MOH warns seniors against unproven hydrogen inhalers

The Malaysian Health Ministry (MOH) has cautioned senior citizens and individuals in general to be wary of unverified health claims related to hydrogen inhalers and other medical devices. The MOH stressed that these devices, including hydrogen inhalers and hydrogen machines, have not received approval from the Medical Device Authority (MDA) under the Medical Device Act 2012 (Act 737).

Under the law, the registration of medical devices with the MDA is mandatory for sale, distribution, or advertising in Malaysia. The MOH highlighted a series of sales and promotional activities involving hydrogen inhalers that included assertions about their health benefits, such as treating heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

The ministry urged consumers to be cautious of such claims, particularly those that employ persuasive tactics, often targeting older individuals with pressure or emotional appeals. The warning comes amid growing concern over health-related products targeted at vulnerable consumers, with the ministry emphasizing that unverified devices should not be considered as alternatives to established medical treatments.

The public was advised to verify the registration status of any medical device on the official MDA portal before purchasing it to mitigate the risk of fraud and potential harm. The ministry also encouraged consumers to report the sale of unregistered medical devices or deceptive advertising directly to the MOH or MDA for further investigation.

This caution underscores the government's ongoing commitment to safeguard consumers from medical devices that make unsubstantiated health claims without the requisite regulatory approval or evidence to back their purported benefits.