KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has revoked the notification of two cosmetic products after they were found to contain scheduled poisons
They can no longer be sold in the country.
Health director-general, Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, in a statement today, said the products were Alias Wild Rose Petal Face Cream and Desha Night Cream.
He said checks by the ministry's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency, showed that both products contained mercury and tretinoin.
"Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products because it can be absorbed into the body, potentially causing kidney damage, nervous system damage, and disrupting brain development in children or foetuses.
"It can also lead to rashes and skin irritation," he said.
Dr Radzi added that unsupervised usage of tretinoin can lead to unwanted side effects such as redness to the skin, discomfort, stinging, peeling, and sensitivity to sunlight.
"Consumers using these products are advised to consult with healthcare professionals if they develop any discomfort or adverse reaction," he said.
He urged sellers and distributors to stop selling and distributing these products immediately, as it violates the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Those who fail to comply with this directive can be fined up to RM25,000 or jailed for up to three years, or both, for the first offence. For subsequent offences, the fine increases to RM50,000, or imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
A company found guilty of the offence, he said, can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence, and RM100,000 for subsequent offences.