PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has seized 284 unregistered medicines and cosmetics of various brands in baggage check operations at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and KLIA2 recently.
Its director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham said the operations by Pharmacy Enforcement Division were carried out to ensure the medicines and cosmetics being brought into the country follow the regulations stipulated under Poisons Act 1952, Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 and Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
He added that the medicines and cosmetics were brought in by foreign passengers who are working in Malaysia.
“All confiscated items will be investigated under Sale of Drugs Act 1952. If convicted, the individuals involved would be fined not more than RM25,000 or jailed not more than three years or both, for first-time offenders.
“For subsequent offence, those involved would be fined not more than RM50,000 or jailed not more than five years, or both,” he said in a statement here today.
Dr Noor Hisham reminded that medicines must be registered with the ministry and must be imported by licensed importers only.
To check the status of health and beauty products, visit http://npra.moh.gov.my or contact National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) at 03-7883 5400.
“The public are also encouraged to report any suspicious product and be part of the ministry’s effort to curb the sales of unlicensed health and beauty products,” he said.
Complaints and information could be forwarded to the Pharmaceutical Services Program, MOH through the website http://www.pharmacy.gov.my or through the Public Agency Complaints Management System (SisPAA) portal at http://moh.spab.gov.my.
In addition, complaints could also be forwarded to any Pharmacy Enforcement Branch in each state.