Ministry awaits final reports on suspected fake baby formula

PUTRAJAYA: Action against traders selling and distributing the suspected fake baby formula seized in Johor last month can only be taken after obtaining the final investigation reports on the milk.

Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin said the ministry was still awaiting the final reports from several agencies and departments such as the Health Department and the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia.

“If they are found to have committed an offence, we will take action against them. Final report doesn’t mean coming from only one department or agency. Investigations do involve a number of agencies,” he told a press conference after the launch of the Secondary Battery Safety Standards Compliance Guidelines Advocacy here yesterday.

On Dec 10, last year, the ministry seized 210 boxes of suspected fake infant formula worth RM42,000 from five premises in Johor Bahru.

Health director- general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah on Dec 28 had said the result of the Health Ministry’s analysis on the infant formula found the product was safe, but did not meet the quality standards stipulated in the Food Regulations 1985 under the Food Act 1983, in terms of its fat content.

Meanwhile, beginning Feb 1, all secondary batteries for use in mobile phone, power bank, laptop, electronic cigarette, electronic gadget, drone, flyboard and hoverboard, among others, need to obtain safety certification and labelling before they are marketed. Hamzah said all secondary battery manufacturers and distributors must comply with the Secondary Battery Safety Standards Compliance Guidelines introduced by the ministry which required them to conform to the MS IEC 62133:2017 safety standards set by SIRIM QAS International Sdn Bhd. — Bernama