KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has issued RM120mil in compounds for offences involving unregistered medicines, amid rising concerns over illicit drug sales and online promotion, says Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni.
He said the fines were imposed under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, as authorities step up enforcement against unregistered products entering the market.
“The country is not only facing the sale of illegal medicines, but also the growing use of social media to promote and sell them,” he said, adding that the ministry has held engagement sessions with pharmacy regulators and e-commerce platforms to remove such advertisements.
“They have been advised not to use social media platforms, including TikTok Live, to sell or promote medicines, especially weight-loss products and beauty items that easily attract consumers,” he said in response to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein (BN-Sembrong) on Thursday (Nov 20).
Lukanisman added that Malaysia is taking both immediate and long-term steps to secure supply and reduce reliance on imports to address shortages and rising prices of essential medicines, including for chronic diseases.
“For immediate measures, the ministry monitors medicine stock levels through the integrated Pharmacy Information System, enabling early notifications to prevent shortages at facilities if supply disruptions occur under logistics concessions or central contracts,” he said.
Alternative procurement mechanisms, he added, are also used to ensure uninterrupted patient care.
He said joint procurement involving the Health Ministry, Defence Ministry and teaching hospitals under the Higher Education Ministry is being implemented to achieve more competitive prices and stable supply.
Lukanisman said the government is also strengthening local pharmaceutical manufacturing through initiatives such as the Skim Anak Angkat, Bumiputera Manufacturer Panel Scheme (SPPB) and Local Manufacturer Panel Scheme (SPPT), alongside cooperation with the Finance Ministry to incentivise domestic production.
“A supplier diversification strategy has also been adopted to avoid dependence on a single source.
“Actions such as warnings, penalties or contract termination are taken against suppliers who fail to meet their supply obligations,” he said.