KUCHING: More than 35,000 boxes of over 400 types of personal care and cosmetic products worth about RM1.07 million were seized from a business premises in Sibu recently.
All the items were found to have no labels, which is an offence under the Drugs Sales Act, 1952.
State Health director Dr Jamilah Hashim, in confirming the seizure in a press statement yesterday, said the raid was carried out by Sibu Division Pharmacy Enforcement Section (CPF Sibu).
“Upon receiving a tip-off, our Sibu Division Pharmacy Enforcement Section immediately raided the premises on Feb 18,” she said.
Jamilah said the seized items were believed to have been brought into the state illegally and were meant for distribution statewide.
She said CPF is currently investigating all parties involved and would take serious actions against the culprits.
Individuals or companies found to be involved in selling the cosmetics would be investigated under the Drugs Sales Act, 1952, she added.
If found guilty for the first time, an individual offender could be fined not more than RM25,000 or jailed not more than three years or both. For subsequent offence, the punishment is a fine of not more than RM50,000 or jail not more than five years.
On the other hand, a company can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and fined up to RM100,000 for the second offence.
Dr Jamilah warned individuals or companies who keep stocks of the cosmetics to immediately stop selling, distributing and using them as their quality and safety were not guaranteed.
She also urged members of the public to always check the labels/notifications before buying any cosmetic product.
The notification status can be verified through the National Pharmacy Regulation Authority’s (NPRA) website at https://www.npra.gov.my in the “Product Status” section or call NPRA directly on 03-78835400.
According to Dr Jamilah, cosmetic products should have notification numbers that start with the word “NOT” followed by nine digits and ended with the alphabet “K”.
Members of the public are also urged to immediately give information if they come across any cosmetic products without proper notifications.
