THE Ministry of Health (MOH) has firmly rejected claims that its hologram verification system for health products is failing, stating that existing safeguards remain robust and continue to protect consumers from counterfeit or unregistered goods.
In a statement, the ministry said allegations questioning the effectiveness of the authentication mechanism were inaccurate, emphasising that the system remains a critical component of the regulatory framework overseen by the Drug Control Authority in curbing illicit products in the market.
“The safety ecosystem for health products in the market remains robust and under control,” the ministry said.
Authorities stressed that continuous and comprehensive monitoring is in place, covering product registration, premises licensing and supply chain audits to ensure all health products comply with stringent safety and quality standards.
Addressing concerns over counterfeiting, the ministry pointed to ongoing digital upgrades, noting that the MyUBAT application has been enhanced as a centralised platform for verifying the authenticity of product safety labels.
“As part of digitalisation efforts and continuous improvements to address counterfeiting, the MyUBAT application has been upgraded as a single platform to verify the authenticity of product safety labels,” according to the statement.
The ministry added that the application is now capable of scanning all versions of its hologram security labels, both past and present, providing consumers with a reliable verification tool.
“Additionally, product authenticity can also be verified at licensed pharmacy premises equipped with the ministry’s dedicated verification devices,” it said.
Reaffirming its enforcement stance, the ministry warned it would take firm action against any parties involved in distributing unregistered products or falsifying safety labels.
Members of the public have been urged to purchase health products only from authorised premises, utilise the MyUBAT application for verification, and report any suspicious activities to the authorities without delay.
The statement was issued in response to recent media reports raising concerns about a surge in unregistered health products and alleging that the ministry’s hologram verification system was no longer functioning effectively—claims the ministry has categorically denied. - April 23, 2026
