KUALA LUMPUR – The Health Ministry has advised members of the public to get their medicine supply from legitimate sources and not be easily influenced by advertisements or testimonials on social media and websites.
The ministry is responding to a viral post on X (formerly Twitter) of an individual selling a controlled drug, the highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) medicine – a treatment for individuals who are infected with HIV.
“A detailed investigation was conducted by the MOH Pharmacy Enforcement Division and the Kedah Health Department.
“The inspection was conducted at his premises and found that he was supplied with the medication for his treatment,” the statement read.
The ministry said the individual was warned not to repeat this mistake, and legal action will be taken if the mistake is repeated.
The Health Ministry firmly states that the act of selling and supplying medicine controlled under the Poison Act 1952 without valid licenses can be punished under Section 32(2) of the Poison Act 1952.
If the perpetrator is found guilty, he or she can be punished under Section 32(2) of the Poison Act with a fine not exceeding RM50,000 or not more than five years of jail time or both.
“The HAART drug is classified as a controlled drug under the Poison Act 1952, and it can only be supplied by licensed medical practitioners or registered pharmacists with prescriptions from registered medical practitioners for medical purposes.
“Taking these medicines without health professional’s supervision can expose the users to high risk,” it said.
The ministry said that if any parties want to advertise drugs and health services, they have to apply for and obtain approval from the Medicine Advertisements Board (MAB) beforehand.
They urged the public to check the registration status or cosmetic notification before making a purchase through https://www.npra.gov.my or contact the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) at 03-7883 5400 or download the NPRA Product Status application. – January 30, 2024