Businesswoman fined over health products, cosmetics

KOTA KINABALU: A businesswoman was fined RM6,000 for possessing health products and cosmetics without notification.

Sessions Court judge imposed the fine on Saini Ukor, 32, after the latter admitted to both charges, which were read to her, yesterday.

On the first charge, she was fined RM3,000, in default, a month’s jail for possessing 12 types of products, which were not registered with the Ministry of Health Malaysia.

The products were Clobetamil G, Kinoki, BF Sinus Cure, Fresh Care and Titan Gel, among others.

The offence comes under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, punishable under Section 12(1) of Sale of Drugs Act 1952 which carries a maximum fine of RM25,000 or jail sentence of up to three years.

For the second charge, Saini was fined another RM3,000, in default, a month’s jail for possessing cosmetics without notification.

The products were Sabun Oren and Collagen Plus Vit E.

The offence comes under Section 18A(1) of the Cosmetic and Drug Control Regulations 1984 punishable under Section 12(1) of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952 provides for a fine of up to RM25,000 or a jail term of up to three years, or both.

Both offences took place at Dianella Shope, University Plaza, Jalan Sulaman Manggatal at noon in June 2018.

In mitigation, Saini, who was not represented, prayed for a lenient sentence and informed the court that her family is currently facing problems.

Meanwhile, prosecuting officer from the Pharmacy Department, Vanitha Balakrishnan, urged for appropriate sentence to be imposed against the accused to reflect the irresponsibility of the accused and deter would-be offenders from committing a similar offence.

She said the confiscated products circumvented the necessary regulations that in place which ensured the safety and the quality of health products.

Furthermore, any punctures in the foundation, either deplorable ‘street-style’ manufacturing facilities or poor storage condition, would put consumers in danger, she added.

“However, when it comes to health, there should be no room for deviation from established regulation. They are in place for a reason,” she said.

The court also ordered the exhibits which were seized products, to be disposed of by the prosecution.