KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 25): My EG Services Bhd (MyEG) has announced that it will pioneer the use of deep throat saliva-based testing for the Covid-19 coronavirus in Malaysia with the introduction of an at-home screening service in collaboration with BP Healthcare.

“Starting from March 1, customers can visit MyEG’s online portal www.myeg.com.my to book appointments for the collection of samples at their homes or workplaces by authorised MyEG personnel using the test kit. Samples will be processed at BP Healthcare’s network of laboratories, with test results available as early as the next working day on the MyQR by MYEG mobile application,” said MyEG in a filing with the local bourse.

The group added that the service will be offered at RM150 per test, excluding delivery charges which will vary depending on location.

In introducing this new approach, MyEG aims to make testing more accessible while at the same time ensuring better protection for people and frontline healthcare providers by reducing the need for close contact since samples can be collected within the confines of home or the workplace.

“The enhancement of early accurate detection and subsequent early intervention would in turn be instrumental in containing the spread and impact of the Covid-19 virus,” it noted.

In the Bursa announcement, MyEG noted that its Board of Directors is of the view that barring any unforeseen circumstances, this new service is “expected to contribute positively to the earnings per share and net assets per share of the Group for the financial year ending 31 December 2021 and onwards”.

This latest service that it is rolling out in Malaysia comes after the group unveiled a similar service in the Philippines earlier this month.

Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Adham Baba was quoted in the media saying that deep throat saliva samples will soon be used by some government hospitals for Covid-19 tests.

The Health Minister noted that on an evaluation by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR), deep throat saliva has a sensitivity of 96.67% and 100% specificity.

“Sampling of Covid-19 through saliva will also speed up and increase Covid-19 screenings,” he added.

MyEG shares price closed up five sen or 2.38% to RM2.15, valuing the group at RM7.9 billion.  

Over the past one-year, the stock has gained 82% from RM1.18.