PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has warned the public not to buy or use the unregistered traditional medicine HW Beauty Date, Honey and Calamansi Powder, after it was found to contain harmful substances.
In a statement on Thursday (Dec 18), the ministry said it received information from Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HAS) about side effects associated with the product, which was found to contain the steroids Dexamethasone and Prednisolone, and the anti-inflammatory drug Diclofenac.
"Steroids are controlled drugs that should only be used with a doctor’s prescription for specific treatments, but they are often misused, including for muscle building.
"Using steroids without medical supervision can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage, hormonal imbalance and an increased risk of diabetes and high blood pressure,” he said.
The ministry warned that selling unregistered products is an offence under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, punishable by a fine of up to RM25,000, up to three years imprisonment, or both for a first offence, and up to RM50,000, five years’ imprisonment, or both for subsequent offences.
It added that enforcement actions against retailers, distributors and e-commerce platforms selling unregistered products are part of ongoing efforts to curb the distribution of illegal drugs in the market.
Alongside these efforts, the MOH launched the Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah (TOBaTS) campaign last year to raise awareness of the risks of using unregistered health products.
"Retailers, distributors and e-commerce platforms are reminded to ensure that only health products registered with a MAL number and carrying a valid Farmatag hologram are sold,” adding that the public should check a drug or health product’s registration status on the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website before purchasing.
The ministry also urged the public to report suspicious product sales through the Public Complaints Management System (SISPAA) at http://moh.spab.gov.my, the ministry hotline at 03-78413200, or the nearest pharmaceutical enforcement branch.- Bernama
