KUCHING, Feb 26: The State Health Department, through its Pharmaceutical Enforcement Section, has seized RM1.07 million worth of unregistered cosmetics following a raid on a premises in Sibu on Feb 18.
State Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim said an investigation was conducted by the Sibu Division’s Pharmaceutical Enforcement Section following a complaint, which led to the raid.
“The investigation discovered more than 35,000 boxes of cosmetics that did not carry notifications. All the cosmetics are believed to have entered illegally for the domestic market, particularly Sarawak,” she said in a statement today.
The enforcement section, she added, was conducting a thorough investigation on all parties involved and stern action would be taken against the culprits, be it individual or company, under the Drug Sale Act 1952.
“If convicted, an individual will be liable to a fine not exceeding RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both for the first offence, and a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both for each subsequent offence.
“For companies who commit such an offence, it can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to RM100,000 for each subsequent offence,” she said.
The State Health Department will also issue a warning to any individual or company with the stocks in order to stop its sale, distribution or use immediately, considering that the cosmetics were not guaranteed in terms of quality and safety.
“We advise the public to check cosmetics’ notifications and verification before buying,” she advised.
Cosmetics’ notification status can be checked through www.npra.gov.my and click on the ‘Product Status’ column or contact National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRD) at 03-78835400.
Registered cosmetics bear notification number that starts with ‘NOT’, followed by digit ‘9’ and ended with alphabet ‘K’.
“In addition, the public and the media are also encouraged to report and channel information about dubious cosmetics. This joint action with the Ministry of Health in combating the importation and sale of unauthorised cosmetics is to protect the health and well being of the people,” she shared.
Reports and information can be channelled to the ministry’s Pharmacy Service Programme through www.pharmacy.gov.my or through Sistem Pengurusan Aduan Agensi Awam (SisPAA) at the address found on http://moh.spab.gov.my or the nearest Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branches or contact 03-78413200. — DayakDaily
