Woman learns painful lesson

KUALA LUMPUR: A 22-year-old woman is lucky to be alive after suffering from severe side effects due to the use of a fat-reducing beauty product.

The victim, who only wished to be known as Chua, bought the injection from an Instagram seller in September for RM250.

She planned to use the product to undergo mesotherapy, which is a technique to rejuvenate and tighten skin besides removing excess fat.

“At first, I wanted to do the procedure with the product seller who stays in Johor but I was unable to do so due to Covid-19 travel restrictions,” said Chua.

“I managed to contact a friend, who claimed that she could do the procedure for RM500.

“She is also staying in my hometown in Pahang.

“My friend injected me on my arms, thigh and stomach on Sept 10 at my home,” she told a press conference organised by MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head Datuk Seri Michael Chong yesterday.

Following the procedure, Chua said she developed an infection on various parts of her body.

“I spent about RM5,000 on medical treatment as a result of this procedure.

“The pain was excruciating and I feel lucky be alive,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chong said the product was not approved by the Health Ministry and the person who performed the procedure did not have proper qualifications.

“The victim told me the person did not even wear surgical gloves when administering the injections.

“We will assist the victim to take legal action against those responsible,” he said.

Chong said at least four women had come forward with similar problems but he feared there may be more.

“I hope what has happened to the victim will serve as a reminder to others to use only beauty products that are authoritised by the Health Ministry.

“Obtain the services of certified individuals to administer such injections.

“I also urge those with similar problems to come forward,” he said.

The department’s medical advisor Datuk Dr Lai Kwang Choy said all beauty products must receive approval from the Health Ministry.

“Imported products must go through Customs and permits from the Health Ministry must be obtained,” said Dr Lai.

Also present at the press conference was the department’s legal advisor Datuk Theng Book.