‘Criminals may sell fake jabs online’

PETALING JAYA: The rush to be vaccinated against Covid-19 has intensified as more than 90,000 Malaysians have been infected by the virus since March.

With Interpol’s warning on the potential sale of fake vaccines online, health experts have cautioned Malaysians against purchasing these vaccines.

Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) president Amrahi Buang said the selling of any sort of vaccines online, according to the Poison Act 1952, is not allowed and cannot be made available.

Amrahi said the public needs to be aware that not just the Covid-19 vaccine has to follow proper procedures but also for any online drugs.

“All health products, whether controlled items, over the counter, nutrition and even complementary traditional medicine, need to be registered first in Malaysia. Vaccines are under the Group B Poison and need proper prescription, ” he said.

The Poisons Act 1952 regulates the import, possession, manufacture, compounding, storage, transportation, sale and use of poisons.

Amrahi said the safety, quality and effectiveness of an unregistered vaccine is not known if it is purchased off the Internet.

“In the first place when a vaccine is not registered how on earth would you know whether the product is of quality, safe and effective? We don’t know the source.

“People must only buy registered products. A registered product has a registration number. Don’t buy fake drugs. It is a big no-no, ” he said.

He added that as the government had announced it has procured vaccines for Malaysians, and it would be given for free, thus, there was no reason to purchase any vaccines off the Internet.

On Dec 2, the global police agency, Interpol, had issued a warning that organised criminal networks could be targeting Covid-19 vaccines and could look to sell fake inoculations.

Interpol noted that criminal organisations were planning to infiltrate or disrupt supply chains and also target unsuspecting members of the public via fake websites and false cures.

Malaysia Medical Association president Prof Dr Subramaniam Muniandy urged the government to take heed on Interpol’s warning.

“The high demand for Covid-19 vaccines, test kits, other related medication and medical equipment may attract criminal activity in the country. Steps must be in place to prevent the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of possible fake vaccines as warned by Interpol, ” he said.

Dr Subramaniam advised the public to go through the right channels for the vaccination when it is made available, adding that the Health Ministry must ensure only approved vaccines are available and exercise proper control over its distribution.

On purchasing medicines online, Dr Subramaniam said the public has to be vigilant and take the safe approach.

“It is best to first consult a GP on any health issues. Self medicating can worsen health or lead to complications if there are underlying health issues.

“Also, ingredients used to manufacture fake medicines can be from unknown sources and toxic to the body. There have been cases where consumption of fake medicines have led to serious health issues such as organ failure and even death.

“The government must take stern action against importers and distributors of fake medicine. It is a time for great care. Consumers are advised to always consult medical personnel before falling prey to unscrupulous individuals dealing with fake vaccines, ” he said.

Malaysian Public Health Physicians’ Association president Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar concurred, urging the authorities to monitor the sale of fake vaccines.

“Fake vaccines are not effective and it will not protect you against Covid-19. In fact, it is dangerous as it may cause side effects, ” he said.

Dr Zainal advised the public not to purchase any fake vaccines or drugs off the Internet, adding that it should be obtained from the government or from approved providers and suppliers.

“At the moment none of these vaccines are approved by the Malaysian authorities. Do not take this lightly, ” he said.