KOTA BARU: The General Operations Force (GOF) seized various cosmetic products from a neighbouring country, worth over RM500,000, in Op Taring Wawasan at the illegal base area of Kebun, near Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, yesterday.
Its Southeast Brigade Commander, Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik Ab Hamid, said in the operation at 1.45pm yesterday, a patrol team detected two men transferring boxes from a boat into a vehicle.
He said upon noticing police presence, both suspects fled into Thailand, whereas the vehicle driver, a man aged 63, was unable to get away.
"The vehicle inspection found 15 boxes containing over than 5,000 units of Arraya brand cosmetic products suspected to be made in a neighbouring country.
"The products are believed to have been for sale to the local market, with the value of the seizure estimated to reach RM511,000. All the seized goods were handed over to Pengkalan Kubor Customs Department for further action, and the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967," he said in a statement on Tuesday (Aug 26).
Meanwhile, Kelantan Health Department director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin said that the Malaysian Health Ministry (MOH), through the state Pharmacy Enforcement Branch (CPF), always takes seriously the distribution and sale of unregistered pharmaceutical products, including non-notified cosmetics.
"Since 2023 till August 2025, the Kelantan CPF has conducted 185 raids with a value of seizure amounting to RM2,100,347, involving 190 types of cosmetic products. The cosmetics seized at the border are mainly the result of cooperation and surrender from the GOF," he told Bernama today.
He emphasised that possessing or selling cosmetics not registered with the MOH is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 (CDCR 1984).
"If convicted, an individual can be fined up to RM25,000 or imprisoned for three years, or both, for the first offence. For subsequent offences, a fine of up to RM50,000 or a maximum prison sentence of five years may be imposed, while for companies, a fine of up to RM100,000 may be imposed.
"The public is reminded to be more careful and ensure they only buy cosmetic products that have MOH notification for the safety of consumers' health," he added. - Bernama
