JKNNS seizes unregistered medicines, cosmetics worth RM200,000

SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS) seized various unregistered medicines and unnotified cosmetics worth RM217,461 in several raids around the district on Oct 21.

State Health deputy director (public health) Dr Mohamad Faid Abd Rashid said the operation was carried out by the Pharmacy Enforcement Branch (CPF) in collaboration with the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department of the Negeri Sembilan Police Contingent Headquarters.

"The raids conducted on two houses and a vehicle found 90 types of unregistered medicines and unnotified cosmetics. Based on the information obtained by the Negeri Sembilan CPF, the premises were believed to have a market network in this state, Pahang and Johor," he said in a statement here today.

He said individuals or companies found to be involved in selling the medicines and cosmetics would be investigated under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.

Under the act, first-time offenders could be fined not exceeding RM25,000 or jailed not more than three years or both and fined up to RM50,000 or jailed not more than five years or both for subsequent offences.

He added that companies convicted of the offences could be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences.

Dr Mohamad Faid said the Health Ministry would continue to carry out enforcement activities to ensure only registered and genuine products are sold in the market and advised consumers to be careful when purchasing health and cosmetics products.

He said consumers can check the authenticity of the FarmaTagTM hologram label on the products by using the Farmachecker application.

They can also check the validity of product and cosmetics registration numbers at https://www.npra.gov.my or contact the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency at 03-7883-5400 or download the NPRA Product Status application for free via Google Playstore, AppStore and Huawei AppGallery, he said.

-- BERNAMA