Parents, take note if your babies are drinking this infant formula! Just recently, the authorities in Johor Bahru have discovered that fake milk powder are being sold in various locations, which got many parents understandingly worried about the infant formula they have bought. Here’s what has happened during the counterfeit baby milk powder raid.
1. Original milk producers had been complaining about possible fake products since August
Source: MMO
Following their investigations, they decided to conduct raids especially after the Johor Domestic Trade and Consumerism Ministry received a report about a baby suffering from severe vomiting. Apparently the baby had consumed infant formula that was revealed to be fake. Hope the baby is alright now!
2. 210 boxes of the suspected fake baby milk powder was confiscated
Source: AsiaOne
According to CNA, Johor Domestic Trade and Consumerism Ministry director Khairul Anwar Bachok said that on Sunday, December 10, they had conducted raids at Chinese medical shops and convenience stores in five locations across Johor Bahru. These shops are located in Iskandar Puteri, Taman Mutiara Rini, Taman Orkid, Taman Daya and Taman Nusa Bestari.
3. RM42,000 of counterfeit infant formula was found at three of the raided shops
Source: BBC
The raids were conducted on Thursday, December 7 and the authorities had found that the alleged fake milk powder were placed on the shelves and sold like the original milk powder. They were even sold at the same price of about RM200 for each box.
4. The 50-year-old owner of the five outlets claimed he had no knowledge of the fake infant formula
Source: Front Desk
FMT reported that Khairul said, “When asked about the matter, the 50-year-old business operator claimed that he did not know that the 1.8kg boxes of infant formula were fake.”
5. The supplier used false information to sell the counterfeit milk powder
Source: FMT
When the owner produced invoices from the supplier, it was discovered that the name and address on the invoice were also fake to confuse the authorities. “Hence, we will intensify the raids in other districts to detect fake infant formula in an effort to identify the source of the fake producers,” Khairul added.
6. It is currently still not known what the differences are between the fake and original infant formula
Source: Today Online
The authorities have said that they have sent samples of both the false and original infant formula to the Chemistry Department to determine what is inside the fake milk powder. The case will be investigated under Section 8 (2) (b) of the Trade Descriptions Act 2011.
Investigations are currently ongoing but if found guilty, first-time offenders could face a RM10,000 fine for each item exhibited, or jail of not more than three years, or both; while second offenders face a RM20,000 fine for each item exhibited, or jail for not more than five years, or both.
While it has not been reported whether other states experienced the same problem, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
Also read: 1,942 Boxes of Used Liquor Bottles Refilled With Fake Alcohol Discovered in Kajang House
