BUKIT MERTAJAM: A major syndicate behind the sale and manufacturing of illegal traditional health products worth RM24mil was busted in a raid by the Penang Health Department. She said inspections were conducted based on public complaints and intelligence gathering. “Among the items seized were unregistered traditional Chinese medicines suspected to contain prohibited substances such as steroids, paracetamol, allopurinol and other ingredients listed under the Poisons Act 1952. Sellers and distributors are reminded to act responsibly by ensuring only health products registered with a MAL number and bearing the PharmaTech security hologram are handled. Members of the public are advised to verify the registration status of health products via the NPRA website at www.npra.gov.my under the product search section.

Source: The Star January 27, 2026 02:14 UTC