Malaysia Cracks Down on Fake Medicine, Urges Consumer Caution

It is boosting efforts to monitor websites, social media and online marketplaces

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PETALING JAYA — More than 6,000 units of unregistered supplements worth RM16 million (S$4.8 million) have been confiscated in the past five years in Malaysia, but fake medicine is still freely available in the market.

The Malaysian Health Ministry is now intensifying efforts to crack down on such counterfeit medicine, reminding consumers to exercise caution when purchasing medicine or supplements online.

"These fake health products are often sold by irresponsible individuals who are more interested in profit than public safety," its Pharmacy Enforcement Division told The Star.

The publication reported on May 17 that some supplements were being sold online with fake holograms and questionable content.

Counterfeit supplements often do not contain the correct active ingredients, while some may contain too much, too little or none at all and could be ineffective in treating a condition or make it worse.

"Many also contain dangerous or toxic substances. Additionally, these products are often manufactured in unsanitary environments, raising the risk of contamination," the ministry said.