KUALA LUMPUR (May 6): K-One Technology Bhd said it is venturing into making nasal swabs amid the overdrive in demand for COVID-19 screening tests.

The electronic manufacturing services group said it will commence pilot manufacturing of specific nasal swab design by 3D printing this month.

It noted however that the medical device will be subjected, among others, to approval from the Medical Device Authority under the Ministry of Health, as well as approval from authorities where the product will be sold.

“[K-One] had placed an order with a reputable US-based 3D printing technology developer and manufacturer to supply 3D printers for the purpose of 3D printing the nasal swabs,” the group said.

The US firm, working in collaboration with US healthcare providers, has received FDA Class 1 exempt status for their nasal swabs design, said K-One.

The group said it is of the view that the nasal swab business is an extension of its focus in medical and healthcare products within its electronic manufacturing services realm.

At the same time, it said it is taking this opportunity to step up its efforts in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by addressing the shortage of nasal swabs in the healthcare ecosystem.

K-One’s share price fell 1.5 sen or 6.67% today to 21 sen, valuing the group at RM153.08 million.