Two arrested over RM600k worth of unapproved goods from Myanmar

New Straits Times

2 days ago

BUKIT MERTAJAM: Authorities have arrested two men, including a foreign national, after uncovering a storage facility containing hundreds of boxes of unapproved food, medicines and cosmetics from Myanmar.
The operation was a joint effort involving the intelligence branch of Battalion 2 General Operations Force (GOF), the Seberang Prai Tengah District Health Office, and the Penang Pharmaceutical enforcement cranch.
GOF Northern Brigade commander, Senior Assistant Commissioner Shahrum Hashim, said the raid led to the seizure of 868 boxes of food items and 1,567 boxes of medicines and cosmetics, all of which lacked approval certificates from the Health Ministry and the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division.
"The total estimated value of the seized goods is RM559,190.
"Preliminary investigations revealed that the storage site had been in use for two years, with the products intended for sale to Myanmar nationals living and working in Bukit Mertajam and surrounding areas," he said in a statement today.
Shahrum said the authorities identified the location and thwarted the suspects' efforts to distribute unsafe food, medicines and cosmetics in Malaysia.
The foreign suspect is being investigated under Section 6(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1959/63, which carries a fine of up to RM10,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or whipping.
The local suspect is being investigated under Section 55B of the same Act, which provides for a fine of between RM10,000 and RM50,000 or imprisonment of up to 12 months.
The Penang Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch is continuing investigations under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Shahrum added that enforcement efforts would continue across Perak, Penang and Kedah.
"We urge the public to assist us by reporting any suspicious activities," he said.