KKM seize 280 types of unregistered medicines sold by Bangaldeshis

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 31 (Bernama) -- The Health Ministry (KKM)’s Enforcement Division has seized 280 types of unregistered medicines estimated to be worth RM200,000 in raids on activities conducted by Bangladesh nationals on Aug 29.

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah today said this follows the exposure of such activities in a local Bahasa Malaysia daily on Aug 23 by a syndicate run by Bangladesh nationals selling unregistered medicines.

Initial investigations by the ministry found 10 premises which were suspected to be selling the unregistered drugs to foreigners along Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin (Jalan Silang) here, he said in a statement today.

He said the medicines which were confiscated were suspected to contain scheduled poisons such as antibiotics (Cefuroxime), painkillers (Tramadol injections) and calming drugs (Diazepam injections) at the premises which had previously been raided in 2016 and 2017.

He said under the Pharmacy Programme Strategic Plan, Jalan Silang was one of the 80 hotspot locations in the country where unregistered products are sold and the ministry was targeting these areas to be free of these medicines by 2020.

Dr Noor Hisham said the ministry’s Enforcement Division also conducted on-going surveillance with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysian Customs Department to curb the sale of unregistered products especially medicines.

Individuals who are found guilty of selling unregistered medicines can be fined up to ​​​​​​​RM25,000 or jailed up to three years for the first offence and fined up to RM50,000 or jailed up to five years for repeat offences.

He also advised the public to ensure that the products they buy comply with the law and are registered with the ministry.

Members of the public can send their complaints and information on suspect products to the ministry’s Pharmaceutical Services Division at http://www.pharmacy.gov.my, or to the Public Complaints Management System (SisPAA) at http://moh.spab.gov.my or telephone number 03-78413200.

-- BERNAMA