Latest news with #UmmiKalthomShamsudin
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Selangor health dept seizes unregistered products worth over RM7mil
SHAH ALAM: The Pharmaceutical Enforcement branch of the Selangor State Health Department (JKNS) seized 133 types of unregistered health products worth more than RM7 million last month. JKNS director, Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin, said the seized health products, including foreign-branded items, were confiscated from a premise operated by a supply company and two other companies providing logistics hub services during inspections conducted on April 15 and 22. She said the enforcement action was taken following public complaints regarding the online sale of health products not registered with the Drug Control Authority (PBKD), Ministry of Health (KKM). "On April 15 and 22, 2025, inspections were carried out at three premises used as storage and distribution locations for unregistered health products intended for consumers in Malaysia. "The companies involved utilised e-commerce platforms as a medium to sell these products to consumers. As a result of cooperation with the Royal Malaysia Police, JKNS's Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division successfully seized 133 types of unregistered health products, including foreign-branded items, with the total value estimated to exceed RM7 million," she said in a statement. She added that the sale of unregistered health products contravenes Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, which is punishable under Section 12(1) of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. The enforcement action is part of the department's ongoing efforts to combat the sale of unregistered health products in the market to ensure public safety. "We advise all logistics hub operators to ensure that the health products they handle are registered, as legal action can be taken against them in addition to the product owners. "Furthermore, the public is advised to ensure that health products carry a hologram safety sticker and product registration number (MAL) before purchase. "The registration status of health products can be verified by visiting the website under the 'Product Search' section or by contacting the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) at 03-7883 5400," she said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Selangor strengthens measures to curb rise in HFMD cases
KLANG: A series of proactive and comprehensive measures has been initiated to address the rising cases of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Selangor. State Health Department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said the steps include early alerts, community engagement, institutional support, enhanced surveillance, targeted closure of institutions, continuous monitoring and transparency. 'We have observed a growing trend of HFMD cases in Selangor since late 2024, and an official alert was issued to all district health offices on Jan 2,' she said. Multiple town hall sessions and briefings have been conducted across Selangor's nine districts to educate childcare institutions and the public about HFMD prevention, Dr Ummi Kalthom explained. She also noted that inter-agency meetings were held with the state's education department, social welfare department, Islamic pre-schools, Selangor Islamic Religious Department, the National Unity and Integration Department and childcare operators to coordinate prevention and control efforts. 'Current data shows that most cases are caused by Coxsackie A16 (81.1%), which typically leads to mild illness. A small proportion of five cases involve the more severe Enterovirus 71. 'To date, no deaths have been reported in Selangor.' Institutions and childcare facilities hit by HFMD were temporarily closed under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Sanitation protocols are enforced to reduce transmission, with most centres closed for at least three to five days to allow for proper disinfection.' She also clarified that although Selangor has recorded the highest number of HFMD cases, the state's incidence rate, when adjusted for population size, ranks sixth. As of Epidemiological Week 17/2025, Selangor has recorded 27,118 cases, marking a more than 100% increase compared to the same period last year. Malaysian Public Health Physicians' Association president Prof Dr Jamalludin Ab Rahman said the rise is not unexpected. 'HFMD tends to occur in cycles every few years. It primarily affects young children and spreads easily in places like kindergartens and schools, particularly when they reopen after the holidays. 'The current surge follows the usual seasonal trend, as cases often rise during the south-west monsoon season due to changes in temperature, humidity and wind. 'Other countries in the region also experience similar patterns.'
