STRONGER provisions are needed to curb the sale of counterfeit drugs, especially online, the Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA) said today. 

These provisions should include a review in the fine amount and jail terms, and should hold drug companies accountable, PhAMA executive director Ewe Kheng Huat said.

He said three of the association’s member companies had reported counterfeits involving their products.

Counterfeits do not contain a drug’s active ingredient, which consumers are unaware of, and those sold online tend to come from dubious sources.

Ewe said PhAMA was working closely with the Customs Department, such as by providing technical training to its officers on how to identify counterfeit drugs.

“They are trying to tighten it (online sales of counterfeit drugs) and impose stricter penalties. They are checking all these sites now,” he said at the launch of PhAMA’s 2018 Industry Fact Book.

Ewe also warned consumers against buying medication online, especially without a prescription. 

He added drugs sold online might not be registered. 

“Patients have to be careful. They can’t self-diagnose and buy medicines online as you never know where the source is. 

“It is important for patients to get products that are registered here. Are online medications registered? It is questionable.” – January 8, 2019.