Latest news with #RM25
The Star
14 hours ago
- 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.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Poverty-hit grandmother's struggle to raise future engineer
JOHOR BARU: With nothing but a rice cooker to prepare their daily meals and just RM25 in hand from odd jobs, 65-year-old Sharifah Nasir clings to the last threads of strength and dignity — all for the future of her 15-year-old grandson. For more than a year, this elderly widow has been the sole guardian of Mohamad Sadiq Abdullah, after the boy's parents separated and his father spiralled into violent drug addiction. Her son, she said, allegedly sank deep into drug abuse. "I've been caring for my grandson since he was small. I can't bear to see him fall behind just because we're poor," she said, her voice trembling. Sharifah now rents a single room, having fled their former home in Pulai, where her drug-addicted son repeatedly assaulted them and stripped the house bare — stealing even the fridge, microwave, water filter, and fan to feed his habit. "He even snatched my nasi lemak sales money every day," she recalled bitterly. "We had to report him to the police and the National Anti-Drugs Agency (AADK) when things turned violent." One night, they were forced to wait outside for hours, too terrified to re-enter. Although her son has since completed rehabilitation at a drug centre in Selangor, Sharifah says she has no plans to reconnect with him. Her sole focus now is to keep her grandson safe, clothed, fed — and, she hopes, back in school. "He dreams of becoming an engineer. He wants to return to school, but we just can't afford it," she said. Sadiq has not attended classes in over a year due to their financial struggles. Sharifah receives a monthly pension of RM650 from her late husband. Of that, RM450 goes straight to rent. The remainder barely stretches to cover utilities and food. "Our meals are usually just tempeh, eggs, and tofu," she said quietly. Cooking is limited to a rice cooker — stoves are not allowed in the rented room. Her own health is deteriorating; she suffers frequent bouts of gastritis. To survive, she earns RM25 a day helping a friend at a nearby restaurant. Her children, themselves low-income earners or housewives, can only lend a hand during emergencies. "I've not asked for help from the Welfare Department or the religious authorities — I don't know how to apply," she admitted. "I just want my grandson to live like any other teenager. I hope one day we'll have a home of our own, even if it's just a low-cost unit or a place under the People's Housing Project," she said, holding onto hope.
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Malaysian palm oil futures edges up amid uncertainty over US trade deals
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian palm oil futures rose slightly on Tuesday, although uncertainty over potential trade deals between major Asian countries and the United States kept the market volatile. The benchmark palm oil contract for October delivery on the Bursa Malaysia Derivatives Exchange gained RM25, or 0.59 per cent, to RM4,250 (US$1,004.73) a tonne at the midday break. The contract lost about 2.1 per cent on Monday. Crude palm oil futures were higher following overnight strength in Chicago and South American soyoil futures, said Anilkumar Bagani, research head of Mumbai-based vegetable oil broker Sunvin Group. However, Bagani said the lack of confirmation regarding any trade deals between the US and major Asian countries, apart from Indonesia, continues to fuel volatility in the markets. "The weakness seen in Chicago soyoil and rapeseed oil, combined with a stronger Malaysian ringgit, capped the gains," he said. Dalian's most-active soyoil contract fell 0.59 per cent, while its palm oil contract shed 0.31 per cent. Soyoil prices on the Chicago Board of Trade were down 0.91 per cent. Palm oil tracks price movements of rival edible oils, as it competes for a share of the global vegetable oils market. Oil prices edged down as concerns that the brewing trade war between major crude consumers the US and the European Union will curb fuel demand growth by lowering economic activity weighed on investor sentiment. Weaker crude oil futures make palm a less attractive option for biodiesel feedstock. The ringgit, palm's currency of trade, strengthened 0.07 per cent against the dollar, making the commodity slightly more expensive for buyers holding foreign currencies. Palm oil may retest support at RM4,198 per tonne, a break below which could open the way toward RM4,150, Reuters technical analyst Wang Tao said.
Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Borneo Post
Police probe motives behind rock-throwing incident at Jalan Central Timur
KUCHING (July 21): Police are investigating the motives and background of a 52-year-old suspect who allegedly hurled a rock at a parked car along Jalan Central Timur yesterday morning. Kuching district police chief ACP Alexson Naga Chabu confirmed that a report was lodged by a 32-year-old local man who was serving as a marshal for a running event at the time. 'It was reported that the incident occurred around 6.20am, when the victim had parked his vehicle by the roadside. 'Suddenly, a man unknown to the victim approached the car, picked up a rock, and smashed the vehicle's front windshield. 'The suspect was apprehended shortly afterwards at a nearby location, thanks to information provided by members of the public,' he said in a statement. Alexson said the case is being investigated under Section 427 of the Penal Code for committing mischief resulting in damage exceeding RM25. If convicted, the suspect faces up to five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both. Alexson urged anyone with further information to contact the Kuching district police control centre at 082-244444, or reach out directly to investigating officer Sgt Sudianta Deya Johanis at 019-8492500.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- New Straits Times
Thousands of unapproved health and cosmetic products seized in KL raids
KUALA LUMPUR: Authorities have seized over 5,000 units of unapproved cosmetic and dietary supplement products worth more than RM185,000 in two raids on residential premises in Segambut here. The joint operation, conducted on July 16 by police, the Health Ministry (MOH) and Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL), led to the arrest of a 40-year-old local man and two foreign women, aged 28 and 30. In the first raid, enforcement personnel found 1,972 boxes and 2,551 bottles of various products stored in a house, believed to be used as a warehouse for online sales. Further inspection of a second premises revealed an additional 180 boxes and 895 bottles of unregistered cosmetic products. In a statement, Bukit Aman Internal Security and Public Order Department director Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim said the operation was launched following intelligence on the sale of products without MOH approval, marketed via social media platforms. The case is being investigated under Regulations 18A and 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984. Offenders face fines of up to RM25,000 or three years' jail for the first offence, and RM50,000 or five years' jail for subsequent offences. Companies face higher fines of up to RM100,000. DBKL also issued a notice under Section 26(1)(a) of the Federal Territory (Planning) Act for the unauthorised use of residential premises for business purposes. Police advise the public to be cautious when purchasing health and cosmetic products, and warned social media and e-commerce platform operators against facilitating the sale of unapproved goods. From Jan 1 to July 16, the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Special Intelligence and Investigation Unit (WCB/PSK) under Bukit Aman's Internal Security and Public Order Department carried out 167 operations nationwide, arresting 300 people for offences including contraband smuggling, controlled goods leaks, sale of imitation weapons, wildlife trafficking, and illegal e-waste processing. The total value of seizures during this period is estimated at RM541 million.
