KEPALA BATAS: Health authorities and the police have seized unregistered traditional medicines and raw materials worth RM5.2mil in a major enforcement operation targeting illegal health products in Kepala Batas, Penang.
The raid, conducted on July 15, was headed by the Penang Health Department’s Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM).
Six premises were raided during the special operation.
Authorities confiscated over 71,000 bottles of unregistered traditional medicine products, more than 500 packages of raw materials suspected to contain scheduled poisons, and two units of manufacturing machinery.
“This operation underscores the Health Ministry’s firm commitment to addressing public complaints and curbing the sale of unregistered products and items adulterated with harmful substances,” the Penang Health Department said in a statement Tuesday (July 22).
The Health Ministry has reminded the public to exercise caution and avoid being misled by online advertisements or testimonials on websites, social media, or e-commerce platforms that make exaggerated medical claims.
"Possessing scheduled poisons for sale without a valid licence is an offence under the Poisons Act 1952, punishable by a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years—or both," it said.
Selling unregistered health products or non-notified cosmetics contravenes the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
"Offenders may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding three years for the first offence, and up to RM50,000 or five years’ imprisonment for subsequent offences with companies found guilty may be fined up to RM100,000.
Consumers can verify the registration status of medicines or cosmetic notification through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at www.npra.gov.my or by contacting NPRA directly at 03-7883 5400.
The Ministry said it will continue to combat the illegal distribution and sale of medicines through its “TOBaTS” campaign (“Say No to Illegal Medicines”), an initiative launched by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division in 2024.
More information on the campaign can be found at https://pharmacy.moh.gov.my/tobats.
The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious medicines or cosmetics via the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at https://moh.spab.gov.my, contact any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, or call 03-7841 3200 for further action.
