PETALING JAYA: Retatrutide is currently not registered with Malaysia’s Drug Control Authority (DCA) and is not permitted for sale in the country, warns the Health Ministry.
Its Pharmaceutical Services Programme said the prohibition is not only for sale but also for import, marketing and supply in Malaysia.
So far, one warning letter has been issued and 51 listings removed on content related to retatrutide on social media and e-commerce platforms.
“Under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the DCA before they can be imported, manufactured, sold or supplied, unless specifically exempted under the law,” the ministry told The Star.
As retatrutide has not been registered by the DCA, the Health Ministry is unable to verify its safety, quality or efficacy of any product claiming to contain this substance, including those being sold through online platforms.
“Consumers are advised to exercise caution and avoid purchasing such products from unauthorised sources,” it said.
The ministry said injectable weight loss products, including retatrutide, are classified as a Group B Poison under the Poisons Act 1952.
“As such, the related products, once registered, may only be supplied for medical treatment by a registered medical practitioner or by a registered pharmacist upon a valid prescription,” it said.
Any sale or supply that contravenes the provisions of the Act constitutes an offence.
The advertisement of any medicinal products in Malaysia is also regulated under the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
“Under the current policy, the Medicine Advertisements Board does not approve advertisements for medicinal products classified as poisons.
“Therefore, any unauthorised promotion or advertising of products claiming to contain retatrutide may also constitute an offence under the law,” it said.
The ministry said through its Pharmacy Enforcement Division, it continues to monitor e-commerce platforms and social media channels to detect and take action against the illegal sale and promotion of unregistered medicines.
“Enforcement measures include content removal, issuance of warning letters, investigations and prosecution where warranted.
“To date, one warning letter has been issued in relation to the advertisement of products claiming to contain retatrutide on social media, while 51 related online listings have been removed from e-commerce platforms,” it said.
Overall, between January 2023 and December 2025, the enforcement division had successfully removed 42,639 unapproved medical advertisements from e-commerce platforms and took action against a further 13,070 unapproved medical advertisements on social media, it added.
Individuals or companies found selling, supplying or advertising such products in contravention of the relevant legislation may be subject to enforcement under the Poisons Act 1952 and the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
“The sale of unregistered medicinal products is also an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984,” it said.
Upon conviction, individuals may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, or both, for a first offence, while companies may be fined up to RM50,000. Penalties are higher for subsequent offences.
