Sungai Petani: The Kedah State Health Department (JKN) seized various products containing scheduled poisons, unregistered products, and non-notified cosmetics through 'Op Asing' raids on several shops in Sungai Petani last Thursday. The operation targeted six shops run by Bangladeshi nationals and involved 25 pharmacy enforcement officers and two police officers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Kedah Health director Dr. Ismuni Bohari stated that the operation resulted in the confiscation of 75 types of scheduled poison products, 79 unregistered products, and 75 non-notified cosmetic products, with an estimated total value exceeding RM63,000. Initial investigations indicated that these premises lacked licenses from the Ministry of Health (MOH), and the products were believed to be destined for sale in the local market.
The investigations are ongoing under the Poisons Act 1952 and the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. Dr. Ismuni Bohari highlighted the Ministry of Health's advice for the public to remain vigilant when buying health and cosmetic products, especially those sold online. It is essential for consumers to ensure that purchased products comply with existing laws.
He emphasized that consumers should verify that health products feature the Farmatag? Hologram security sticker and a Product Registration Number (MAL). The public is encouraged to check the validity of product registration numbers and cosmetic notifications by visiting the National Pharmacy Regulatory Agency's website or contacting them directly.
Additionally, the public can download the 'NPRA Product Status' application for verification purposes. Dr. Ismuni Bohari noted that consumers could also authenticate the Farmatag? hologram on product boxes using the FarmacheckerTM application, available for free download.
He urged the public to report complaints and information to the Pharmacy Services Programme via the designated website or the Public Complaints Management System (SisPAA). Alternatively, individuals can contact any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch or use the provided hotline to aid in combating the sale of such products in the market.