KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Department (NPRA) has flagged five cosmetic products that were been found to contain scheduled poisons.
NPRA said the products are Karisma Aqua Birds Nest, Skin Revolution, Skin Revolution - PAP- Blemish Control Serum, Skin Revolution -PAP- Blemish Fade Cream, Ufora Daily Treatment 10g, and Dnars Gold Debalen Cream (Night).
"The notification for these products has been cancelled by the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Services director and they are no longer permitted for sale in Malaysia.
"These products contain hydroquinone, clindamycin, metronidazole, tretinoin, and betamethasone 17-valerate which are classified as medicines that must be registered with the Drug Control Authority and can only be used under the guidance of healthcare professionals.
"The use of products containing these substances without professional supervision may lead to undesirable side effects," it said in a statement.
The NPRA said the use of hydroquinone would incur side effects including skin redness, unwanted discolouration, hypersensitivity, depigmentation which reduces skin protection from harmful UV rays, and an increased risk of skin cancer.
"Unsupervised use of clindamycin and metronidazole can lead to adverse health effects and may increase the risk of antibiotic resistance, making future infection treatments less effective.
"Tretinoin can cause redness, burning, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight, while betamethasone 17-valerate may cause skin thinning, irritation, acne, pigmentation changes, and absorption into the bloodstream, which could have dangerous consequences," it said.
It said sellers and distributors have been instructed to stop selling and distributing these products immediately, as doing so violates the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
"Those found guilty of violating these regulations could face hefty fines or imprisonment.
"First-time offenders may be fined up to RM25,000 or sentenced to a maximum of three years in prison, or both and subsequent offenders face fines of up to RM50,000 or imprisonment for up to five years.
"Companies found guilty could be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and RM100,000 for further violations."
NPRA also urged the public who are currently using these products to discontinue their use immediately.
"Those experiencing discomfort or adverse effects are advised to seek medical advice from healthcare professionals."
It also encourages the public to verify the notification status of cosmetic products via its official website, www.npra.gov.my, or through the 'NPRA Product Status' application on mobile devices.