ONE'S health should never be neglected, especially if suffering from non-communicable diseases.
However, many such individuals, in hopes of getting rid of what ails them, can be susceptible to unscrupulous businesses.
Social media posts have recently been circulating, claiming that the secretary-general of a ministry is promoting a health product that can help diabetes patients. Is this true?
Verdict:
False
The Health Ministry has asked the public to be wary of a video on social media that misuses the identity of Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad to promote a diabetes care product.
It said that the secretary-general had never endorsed such a product and added that his image was generated using artificial intelligence.
"The public is advised to only use health products registered with the Health Ministry and not to purchase any health products from unaccredited sellers or vendors, especially through online platforms," it said in a Facebook post on Tuesday (June 24).
The ministry said consumers should only use health products after consultation with and guidance received from qualified medical practitioners.
The ministry also urged the public to report any unregistered health products to its pharmacy services programme through the public complaint management system (SisPAA) at moh.spab.gov.my.
"The ministry strongly condemns the unethical use of AI technology," it said, adding that use of unauthorised health products was dangerous and could even lead to death!
The ministry also urged the public not to be easily deceived or influenced and also warned entrepreneurs not to mislead the public.
It is also reminded the public to report any false and misleading content via (i) email at nmc@contentforum.my (ii) at 1800-188-030; or (iii) at https://contentforum.my/make-
