PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has banned a cosmetic product because it was found to contain scheduled poisons and can no longer be sold in Malaysia.
Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the product, Momila Beauty Whitening Cream, contains mercury, which can be harmful to health.
"The mercury can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidney and nervous system. It can also disrupt the brain development of young or unborn children, besides causing rashes, irritation and other changes to the skin," he said today.
Dr Noor Hisham said sellers and distributors should stop selling the product as it violated the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Individuals who violate the regulation can be fined not more than RM25,000 or face a maximum of three years' imprisonment, or both, for the first offence and fined not more than RM50,000 or a maximum of five years' imprisonment, or both, for subsequent offences.
"Companies that commit the offence can be fined up to RM50,000 the first time and RM100,000 for subsequent offences," he added.
Dr Noor Hisham said members of the public who use this cosmetic product were advised to stop using them and seek advice from health professionals if they experienced any discomfort or adverse effect.
Consumers are encouraged to check the notification status of a cosmetic product at the NPRA's official website at www.npra.gov.my, or through the "NPRA Product Status" application, which can be downloaded at the Google Play store. - BERNAMA