MOH blocks Hong Thai Inhaler sales on Malaysia online platforms. Unregistered product not approved.
PETALING JAYA: The Health Ministry (MOH) has issued a warning to the public against purchasing or using the Hong Thai Inhaler after the herbal product, recently recalled in Thailand for bacterial contamination, was found being sold on several e-commerce platforms in Malaysia.
According to the ministry, initial checks confirmed that the product was listed by local and international sellers online.
“Immediate control measures have since been implemented, including the screening of listings and blocking of seller links involved.
“Enforcement actions will continue against any sellers caught distributing the unregistered product,” it said.
MOH stressed that the Hong Thai Inhaler is not registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) and is therefore prohibited for sale or distribution in Malaysia — both in physical stores and online.
Through the Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division (PED), the ministry identified 335 online listings for the product and has issued complaint notifications to the relevant e-commerce platforms, instructing them to remove the advertisements immediately to safeguard public health.
The ministry also advised consumers who have already purchased the product to stop using it immediately and to seek medical attention if they experience any adverse reactions or suspicious symptoms.
“The sale and possession of unregistered medicines violate Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and can be punished under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952,” MOH said.
“Individuals found guilty may face a fine of up to RM25,000 or imprisonment of up to three years, while companies may be fined up to RM50,000.”
The ministry added that it continues to carry out proactive monitoring of medical and health-related advertisements — including those on e-commerce platforms — to ensure compliance with Malaysian laws, namely the Sale of Drugs Act 1952, Poisons Act 1952, and Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
As of September 30, 2025, MOH reported:
25,335 medical advertisements screened;
1,958 URLs (websites and social media) requested for blocking;
11,287 URLs notified to local e-commerce platforms for removal; and
RM41.3 million worth of unregistered products seized, involving 10,442 items.
The MOH’s Pharmaceutical Enforcement Division also runs the “Reject Illegal Medicines” (TOBaTS) campaign to raise public awareness about the dangers of illegal health products.
More information can be found at https://pharmacy.moh.gov.my/tobats.
Consumers are urged to verify the registration status of any medicine before purchase by checking for the security hologram label and drug registration number (MAL), which can be verified at www.npra.gov.my under the “Product Search” section.
The public can report suspicious or illegal products through the Public Agency Complaint Management System (SisPAA) at moh.spab.gov.my, any nearby Pharmaceutical Enforcement Branch, or by calling 03-7841 3200.
