Oximeters given out by Temasek sold online for as much as $30
Temasek Foundation says it has no plans to sell its oximeters; those who want extras may buy them online
Oximeters given out by Temasek Foundation have made their way to online platforms such as Carousell and are being sold for as much as $30.
The Straits Times has found at least 10 listings on Carousell of the oximeters in their original packaging with the Temasek Foundation logo.
The listings were posted from Monday, with prices ranging from $19.90 to $30. As at noon yesterday, the listings had between five and 16 likes.
The free distribution of the oximeters, which check the oxygen level in blood to detect early signs of a deterioration in health, began on Monday at various supermarkets and pharmacies.
More than 167,000 oximeters were collected on Monday, said Temasek Foundation on Tuesday.
In a Facebook post yesterday, Temasek Holdings chief executive Ho Ching said the Temasek Foundation has no plans to sell its oximeters. Those who wish to have extra oximeters may consider buying them online.
"There are some folks who try to get extra oximeters to make more pocket money on Carousell. Selling on Carousell is fine - others who need them could buy them from Carousell or buy others from other online platforms," added Ms Ho.
In response to queries from ST, Temasek Foundation said: "We are aware that some oximeters from our distribution are being sold online by residents. We encourage all Singapore residents to collect only what they need, so everyone can collect their free oximeter."
Leaflets have been placed in the letterboxes of every household. Residents who do not need it can pass their leaflet to others to collect, the Temasek Foundation added.
A Carousell seller, who wanted to be known only as Mr Tan, told ST that while he was grateful, he felt the device was unnecessary and decided to sell it.
Mr Tan, a social media marketeer, 32, said: "We've all survived the worst year of Covid-19 without it, so I don't see why we would need it now when the situation here is much better than last year."
NO LEAFLET
An interested buyer, who wanted to be known only as Mr A.X, 34, told ST he wanted to buy an oximeter online because he did not receive the leaflet.
The sales executive said his parents are aged above 65 and are more vulnerable, so he wanted to get one in case they feel breathless.
Meanwhile, the Temasek Foundation will give out disposable masks and mouth spray after National Day on Aug 9, Ms Ho said yesterday.
"The next Stay Prepared exercise will be for disposable medical-grade surgical masks and disposable N95 masks. Watch for news after National Day," she said in a Facebook post.
This will be followed by another distribution exercise in September or October of a povidone-iodine mouth gargle, which can be used as a mouth spray, she added.
Those who did not receive their leaflets to redeem oximeters can contact 1800-7382-000 and leave their name, contact number and address for Temasek Foundation to get Singapore Post to conduct further checks, said Ms Ho in her post.
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