MDA Imposes ban on online sale of optical devices and contact lenses

THE Medical Device Authority (MDA) has announced a ban on the online sale of optical devices and contact lenses via e-commerce platforms, aiming to safeguard the health and safety of consumers' vision.

MDA Chief Executive Officer Dr. P. Muralitharan said today optical devices and contact lenses fall under the Medical Devices Act 2012 (Act 737), and as such, they must meet all necessary registration requirements before they can be imported or marketed.

“These products are classified as medical devices that require a prescription and must be dispensed by a registered optician or optometrist, in accordance with the Optical Act 1991, Section 30, which is enforced by the Malaysian Optical Council,” Dr. Muralitharan said in a statement today.

He added in line with the ban’s implementation, the MDA will not approve any advertisements or sales of optical devices and contact lenses through online channels.

Dr. Muralitharan also warned that individuals engaging in the sale of these items without MDA approval will be in violation of the Medical Device (Advertising) Regulations 2019, Regulation 2(1). Offenders could face a fine of up to RM200,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

As the authority responsible for regulating medical devices in Malaysia, the MDA is committed to taking stringent action against any parties who breach these regulations, including pursuing legal action against platform providers that continue to facilitate the illegal sale of optical devices and contact lenses.

He concluded by urging the public to assist in combating illegal online sales by reporting any such activities to the MDA via the Feedback Management System (FEMES) at [https://femes.mda.gov.my/](https://femes.mda.gov.my/) or by emailing [email protected]. - March 25, 2025