KOTA BARU: The rising trend of influencers and cosmetic entrepreneurs purchasing untaxed beauty products from Thailand without approval from the Health Ministry and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department has caused growing concern.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain said these products, smuggled illegally due to their lower prices in Thailand, were sold at marked-up rates in the Malaysian market.
"This issue is not new, but it has become increasingly alarming. The General Operations Force has conducted major seizures of illegally imported beauty and health products," he said on Sunday (March 23).
According to Razarudin, some influencers and traders exploited the price gap by purchasing untaxed stock from Thailand and reselling it in Malaysia at much higher prices.
"Apart from affecting the country's tax revenue, what is more worrying is the risk to consumers, as these products are not inspected or approved by the Health Ministry," he added.
Razarudin revealed that smugglers used illegal pathways or relied on individuals to bring in small quantities to avoid strict checks at the Malaysia-Thailand border.
He believed a network of suppliers was involved in smuggling these cosmetic products, which were then sold online or promoted by popular influencers.
"The authorities are tightening border monitoring and will take action against those selling unregistered cosmetic products in the local market," he warned.
In Kelantan, the General Operations Force has also seized smuggled cosmetic products, agricultural produce like coconuts, and plants from neighbouring countries, Razarudin shared. – Bernama
