KUALA LUMPUR – More than 600 premises were raided in almost three years for selling unregistered sexual enhancement drugs, as the Health Ministry (MoH) refutes three recent articles by a local Malay daily alleging enforcement inaction to curb sales and advertising of such items.
In a statement today, MoH pharmaceutical services senior director Norhaliza A. Halim said Kosmo’s articles are inaccurate as enforcement teams have been monitoring to ensure products sold to the public are registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA).
She said from 2019 till today, the pharmaceutical enforcement department has received 362 public complaints on unregistered sexual enhancement drugs and vitamin C shots.
“Based on this, 666 premises selling the enhancement drugs were raided and items valued at RM5,818,963 were seized. Moreover, some 187 premises selling vitamin C shots were raided and RM278,202 worth of products were seized.”
She said monitoring activities have been stepped up to curb sales of unregistered drugs on e-commerce platforms, and the department has been instructed to take down postings related to those items.
“So far, 19,862 product ads have been marked for removal from last year until November. MoH has applied to platform administrators to take down 1,665 links on social media and international e-commerce sites, while 257 websites have been reported to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission for further action.”
She advised that taking enhancement drugs without doctor approval could increase a person’s blood pressure and heart beat, leading to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke – especially for those with hypertension, diabetes, and kidney ailments.
“The long-term use of ‘magic/wet tissues’ that have anaesthetic agents can lead to a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
“(Additionally,) vitamin C shots are not DCA-approved in Malaysia. Offenders could face a fine of up to RM25,000, or three years in jail, or both. Repeat offenders could face not more than five years in jail and a fine of up to RM50,000, and RM100,000 for the next offence.”
She said consumers should ensure the products they buy have the FarmaTag hologram safety stickers and a product registration number.
They can verify the registration status at the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website, call 03-7883-5400, or download the NPRA Product Status app.
Consumers can also file complaints with MoH, or call them at 03-7841-3200. – The Vibes, November 10, 2021
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