Latest news with #TOBaTS
The Star
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Health Ministry cracks down on fake meds
PETALING JAYA: Over 6,000 units of unregistered supplements worth RM16mil have been confiscated in the past five years, but fake medicines are still freely available in the market. The Health Ministry is now intensifying efforts to crack down on such counterfeit medicines, telling consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medicines or supplements online. 'These fake health products are often sold by irresponsible individuals who are more interested in profit than public safety,' its Pharmacy Enforcement Division told The Star. The Star had reported on Saturday that supplements were being sold online with fake holograms and questionable content. Counterfeit supplements often do not contain the correct active ingredients while some may contain too much, too little or none at all – and could be ineffective in treating a condition or make it worse. 'Many also contain dangerous or toxic substances. Additionally, these products are often manufactured in unsanitary environments, raising the risk of contamination,' it said. To safeguard public health, the division is intensifying efforts to monitor websites, social media platforms and online marketplaces to detect and investigate the sale of counterfeit products. 'Any identified links or listings will be subject to legal action,' it said. The division is also working closely with major e-commerce and social media platforms to ensure fake listings are swiftly removed and repeat offenders are dealt with accordingly so items are taken off the market quickly. In Malaysia, all pharmaceutical products and health supplements must be registered with the ministry's Drug Control Authority and need a valid registration number, which begins with MAL followed by a number. These packages will also have a security hologram on the packaging. CLICK TO ENLARGE 'Since 2005, the use of security holograms has played an important role in safeguarding consumers from counterfeit products. 'In 2019, the ministry introduced the FarmaTag hologram to enhance and modernise the existing system. FarmaTag allows consumers and enforcement authorities to verify the authenticity of registered products,' it said. Although counterfeiters have attempted to imitate the hologram, genuine products can still be identified by examining the unique security elements embedded in the FarmaTag label. The ministry also encouraged consumers to scan the hologram using the FarmaChecker mobile application upon receiving the product, and is also organising public education initiatives to raise awareness. 'One key initiative is the Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah (TOBaTS) campaign, a nationwide effort to educate the public about the dangers of using unregistered and counterfeit medicines,' the division said. It also advised consumers to buy their medicines and supplements from reputable sources such as licensed pharmacies or verified platforms, and to be wary of heavily discounted products online as these are often counterfeits. 'Fake supplements can cause serious health complications, especially when consumed without proper medical supervision,' it said. Genuine products should always come in sealed original manufacturer packaging, it said. 'If possible, compare the product with previous purchases. Any noticeable changes in pill size, shape, colour, taste or markings should raise suspicion,' it noted. 'Be cautious of tablets or capsules that appear cracked, powdery or unusually coated with excess powder or crystals.' Buyers can report sellers of counterfeits, especially those operating through online channels, to the division. 'Consumers should also be on guard against unsolicited offers, particularly through spam emails or flashy advertisements on social media platforms. These are common tactics used by counterfeit product sellers to lure unsuspecting buyers with 'too-good-to-be true' deals,' the division said. Consumers can also visit the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency's website at to verify the registration status of any health products. Counterfeit products can also be reported through the Public Agency Complaints Management System (SisPAA).
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Health Ministry warns of surge in online sales of illegal medicines after seizing RM37.5m worth in 2024
KUALA SELANGOR, May 3 — The Ministry of Health (MOH) seized 21,571 illegal health products worth RM37.5 million in 2024, an increase of nearly 8 per cent from the 20,157 items worth RM24.8 million confiscated in 2023. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the majority of the seized items were unregistered products, particularly supplements, accounting for 17,630 cases, with an additional 3,941 units of cosmetics without MOH notification. 'This reflects a concerning trend, but the authorities are taking firm and proactive measures to tackle the issue,' he said after launching the Central Zone Reject Illegal Medicines Expedition (TOBaTS) programme today. Dzulkefly noted that nearly 70 per cent of the seized products were traced to complaints involving the online sale of medicines. He cautioned that the use of illegal medications can pose serious long-term health risks, potentially damaging vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Dzulkefly further explained that illegal medications generally fall into five categories: counterfeit drugs, products not registered with the Ministry of Health, items adulterated with banned substances, illegally sourced products and unapproved imports. He urged the public to be vigilant, particularly when buying health products online, and to always verify their authenticity. 'Consumers must ensure that every product carries a valid 'MAL' registration number and the Farma Tag security hologram. 'Verification can be done via the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) website at or through the FarmaChecker mobile app,' he said. He added that the public can also report any suspicious health products via the Public Complaint Management System (SisPAA) portal or by contacting the Pharmacy Enforcement Division at 03-7841 3200. — Bernama
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH seizes RM37.5m in illegal health products in 2024
KUALA SELANGOR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) seized 21,571 illegal health products worth RM37.5 million in 2024, an increase of nearly 8 percent from the 20,157 items worth RM24.8 million confiscated in 2023. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the majority of the seized items were unregistered products, particularly supplements, accounting for 17,630 cases, with an additional 3,941 units of cosmetics without MOH notification. 'This reflects a concerning trend, but the authorities are taking firm and proactive measures to tackle the issue,' he said after launching the Central Zone Reject Illegal Medicines Expedition (TOBaTS) programme today. Dzulkefly noted that nearly 70 percent of the seized products were traced to complaints involving the online sale of medicines. He cautioned that the use of illegal medications can pose serious long-term health risks, potentially damaging vital organs such as the liver, kidneys and nervous system. Dzulkefly further explained that illegal medications generally fall into five categories: counterfeit drugs, products not registered with the Ministry of Health, items adulterated with banned substances, illegally sourced products and unapproved imports. He urged the public to be vigilant, particularly when buying health products online, and to always verify their authenticity. 'Consumers must ensure that every product carries a valid 'MAL' registration number and the Farma Tag security hologram. 'Verification can be done via the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Division (NPRA) website at or through the FarmaChecker mobile app,' he said. He added that the public can also report any suspicious health products via the Public Complaint Management System (SisPAA) portal or by contacting the Pharmacy Enforcement Division at 03-7841 3200.
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Private GP fee review to be finalised within a month
KUALA SELANGOR: Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today assured that the review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) will be finalised within a month. He said that a Cabinet memorandum and circular had been prepared and were expected to be tabled within the same period. 'I have prepared the Cabinet memorandum and circular for the matter. So, I expect to resolve this within one month at the latest. 'Once I have tabled it and obtained Cabinet approval, it will be executed, as the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) has already agreed to the review,' he told reporters after attending the Central Zone 'Kembara Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah' (TOBaTS) campaign programme here. On March 13, Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the revised consultation fee rates for private practitioners would be announced before May 1. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said the ministry would not prevent general practitioners from marching to the Prime Minister's Office this coming Tuesday (May 6) to protest against the policy requiring private medical centres to display medication prices, as it is their right. 'I believe they will act in a civil and respectful manner, and I am ready to receive any memorandum they may submit. 'I cannot stop them, but honestly, I want them to understand what the ministry (and) what this minister, has been fighting for on their behalf. They need to know that I have fought for Schedule 7 (related to the GP fee review),' he said.
Malay Mail
03-05-2025
- Health
- Malay Mail
Health minister says won't stop May 6 protest march to Putrajaya, but ‘fought' for private GP fee, final decision within a month
KUALA SELANGOR, May 3 — Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today assured that the review of consultation fees for private general practitioners (GPs) will be finalised within a month. He said that a Cabinet memorandum and circular had been prepared and were expected to be tabled within the same period. 'I have prepared the Cabinet memorandum and circular for the matter. So, I expect to resolve this within one month at the latest. 'Once I have tabled it and obtained Cabinet approval, it will be executed, as the National Action Council on Cost of Living (NACCOL) has already agreed to the review,' he told reporters after attending the Central Zone 'Kembara Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah' (TOBaTS) campaign programme here. On March 13, Dzulkefly was reported as saying that the revised consultation fee rates for private practitioners would be announced before May 1. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly said the ministry would not prevent general practitioners from marching to the Prime Minister's Office this coming Tuesday (May 6) to protest against the policy requiring private medical centres to display medication prices, as it is their right. 'I believe they will act in a civil and respectful manner, and I am ready to receive any memorandum they may submit. 'I cannot stop them, but honestly, I want them to understand what the ministry (and) what this minister, has been fighting for on their behalf. They need to know that I have fought for Schedule 7 (related to the GP fee review),' he said. — Bernama
