Fake milk cases confined to JB
> No reports of similar incidents in other states, says ministry
KUALA LUMPUR: The sale of suspected fake infant formula is confined to Johor Baru, the Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry said yesterday.
Its enforcement director, Datuk Mohd Roslan Mahayudin, told theSun that there were no reports on the sale of fake milk products in other parts of the country.
“Inspections were conducted at five premises (in Johor Baru) following a report from the (milk) producer,” he said, adding that the seized products had been sent to the Chemistry Department.
On Sunday, the ministry seized 210 boxes of suspected fake infant formula from five outlets of a chain of drug stores and convenience shops in Johor Baru.
Three of the raided premises were found to be selling suspected fake milk powder worth about RM42,000.
“Do not be enticed to purchase from distributors which offer cheap (infant milk) products,” Mohd Roslan said.
On a report that a toddler had vomited after consuming milk powder bought from one of the premises in August, he said the case should be referred to the Health Ministry.
The parents of a toddler had lodged a report with the company.
The 55-year-old owner of the raided outlets claimed he was unaware that the 1.8kg pack of baby milk powder sold at RM200 were supposedly fake.
The case is being investigated under Section 8(2)(b) of the Trade Act 2011.
Meanwhile, the Federation of Malaysian Consumers Associations expressed concern on the matter.
Its vice-president, Yusof Abd Rahman, said “artificial” food items such as rice and noodles had also been uncovered in the past.
“There were instances where imitation popular goods were produced and such goods cannot be easily detected unless the (original) manufacturer identifies the fake product. Consumers (will buy) a similar product that looks like the original.
“Consumers are encouraged to contact the ministry (when in doubt).”
In JOHOR BARU, state Health, Environment, Education and Information Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat said no baby food poisoning cases have been reported in Johor over the last four months.
He said he would make it public if there are such cases in the state as it is a matter of public interest.