KUALA LUMPUR — The herbal product “Hong Thai Inhaler” has been banned from sale in Malaysia after it was recalled in Thailand for being contaminated with harmful bacteria, the Health Ministry (MOH) said today.
In a statement, the ministry confirmed that the product is not registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and is therefore prohibited for sale in Malaysia.
The MOH said immediate control measures have been taken, including screening sales on e-commerce platforms, blocking links of involved sellers, and monitoring for any continued marketing of the product.
According to the ministry’s Pharmacy Enforcement Division (PED), 335 advertisements and sales links for the inhaler were detected from both local and foreign sellers. The relevant e-commerce platforms have since been notified to remove the listings.
“The public is advised to stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention if they experience any side effects or suspicious symptoms,” the ministry said.
Under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, the sale and possession of unregistered medicines is an offence punishable under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 — carrying a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment for up to three years. Companies found guilty may be fined up to RM50,000.
The ministry said it continues to actively monitor advertisements for medicines and health products on e-commerce platforms to ensure compliance with the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, Poisons Act 1952, and Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
Between January and September this year, the PED screened 25,335 medical advertisements, requested 1,958 URLs to be blocked, and notified 11,287 URLs to local e-commerce platforms for removal.
The total value of seized unregistered products during that period amounted to RM41.3 million, involving 10,442 items.
In addition to enforcement, the PED has launched the “Reject Unregistered Medicines” (TOBaTS) campaign to raise public awareness of the risks of unauthorised health products.
The public is also advised to verify the registration status of medicines through the hologram security label and MAL registration number printed on legitimate products.
Verification can be done through the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at www.npra.gov.my under the “Product Search” section.
Complaints or information about the sale of unregistered medicines can be submitted via the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at moh.spab.gov.my, at any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, or by calling 03-7841 3200. — November 6, 2025