RM3.9 Million in unregistered sexual stimulants and cosmetics seized in Penang raids
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Health Department has seized approximately RM3.9 million worth of unregistered sexual stimulants and cosmetics in a state-wide operation known as Ops Legacy 2.0.
State health director Datuk Dr. Fazilah Shaikh Allaudin reported that the raids, conducted on July 30, targeted seventeen locations across Penang.
“The operation focused on the sale of unregistered sexual stimulant drugs containing controlled substances, as well as non-notified cosmetics sold online,” she explained at a press conference held at Berjaya Georgetown Hotel.
Dr. Fazilah stated that the raids resulted in the confiscation of 463 types of products and seven digital devices, with an estimated total value of RM3.9 million.
She emphasized that the operation reflects the Health Ministry’s commitment to tackling the sale of unregistered and non-notified products, particularly those sold online, which has become increasingly common.
Dr. Fazilah urged the public to exercise caution and not be swayed by advertisements or testimonials on websites, social media, or e-commerce platforms that make unreasonable medical claims.
She added that sexual stimulant drugs, used to treat conditions like erectile dysfunction (ED), are regulated in Malaysia. Only those registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and classified as controlled drugs with an “A” at the end of their registration number are allowed.
“These drugs cannot be advertised on any media and can only be supplied by a registered medical practitioner or a licensed pharmacist with a valid prescription,” she noted.
For verification of medicine or cosmetic product registrations, the public can visit https://www.npra.gov.my, contact the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) at 03-7883 5400, or use the NPRA Product Status app.
Dr. Fazilah encouraged the public to report any suspicious medicines or cosmetics to the Health Ministry Pharmacy Services Programme through their website.
Additionally, the Penang pharmacy enforcement division, which led Ops Legacy 2.0, also collaborated with other states to raid seven locations in Kedah and Johor.
Pharmacy enforcement director Mohd Zawawi Abdullah reported that these raids resulted in the seizure of 64 unregistered sexual stimulants and unnotified cosmetics products valued at around RM500,000.
He mentioned that the raids, including those in Penang, followed two months of intelligence work by state health authorities. The locations raided included warehouses, office premises, and residential properties.
Mohd Zawawi added that the authorities believe the seized products were manufactured locally and intended for distribution within Malaysia.