KUANTAN: For more than two years, an unlicensed dental and private clinic here has lured customers through social media promotions.
To avoid detection, the operators operated at a house and a beauty parlour.
Acting on a tip-off, Pahang Health Department officers monitored the illegal operations for three months, then raided the premises yesterday.
Pahang Health Department director Datuk Dr Rusdi Abd Rahman said three women in their 20s who are believed to be the premises owners and workers were picked up for questioning.
"The fake health clinic was registered as a beauty parlour and offered aesthetic treatment. The fake dental clinic was offering services from a room in a house.
"Medical equipment and medicine worth RM50,000 were seized from both premises.
"Some medicine used at the clinic are not registered and were obtained online.
"Both clinics promoted their services on social media and the charges are quite high," he said during a press conference at the Pahang Health Department today.
He said the raiding team comprised the Private Medical Practice Control Branch, Pahang Dental Department and police.
He said private clinics must register under Section 27 of the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act 1998.
He said practicing dentistry without a licence is an offence under Section 62(1) of Dental Act 2018, with offenders facing a fine of up to RM300,000 or six years in jail, or both, upon conviction.
Rusdi advised the public not to be easily influenced by advertisements or reviews about dental and health services on social media.