Kargo palsu, ‘doktor AI’ punca lambakan ubat tak berdaftar

On Wednesday, Kelantan's Health Department seized 5,584 products, including unregistered dangerous drugs worth around RM60,000 from seven premises in Kota Bharu. According to the Malaysian Pharmacy Association (MPS) President Amrahi Buang, false cargo declarations at border gates and weak e-commerce platform monitoring are the primary reasons for the large-scale smuggling of unregistered medical and cosmetic products onto the local market.

Smugglers use land routes and illegal warehouses, hiding hazardous goods under ordinary commercial cargo containers to avoid inspection. They also employ fake doctor images or voices to influence customers and use secret codes to bypass platform checks. They often close or create new accounts after noticing authorities' attention.

Another concern arises from the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by smugglers to generate fake doctor images or voices to persuade users. They frequently close or create new accounts after authorities' attention. Amrahi believes that a maximum fine of RM25,000 for individuals and RM50,000 for companies under the Opium and Opium Drugs Act 1952 is insufficient to combat modern challenges and sophisticated tactics in the digital market.

The law needs to be strengthened, including imposing stricter penalties on e-commerce platform supervisors if they fail to screen for illegal activities. He also suggested increasing penalties for manufacturers mixing toxic substances like carcinogenic additives based on the percentage of sales value or quantity seized, not just a fixed amount.

Public health specialist Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) warns that unregistered and mixed medicinal products can cause severe health issues, including hormonal disruptions, heart damage, organ failure, and even cancer. She advises consumers to always check product registration status and consult qualified doctors before taking any supplements.