JOHOR BARU: The Johor Health Department seized unregistered anabolic steroids worth RM2.305 million under 'Op Gym' here last week.
Its director Dr Mohtar Pungut said the operation targeted a storage premises, house and three gym centres around Johor Baru.
He said tinspections carried out by the Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch under the department's Pharmaceutical Services Division seized 229 items including anabolic steroids and a mobile phone, with the total seized items estimated at RM2.305 million.
"The crackdown on unregistered anabolic steroids followed complaints about a network of gym operators acting as major suppliers of unregistered anabolic steroids in Johor.
"Steroids are categorised as controlled drugs and are often abused for bodybuilding purposes.
"The use of steroids requires a doctor's prescription for treatment purposes, as misuse can lead to kidney damage, hormonal imbalances, and increased risks of diabetes and hypertension.
"The case will be investigated under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, which, upon conviction, can result in a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of not more than three years, or both, for the first offence, and a fine of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment of not more than five years, or both, for subsequent offences," he said in a statement.
Dr Mohtar said the Health Ministry continuously monitors and enforces regulations on premises and individuals selling health products to ensure that only registered products are legally sold in the market.
"The ministry also advises the public to always be cautious and only purchase legal health and cosmetic products.
"The public must ensure that the medications and health products they buy have both the Product Registration Number (MAL) and the Farmatag hologram security sticker on the product label.
"They can verify the authenticity of the product registration number or cosmetic notification (NOT) by visiting https://quest3plus.bpfk.gov.my or contacting the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) at 03-7883 5400 or using the NPRA Product Status Application.
"The public can also verify the authenticity of the Farmatag hologram security label by scanning it with the FarmaChecker application," he said.
Any complaints and information regarding health and cosmetic products suspected of violating enforced laws can be forwarded to the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division, via the website https://www.pharmacy.gov.my, by phone at 03-7841 3200, or through the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) portal at https://moh.spab.gov.my or any nearby Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch so that appropriate action can be taken against the sale of illegal drug products.
The public can also contact the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1800-88-6722 for any inquiries regarding medications.