PETALING JAYA: When it comes to medicines, Malaysians have a healthy habit – they are comparing prices to get the best deals and opting for generics where needed.
They also remain cautious of questionable online deals, with health taking priority over cost savings.
Retiree J. Anand, 67, for one, has been using generic medicine for several years now.
“I was advised by my pharmacist and have never looked back. Although cheaper, the generics are just as effective,” he said.
ALSO READ: Guild: Medicine cost hike due to routine annual review
Anand said opting for generics also allows him to manage his healthcare expenses without compromising on treatment.
Housewife Linda Ling, 48, compares prices whenever she buys supplements.
Her usual purchases every two months include fish oil and multivitamins.
“I go to stores and compare similar products, and also brands. Every ringgit counts, but of course, our health is the priority,” she said.
Ling said she had also begun comparing prices over e-commerce platforms.
“Online, we can use vouchers to get lower prices. However, there have been instances when products seem much cheaper than usual. Those raise red flags.
“We have to be careful and only purchase from legitimate stores online,” she said.
A sales manager, who wanted to be known only as Faizal, said convenience often influenced his purchases, especially for over-the-counter medication.
“Usually, I would just buy from the nearest pharmacy when I need medicines.
“However, for long-term items like supplements, I will check prices and brands,” he said.
He, too, is wary of online sales, despite the attractive discounts.
“Sometimes, the price difference is quite big, and that makes you wonder if the product is genuine. I’d rather pay slightly more than risk buying something unsafe,” he said.
Business executive Aisyah Farid, 26, said affordability plays the biggest role when making supplement purchases.
“I usually ask for cheaper options or generics. As for supplements like vitamins, I try to wait for sales either online or in stores to get the best deal,” she said.
Aisyah, too, remains cautious when it comes to unfamiliar brands online.
“Sometimes, the deals just seem too good to be true.
“If unsure, I will do a quick online search to check the product’s authenticity. If not, I will check with the pharmacies themselves,” she said.
