842 health, cosmetic products worth RM1.6m seized in Negri Sembilan
SEREMBAN: The Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division of the Negri Sembilan Health Department has seized 842 illegal health and cosmetic products worth RM1.6 million between January and October this year.
State health director Dr Zainudin Mohd Ali said the products were seized as they were found unregistered and suspected to be laced with poison.
"Among the products were slimming supplement Figure-Up, Pure Slim 7D and 'Surut Ayu' containing scheduled poison sibutramine, as well as Tati Skincare Treatment Cream, Glow Glowing Night Glow and Glow Glowing Day Pinky Beauty which contained hydroquinone, tretinoin and mercury," he told a press conference here today.
He said 55 investigation papers had been opened so far this year and of the total, 52 cases had been charged, of which 44 of the accused pleaded guilty.
"As of October, we have carried out 59 raids with seizure amounting to RM1.6 million. Among the premises raided were sundry shops, drug stores, pharmacy, private residences, traditional medicine premises and beauty saloon.
"Fines collected for offences under the Sale of Drugs Act as of October amounting to RM150,550," he said.
Dr Zainudin said they had also carried out monitoring and enforcement activities on individuals and companies selling health and cosmetic products online.
"This is to ensure that no unregistered or poison-laced products were being sold and distributed to the public.
"In this regard, we are working closely with Cyber Security Malaysia (CSM) in conducting raids and investigations into cases involving digital devices and mobile applications," he said.
So far, he said 47 Facebook accounts found involved in such activities had been deactivated.
"We have also seized products worth RM80,000 during raids on two online sellers," he added.
Complaints and enquiries on status of products can be made at the National Pharmacy Regulatory Division website at npra.moh.gov.my or at pharmacy.gov.my or by calling the state's pharmaceutical enforcement division at 06-766 4800. — Bernama