Unregistered “Hong Thai Inhaler” Banned In Malaysia - MOH

PUTRAJAYA, Nov 6 (Bernama) -- The herbal product “Hong Thai Inhaler” is not registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and is prohibited from sale in Malaysia after being recalled in Thailand due to contamination with harmful bacteria.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Health (MOH) said immediate control measures had been taken, including screening sales on e-commerce platforms, blocking links of involved sellers, and continuing monitoring and enforcement against those still marketing the product.

The Pharmacy Enforcement Division (PED) detected 335 advertisement and sales links for the product by both local and foreign sellers and has notified the platforms concerned to remove the listings to protect consumer health.

The public is advised to stop using the product immediately and seek medical attention if they experience any side effects or suspicious symptoms.

The MOH reminded that the sale and possession of unregistered medicines is an offence under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 with a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years. Companies may be fined up to RM50,000.

The ministry said it continues to actively monitor advertisements for medicines and health services, including on e-commerce platforms, to ensure compliance with the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, Poisons Act 1952, and Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.

From January to Sept 30, 2025, a total of  25,335 medical advertisements were screened, 1,958 URLs requested for blocking, and 11,287 URLs notified to local e-commerce platforms for removal. The total value of seized unregistered products during the same period was 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 using unauthorised health products. More information is available at https://pharmacy.moh.gov.my/tobats.

The public is also advised to verify the registration status of medicines through the hologram security label and registration number (MAL) before purchase. Verification can be done on the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at www.npra.gov.my under the “Product Search” section.

Complaints or information on the sale of unregistered medicines can be submitted via the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at http://moh.spab.gov.my, any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch, or by calling 03-7841 3200.

-- BERNAMA