Latest news with #PenangHealthDepartment
Barnama
6 days ago
- Health
- Barnama
F&B Establishments In Penang Given Until Sept 30 To Comply With Smoking Ban
BATU KAWAN, Aug 7 (Bernama) -- F&B establishments in Penang have until Sept 30 to comply with the smoking ban under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), ahead of its full enforcement on Oct 1. State Health, Youth and Sports Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said inspections statewide found that some operators have yet to meet the conditions stipulated under the Act. 'Some premises have complied, including by displaying no-smoking and no-vaping signs, along with information on quit-smoking services. 'However, there are still outlets that fall short. For instance, tobacco product display cabinets or shelves do not meet the standards set under Act 852. We have issued reminder notices to the owners to take corrective action before the end of September,' he said. He was speaking to reporters after participating in the Clean and Smoke-Free Premises (BeBAs) walkabout with the Penang Health Department at the R&R Bandar Cassia food court and Borealis Commercial Centre today. Gooi said authorities are currently in the advocacy phase to allow owners time to make necessary improvements, but warned that enforcement against violations, including the issuance of compounds, will begin after Sept 30. As of Aug 5, the Penang Health Department has issued 2,647 compounds for smoking-related offences at eateries, along with 137 notices to owners for failing to display no-smoking signs. 'Today's programme aims to ensure compliance with hygiene and no-smoking regulations at food outlets. 'It also emphasises the concept of community empowerment, where the public is directly engaged to help them understand their role and responsibility in supporting public health,' he said.
Malay Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
Penang targets diners and eateries in smoking crackdown, 2,647 fines issued so far
SEBERANG PERAI, Aug 7 — Penang is stepping up enforcement against smoking at eateries, targeting both patrons and restaurant-operators who fail to display no-smoking signs or provide smoking facilities. Penang state exco for health, youth and sports Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state health department is increasing its manpower to strictly enforce the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). 'The state health department will ensure compliance with food hygiene regulations and smoking bans at eateries and restaurants,' he said after attending a Clean and Smoke-Free Premises Walkabout (BeBas) at the Bandar Cassia R&R Food Court and Batu Kawan Borealis Commercial Centre here today. He said BeBas not only focuses on enforcement against smoking in non-smoking premises, but also aims to encourage community involvement in ensuring adherence to food hygiene rules and smoking bans. 'Premises found to be clean and compliant with specific criteria will be recognised with the Clean and Safe (BeSS) certification,' he added. As at August 5, a total of 2,647 fines have been issued for smoking offences in eateries across Penang. Another 137 notices were issued to premise owners for failing to display no-smoking signs and for providing smoking facilities within their premises. Gooi said food hygiene and smoking-related enforcement should not rest solely with the health department or Health Ministry, but should involve a whole-of-government approach in implementing Act 852 and the Food Act 1983. 'We also urge professional bodies, NGOs, traders' associations and all levels of society to continue supporting efforts to enhance food safety and promote smoke-free environments,' he said.
The Star
23-07-2025
- The Star
RM5.2mil worth of unregistered traditional medicine seized in Penang
KEPALA BATAS: Thousands of bottles of unregistered traditional medicine products and hundreds of packages of raw materials worth a total of RM5.2mil said to contain scheduled poisons have been seized. The raid by the health authorities and the police on six premises also saw two units of manufacturing machinery being seized. Conducted on July 15, it was headed by the Penang Health Department's Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, in collaboration with the police and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). Among the products confiscated were over 71,000 bottles of unregistered traditional medicine products and more than 500 packages of raw materials suspected to contain scheduled poisons. 'This operation shows the Health Ministry's firm commitment to addressing public complaints and curbing the sale of unregistered products and items that are adulterated with harmful substances,' the Penang Health Department said in a statement yesterday. The Health Ministry also reminded the public to exercise caution and avoid being misled by online advertisements or testimonials on websites, social media or e-commerce platforms that make exaggerated medical claims. Under the law, a person can be fined up to RM50,000 or given a jail term not exceeding five years – or both, if found to be in possession of scheduled poisons for sale without a valid licence, said the ministry. Meanwhile, selling unregistered health products or non-notified cosmetics contravenes the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, it added. 'Offenders may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding three years for the first offence, and up to RM50,000 or five years' imprisonment for subsequent offences, while companies found guilty may be fined up to RM100,000. Consumers can verify the registration status of medicines or cosmetic notification through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at or by contacting NPRA directly at 03-7883 5400. The ministry said it will continue to combat the illegal distribution and sale of medicines through its 'Say No to Illegal Medicines' campaign, an initiative launched by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division in 2024. The public, it said, can report any suspicious medicines or cosmetics via the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at contact any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch or call 03-7841 3200 for further action.
The Sun
22-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
RM5.2m unregistered traditional products seized in Penang raid
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Health Department seized RM5.2 million worth of unregistered traditional health products suspected to contain scheduled poisons during a special operation in Kepala Batas on July 15. State Health director Datuk Dr Fazilah Shaik Allaudin confirmed the raid targeted six business premises selling illegal items. 'A total of 71,000 bottles of unregistered traditional products, over 500 packets of raw materials suspected to contain scheduled poison, and two processing machines were seized,' she said. The operation was conducted with the police and Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM), reinforcing the Ministry of Health's (MOH) crackdown on unregistered and adulterated products. Dr Fazilah warned consumers against misleading health claims on social media and e-commerce platforms. 'Possessing scheduled poison for sale without a valid licence violates the Poisons Act 1952, while selling unregistered products breaches the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984,' she added. Consumers can check product legitimacy via the NPRA website ( or contact the agency at 03-7883 5400. The MOH continues its 'Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah' (TOBaTS) campaign to combat illegal medicines. Reports can be made via SisPAA ( or by calling 03-7841 3200. - Bernama
The Star
22-07-2025
- The Star
RM2.5mil worth of unregistered traditional medicines, raw materials seized in Penang
KEPALA BATAS: Health authorities and the police have seized unregistered traditional medicines and raw materials worth RM5.2mil in a major enforcement operation targeting illegal health products in Kepala Batas, Penang. The raid, conducted on July 15, was headed by the Penang Health Department's Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, in collaboration with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM). Six premises were raided during the special operation. Authorities confiscated over 71,000 bottles of unregistered traditional medicine products, more than 500 packages of raw materials suspected to contain scheduled poisons, and two units of manufacturing machinery. 'This operation underscores the Health Ministry's firm commitment to addressing public complaints and curbing the sale of unregistered products and items adulterated with harmful substances,' the Penang Health Department said in a statement Tuesday (July 22). The Health Ministry has reminded the public to exercise caution and avoid being misled by online advertisements or testimonials on websites, social media, or e-commerce platforms that make exaggerated medical claims. "Possessing scheduled poisons for sale without a valid licence is an offence under the Poisons Act 1952, punishable by a fine of up to RM50,000 or a jail term not exceeding five years—or both," it said. Selling unregistered health products or non-notified cosmetics contravenes the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. "Offenders may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or a jail sentence not exceeding three years for the first offence, and up to RM50,000 or five years' imprisonment for subsequent offences with companies found guilty may be fined up to RM100,000. Consumers can verify the registration status of medicines or cosmetic notification through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at or by contacting NPRA directly at 03-7883 5400. The Ministry said it will continue to combat the illegal distribution and sale of medicines through its 'TOBaTS' campaign ('Say No to Illegal Medicines'), an initiative launched by the Pharmacy Enforcement Division in 2024. More information on the campaign can be found at The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious medicines or cosmetics via the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at contact any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, or call 03-7841 3200 for further action.
