The herbal product, Hong Thai Inhaler, was found not to be registered under the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and is prohibited from being sold in Malaysia after a batch of the product was reportedly recalled in Thailand due to contamination by dangerous bacteria.
According to a report by BERNAMA, the Ministry of Health (MOH) announced that it has implemented immediate control actions, including screening the sales of the product on e-commerce platforms, blocking the links of the sellers involved and continuing monitoring and enforcement actions against sellers.
Hong Thai Inhaler is prohibited from being sold in Malaysia
They further explained that the Pharmacy Enforcement Division (BPF) has detected 335 links advertising and selling the product by local and foreign sellers, and has submitted a Complaint Notification to the platforms involved to take down the advertisements.
The public is also advised to stop using the product immediately and seek medical advice if they experience side effects or suspicious symptoms.
The public can check the registration status of medicines through the hologram security sticker and registration number (MAL) before making a purchase, and checking can also be done at www.npra.gov.my in the “Product Search” section.
Complaints and information regarding the sale of unregistered medicines can be channelled through the Public Agency Complaints Management System (SisPAA) portal, at http://moh.spab.gov.my, as well as any nearest Pharmacy Enforcement Branch or call 03-7841 3200.
Possession can also be an offence
MOH went on to share that the sale, and the possession, of unregistered medicines is an offence under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulation 1984, which is punishable under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, with a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years for individuals while companies can be fined up to RM50,000.
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