All products used in medical practice , have  to be vetted and registered with the Pharmaceutical Division of the Health Ministry even if the drug is registered overseas.

Penalties have  been imposed but as they do not serve as a deterrent. There are many repeat offenders as they not mind paying paltry fines. Thus you may find  drugs in the Malaysian market that are not registered and these, along with fake drugs, cannot be sold. They can be harmful, too, as the drug has not been tested and certified as fit for usage

There have been cases where manufacturers sell unlicensed drugs claiming to have approval of the ministry with falsified approval permits.

Some do not seek approval as they feel that the drug may not be approved by the ministry.

There are many products in the market that are not registered. Some are parallel imports of drugs. Most of these drugs are sold in pasar malam, unapproved beauty parlours or even in pharmacies. It is like the illegal smuggling of cigarettes.

All drugs even if approved need a permit form the Lembaga Iklan Ubat (LIU) to advertise. This permit is only given after confirming the authenticity of the drug and whether it has been approved for usage by the Pharmaceutical Division.

The LIU under the Health Ministry is the body monitoring all adverts in the health industry. However they are understaffed and under-funded to monitor all adverts that appear in various forms especially on the online portals. These irresponsible companies advertise with impunity. Unless someone complains these adverts run wild in all papers. Some even falsify their adverts claiming they have approval of the ministry.

Must ascertain drugs are licensed

Malaysians must make an effort to see doctors and get prescriptions before purchasing drugs. They should also ensure the drugs are registered as complications may arise using unapproved drugs.

Malaysians always become victims of companies that make many ‘false claims’. Malaysians are trusting by nature, so they assume every product sold must be approved by the government. They should develop the habit of checking each product.

They can check with the ministry’s helpline or website regarding the validity of the drugs.

Advertisements should have approval of the LIU. It is important that these drugs are safe as they can cause deadly side-effects.

The LIU does not allow usually allow personal testimonials for drugs and products. So they need to check.

DR NKS THARMASEELAN is president, Malaysian Medical Association