PETALING JAYA: The growing trend of buying medicine and supplements online is putting consumers at risk of serious health complications, say experts.
While some consumers know what they’re taking, others have no idea what they may have consumed.
“That’s where the danger lies,” said Malaysian Chinese Medical Association president Heng Aik Teng.
“If you’re buying something for consumption, especially medicine, don’t go by price alone.
“A higher price often includes professional consultation and safety.
“It’s not worth risking your health just to save a few ringgit,” he said.
Heng said the Health Ministry has implemented a system to check whether health supplements are approved.
‘Every registered medicine has a MAL number. Just go to the NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency) website and key in the MAL number to check if the product is approved.”
He warned that some online platforms, especially those hosted overseas, may not be traceable.
“If something goes wrong, how will you trace the source? The IP address may be foreign, and that makes enforcement nearly impossible,” he said.
He added that some supplements may have harmful ingredients or side effects if taken for the long term, especially when bought without seeking medical advice.
Federation of Chinese Physicians and Acupuncturists Associations Malaysia (FCPAAM) president Ng Po Kok said many online medicinal products often come with exaggerated or misleading claims.
“The public cannot easily distinguish between genuine and counterfeit products, especially when they appear similar to those sold in licensed stores,” he said.
Ng said there has been a surge in counterfeit or unregistered drugs being marketed as health supplements, especially when the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns triggered a shift in people’s shopping behaviour.
Some products, he warned, may contain hidden ingredients such as steroids, which can offer immediate relief but can lead to long-term complications like kidney failure or swelling.
“Painkillers marketed for rheumatism, for example, may initially seem effective but can cause severe side effects after just a few months,” he said.
Ng urged the government to move beyond traditional enforcement against physical stores and establish a dedicated online monitoring unit to verify the safety and legality of medicines sold on digital platforms.
He warned that some sellers go as far as forging certificates or registration numbers, which is why consumers must verify product details themselves with the Health Ministry.
Malaysian Association of Traditional Indian Medicine president Vaidyar Raggupathi said that some traditional or complementary health products are registered and approved by the authorities.
“For example, products must carry a proper sticker to show they’re registered with the pharmaceutical authority in Malaysia. But when it comes to online products, that’s often missing,” he said.
He warned of the potential dangers of prolonged use of certain herbal remedies without proper knowledge.
“Take neem, for example. It’s bitter in nature and is often promoted as a blood purifier.
“While it may help with certain skin issues, it can be dangerous for those with low haemoglobin. Prolonged use without guidance can worsen their condition,” he said.
