Kuala lumpur: The Medical Device Authority (MDA) has not registered any Influenza self-test kits so far because most of them detect the presence of the virus using saliva samples. Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni stated that this detection method was found to be less effective and does not give an accurate result.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Lukanisman emphasized that collecting samples through nasal swabs or blood, under the supervision of a medical practitioner, is more appropriate for accurate results. He addressed this issue during the oral question-and-answer session in the Dewan Negara, responding to Senator Azahar Hassan's query about the Ministry of Health's (MOH) stance on not approving Influenza self-test kits despite the seasonal cases and public health concerns.

Lukanisman mentioned that MOH will explore alternative detection tests that are both accessible and effective. This approach aims to manage Influenza infections better and prevent the disease from becoming a public health threat.

In response to Senator Dr R.A. Lingeswaran's supplementary question concerning Malaysia's standards compared to the United States FDA, which has approved COVID-19 and Influenza self-test kits for home use, Lukanisman noted that the MDA sets very high specifications for self-test kits. He expressed concerns about the potential misuse of insensitive kits, such as falsely claiming Influenza infection to obtain leave from responsibilities.