General

How to make a complaint if I found a product which is not registered with Ministry of Health?

Complaints can be made through phone call, email or via online HERE. You may also lodge your complaints to any nearby Pharmacy Enforcement Branch office.

How to identify registered drugs or pharmaceutical products?

All pharmaceutical products including health supplements and traditional preparations must be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) of Malaysia before being marketed in Malaysia. Evaluation of the products' quality, safety and efficacy (except for traditional preparations and health supplements) are carried out to ensure safety to the public.

This to ensure that products registered with the DCA are safe to be taken by the public. Products registered with the DCA has two main features, the registration number and genuine hologram sticker. The registration number starts with 'MAL', followed by eight numbers, and ending with the letter T,A,X or N.

To check the list of products registered with the DCA, visit the official website of the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, www.npra.gov.my. Click on the 'Registered Product Search' (Quest 3) and enter the details of the product to start the search.

To check the authenticity of the hologram sticker, use the Meditag hologram decoder available at the nearby pharmacy shop.

Is advertisement on aesthetic services allowed?

Aesthetic services are categorised as medical treatment and should be conducted by a registered medical practitioner. It can only be advertised by clinics/ private hospitals that are licensed/ registered by CKAPS with the approval from MAB.

Must advertisements related to services offered at fitness centers get approval from the MAB?

MAB does not approved advertisements related to services offered by fitness centers. According S4A Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956, approval of advertisement can only be given to 4 facilities which are private clinic, private hospital, private medical laboratory and private radiological clinic operated by a registered medical practitioner having a valid annual practicing certificate under the Medical Act 1971.

Is advertisement related to Tongkat Ali and Kacip Fatimah drinks require approval from Medicine Advertisements Board?

Tongkat Ali and Kacip Fatimah drinks or any food or beverage products are classified as a food product and are regulated by Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health. Advertising for food products is not under the purview of Medicine Advertisements Board and thus does not require approval from MAB. However, advertisements of food products are not allowed to make any medical claims, such as enhancing sexual performance, reducing joint pain, lowering blood sugar level and so on. For any inquiries regarding the advertising of food products, please visit the official website of FSQD at https://hq.moh.gov.my/fsq/ or via official telephone 03-8885 0796 / 03-8885 0797.

Why does MAB make many changes to the advertisement format submitted?

Approval for any advertisement format is based on the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956 and its regulations. In addition, advertisement formats must also comply with advertising guidelines and policies issued by the MAB. MAB has the right to amend any claims and advertisement formats that do not comply with the act, guidelines, and policies.

Am I allowed to rearrange the format, without altering the content of the advertisement that has been approved by MAB? Do such amendments require approval from the MAB?

Amendments to the layout format without altering the content of the advertisement that has been approved are permitted without requiring approval from MAB. However, the applicants must inform by notifying the secretariat via email to avoid any confusion with pharmacy enforcement officers during the screening process.

Can a medicine without 'MAL' registration number be advertised in Malaysia?

No, medicines without MAL registration number are considered unregistered products and are not allowed to be sold and advertised in Malaysia. Medicine Advertisements Board (MAB) will not approve application of unregistered product’s advertisement.

How to lodge complaint regarding unregistered medicines?

Complaints can be lodge either by phone, e-mail or in writing to the Senior Director of Pharmaceutical Services. You can also contact the nearest Pharmacy Enforcement Branch office.

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