More than 21,000 illegal health products—some containing hazardous substances—were detected across the country last year, according to the Health Ministry.
Speaking at a press conference following the launch of the Illegal Medicines Awareness Tour Central Zone 2025 on Saturday (May 3), Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad called the trend alarming, noting that such products are being openly sold both online and in physical stores without proper oversight.
Dzulkefly said five categories of illegal medicines have been identified: counterfeit products, unregistered items, those containing scheduled poisons, illegally imported goods, and products manufactured without adhering to approved standards.
