medical Devices Act 2012 (Act 737) can be prosecuted via two sections :

Section 5(2) : Fined up to RM 200,000, or jailed up to 3 years, or both
Section 44(2) : Fined up to RM 300,000, or jailed up to 2 years, or both

MYEG : COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit On Hold With Refund

After the Malaysia Ministry of Health issued that statement, MYEG placed their their COVID-19 rapid test kits on hold.

They also offered a refund for those who already paid for their pre-ordered test kits.

The Official KKM Statement On The MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits

Here is the official statement by the Medical Device Authority of the Malaysia Ministry of Health on the MYEG COVID-19 rapid test kits.

Pengiklanan dan penjualan peranti Kit Ujian Pantas COVID-19 (COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit) dalam talian MYEG

Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) melalui Pihak Berkuasa Peranti Perubatan (PBPP) telah menerima pelbagai pertanyaan mengenai kit ujian pantas COVID-19 (COVID-19 rapid test kit) yang diiklan dan dijual secara dalam talian melalui portal MYEG. Kami ingin memaklumkan semakan mendapati PBPP tidak pernah mengeluarkan apa-apa kebenaran kepada MYEG untuk mengiklan, mengedar atau menjual peranti kit ujian pantas COVID-19 ini.

Paparan iklan yang dibuat oleh pihak MYEG ini boleh menimbulkan kekeliruan dan menggalakkan pembelian di kalangan orang awam. Keadaan ini boleh meningkatkan risiko jangkitan kerana dikhuatiri orang awam tidak mempunyai pengetahuan yang mencukupi untuk menginterpretasi keputusan ujian yang diperolehi dan mengendalikan situasi setelah mendapat keputusan ujian tersebut. Ujian pengesanan jangkitan COVID-19 perlu dilakukan oleh kakitangan kesihatan yang berkelayakan dan terlatih di fasiliti kesihatan yang diiktirafkan KKM untuk memastikan pengendalian dan rawatan pesakit dilakukan mengikut prosedur yang ditetapkan dan dengan itu dapat mengekang penularan wabak berkenaan.

Mana-mana syarikat atau establismen yang hendak membekalkan kit ujian COVID-19, hendaklah dipastikan peranti tersebut berdaftar dan syarikat telah mempunyai lesen establismen di bawah Akta Peranti Perubatan 2012 (Akta 737) yang sah. Walau bagaimanapun, semasa penularan wabak ini, mana-mana syarikat atau establismen boleh membuat notifikasi untuk pengecualian daripada pendaftaran bagi peletakan peranti kit ujian COVID-19 di pasaran melalui akses khas (special access). Mana-mana peranti kit ujian COVID-19 yang telah memperolehi pengecualian ini, pengiklanan peranti tersebut tidak dibenarkan sama sekali dan pengedaran hendaklah dibuat secara langsung ke premis-premis kesihatan yang telah dibenarkan. Mana-mana orang yang disabitkan kesalahan dalam hal ini boleh dikenakan hukuman denda tidak melebihi dua ratus ribu ringgit (RM200,000) atau penjara bagi tempoh tidak melebih dua (2) tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali di bawah seksyen 5(2) Akta 737, dan/atau dikenakan hukuman denda tidak melebihi tiga ratus ribu ringgit (RM300,000) atau penjara bagi tempoh tidak melebih dua (2) tahun atau kedua-duanya sekali di bawah seksyen 44(2) Akta yang sama.

PBPP akan terus memantau pengiklanan, pengedaran dan penjualan kit ujian COVID-19 di pasaran termasuk penjualan dan pengedaran melalui platfom dalam talian bagi memastikan kit ujian COVID-19 yang berada di pasaran adalah selamat dan berkesan digunakan. Orang ramai dinasihatkan agar tidak mudah terpengaruh dengan mana-mana iklan berkaitan kit ujian COVID-19 dan sentiasa mengambil langkah-langkah pencegahan jangkitan sebagaimana yang disarankan oleh KKM. Bagi mana-mana pihak yang ingin mengetahui status pendaftaran kit ujian COVID-19 semakan boleh dibuat dengan menghubungi PBPP melalui talian 03-82300300 atau email, mdb@mda.gov.my.

Ketua Eksekutif

Pihak Berkuasa Peranti Perubatan

Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia

Here is our English translation :

MYEG online advertising and sale of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit

The Ministry of Health Malaysia (KKM) through the Medical Device Authority (PBPP) received many queries about the COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit that was advertised and sold online through the MYEG portal.

We would like to publicly state that our review found that Medical Device Authority never authorised MYEG to advertise, distribute or sell this COVID-19 rapid test kit.

The advertisement by MYEG can confuse and promote purchase by the public. This situation can increase the risk of infection because the public does not have enough knowledge to interpret the test results and handle the situation after obtaining the test results.

The COVID-19 diagnostic test must to be performed by healthcare workers who are qualified and trained in health facilities certified by the Ministry of Health to ensure that the handling and treatment of patient is done according to protocol and thus curb the spread of the epidemic.

Any company that would like to supply COVID-19 Test Kits should be ensure that the device is registered and the company has a legal establishment license under the Medical Devices Act 2012 (Act 737).

However, during this outbreak, any company or establishment can make a request for the exemption of registration for the provision of the COVID-19 test kits in the market through Special Access. If a COVID-19 test kit received such an exemption, it is not permitted to advertise such a device at all, and it should only be made available in permitted health establishments.

Any person who is convicted of this offence can be fined not more than two hundred thousand ringgit (RM 200,000) or jailed for a period of not exceeding two (2) years, or both, under Section 5(2) of Act 737, and/or fined not more three hundred thousand ringgit (RM 300,000), or jailed for a period of not exceeding two (2) years, or both, under Section 44(2) of same Act.

The Medical Device Authority (PBPP) will continue to monitor the advertising, distribution and sales of the COVID-19 test kits in the market, including online sales and distribution to ensure that the COVID-19 test kit that is in the market is safe and effective to use.

The public is advised not to be easily influenced by any advertisements on COVID-19 test kits and always take the preventive steps as recommended by the Ministry of Health.

Anyone who wishes to know the registration status of any COVID-19 test kit can contact PBPP by calling 03-82300300 or emailing mdb@mda.gov.my.

Chief Executive
Medical Device Authority
Ministry of Health Malaysia

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MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Are Genuine, But…

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MYEG has clarified with the Malaysia Ministry of Health that their COVID-19 rapid test kits are genuine, and are available for pre-order.

Find out what happened, and why you should still wait until the dust settles…

MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits

On 17 March 2020, MYEG announced the availability of COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits :

You can now purchase your own home testing kit from us. It is an innovative way to detect the virus through blood samples. You can get the results within 15 minutes, no requirement for samples to be sent to laboratories. This Covid-19 Rapid Test Kit is developed by leading diagnostics company and approved by health authorities in China where it presently widely used.

MYEG is selling each COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits in packs of 10, for RM 990 – which works out to RM 99 per test kit.

Another online retailer is offering the same / similar COVID-19 Rapid Test Kit for just RM 69.90.

They are both not only much cheaper than current COVID-19 lab tests, but claim to be able to return results within 15 minutes.

MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test Kits Are Genuine

After the Malaysia Ministry of Health called their COVID-19 rapid test kits fake news, MYEG quickly clarified the situation.

MYEG wishes to reiterate that, as announced previously, it is awaiting approval from local authorities for the COVID-19 rapid test kit. It is still pending certification from the Ministry of Health at this point in time.

With the requisite documents including regulatory filings, test reports and compliance certificates in place, the test kits have been cleared by health authorities in China and Europe, where they are already being widely used. Due to the pandemic emergency, most countries accept the Declaration of Conformity, with clinic trial report and all relevant supporting documents.

The Malaysia Ministry of Health has since removed their claim that these are fake rapid test kits.

Currently, these MYEG COVID-19 rapid test kits are available for pre-order, pending approval and certification by the Ministry of Health.

The same goes for the other COVID-19 rapid test kits available online :

Nantong Egens 2019-nCoV Rapid Test (Malaysia)
MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test (Malaysia)
ATETION COVID-19 IgM Rapid Test (US)

MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Test : How Does It Work?

COVID-19 rapid tests cut down time and costs by looking for antibodies to COVID-19 in a blood sample, instead of nasopharyngeal swab (NP) or oropharyngeal swab (OP).

The MYEG COVID-19 rapid test looks for both IgM – the first antibodies our body makes to fight a new infection, and IgG – the most abundant antibodies in the body.

To “fish” for COVID-19 specific IgM and/or IgG antibodies, these rapid test kits use selected parts of the COVID-19 capsule proteins as antigens – bait – which are combined with colloidal gold as a marker.

When you drop a blood sample, COVID-19 antibodies (if present in the blood) will be “attracted” to the “bait” – the COVID-19 capsule proteins in the rapid test.

The antibodies will combine with the antigens, forming a visible, coloured compound which will appear as a red / burgundy line in the test strip.

MYEG COVID-19 Rapid Tests : Should You Buy Them?

COVID-19 rapid tests will no doubt be a real game changer – offering a convenient and affordable way for people to get tested.

However, it is critical that they are first tested and certified by health authorities, to ensure that they are reliable and accurate, especially when undertaken by the public who are not trained in taking blood samples.

Even though MYEG is offering the assurance that all-preorders of these test kits are fully refundable, we recommend waiting until they have been certified by the Malaysia Ministry of Health, before you purchase them.

We should also note that many health authorities are recommending against self-testing for COVID-19 at home :

Public Health England

Some manufacturers are selling products for the diagnosis of COVID-19 infection in community settings, such as pharmacies.

The current view by PHE is that use of these products is not advised:

some of these products look for virus while others look for the body’s immune response to the virus. Such tests are very rapid and can work on a range of specimens including serum, plasma or finger-prick whole blood
there is little information on the accuracy of the tests, or on how a patient’s antibody response develops or changes during COVID-19 infection. It is not known whether either a positive or negative result is reliable
currently there is no published evidence about the suitability of these tests for diagnosing COVID-19 infection in a community setting

Peter White, UNSW Virologist

The tests are not always as reliable as those currently being used. Because rapid test kits look for antibodies associated with the virus rather than the virus itself, they could record false negatives if used at the wrong time.

The question is how significant those limitations are. It depends really on how many true cases you detect. Does it detect every positive, or does it miss 5%?

Bill Bowtell, Infectious Disease Expert, Kirby Institute

In the end, anybody with anything to sell is in the market and their interest is to make the biggest claims.

I think that’s the case with a lot of the things that we’ll see coming onto the market. There’s uncertainty because it didn’t come to market after stringent testing, it came to the market because there’s a feeling of ‘my god we need it’.

In normal circumstances you wouldn’t touch it with a barge pole but this is what happens when there’s a crisis.

It is also notable that, as of 9 March 2020, China denied that they approved any COVID-19 test kits for use by the public at home :

The Beijing Medical Products Administration denied rumors that claimed that people can test for the novel coronavirus using a home testing kit and added there was no authorized home version of the test yet.

A so-called home testing kit went viral on WeChat, with the seller claiming the result would be visible 15 minutes after adding a drop of blood from one’s finger to the kit. The product was recommended for office buildings and schools to test those returning and isolated at home who could not access a medical test at the hospital.

According to the administration, samples carried by authorized testing kits can only be tested in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) laboratories or other medical institutes. There is no self-testing device yet and those sold on WeChat are fake.

COVID-19 : How To Keep Safe!

Here are a few simple steps to stay safe from COVID-19 :

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Avoid suspected cases or disease hotpots, like hospitals, if possible!
Avoid public events and crowds
Keep our hands clean with soap or hand sanitiser
Keep our home, office, vehicles, etc. clean
If you need to wear a surgical mask, make sure you put it on and remove it properly!
Thoroughly cook your food, and boil water before drinking