Slimming products seized poison hazard

PETALING JAYA, Oct 18. - Pharmaceutical Services State Health Department seized 120 boxes of slimming products worth RM13, 680 as sibutramine poison that harms the health of a business premises here.

Deputy Director of Pharmacy (operation of) the department, Lassa Jaafar said after receiving complaints from the public, the government invaded the business premises operating in Mutiara Damansara at 2 pm today.

He said he found the product, which can suppress appetite and if taken in excess can cause a heart attack, are priced RM90 per box.

The product allegedly received as proven can lose weight in a short time, he said.

Jaafar also said before, the ministry has taken samples for inspection at the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau and found it contains sibutramine and is not registered with the Department of Health, Malaysia.

In this regard, he advised people to be careful when buying slimming products because some have side effects on health.

He said the owner of the premises will be prosecuted in accordance with the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 which carries a maximum jail sentence of three years or a fine of RM25, 000 or both, if convicted. - BERNAMA