MUAR: The Health Ministry is strengthening its cooperation with security agencies, including the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA), to combat the smuggling of illegal health products into the country.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the collaboration has proven effective, citing the recent seizure of RM85,000 worth of unregistered medicines that were smuggled into Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
“The ministry’s efforts to curb the entry of illegal health products are part of a whole-of-government approach through close cooperation with MCBA and other agencies under its purview.
“There are 6,000 officers and personnel under MCBA, comprising members of the police, Customs Department, Immigration Department, Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (MAQIS), and the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA),” he said.
Dr Dzulkefly was speaking after an official visit to the Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital here today, which was also attended by Johor health director Dr Mohtar Pungut.
Earlier, the minister spent about three hours at the hospital to hear updates and current issues faced by the facility.
He added that enforcement efforts focus primarily on regulations under the Sale of Drugs Act and its accompanying rules, as well as the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
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