Press Digest - Illegal cosmetics still available

PETALING JAYA: Cosmetic products with dangerous substances are still being sold in the market.
Utusan Malaysia recently reported that at least 10 out of 22 products whose registration has been revoked or has yet to register with the Health Ministry are being advertised on the blogs of beauty agents, making it accessible to the public.
"Although it is not clear if the agents are working together with the suppliers to advertise the cosmetics of if they are unaware of the product's danger, the core issue is that the products should not be made available to the public.
"It is very easy to buy the products as a potential buyer just needs to engage with the agents via Whatsapp," according to the Malay daily.
The article further states that the government has collected over RM6 million in fines for health and cosmetic products that are not registered with the Health Ministry.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Hilmi Yahaya said in the Dewan Negara recently that the amount was collected between 2013 and 2015 and the Health Ministry has taken 1,727 cases to court under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations.
He said all pharmaceutical products must be registered with the Malaysia Drug Control Authority (DMCA) before it is marketed to consumers.
As for food products, he said 391 cases were taken to court between 2013 and 2015, and offenders have been fined a total of RM775,010 under the Food Act 1983.