TRADITIONAL Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioners and pharmacies in Malaysia are making the switch from medicines made from animal ingredients to plant-based remedies, industry players said, but there remains a small segment who continue to ply prohibited goods.

Another concern is the sale of traditional medicines made from fake animal parts, now that the clampdown on endangered wildlife trade has made them more expensive.

Since a decade ago, the local TCM industry has by and large shunned the use and sale of animal-based products, especially those involving endangered species, said Federation of Chinese Physicians’ and Acupuncturists’ Associations Malaysia president Ng Po Kok.

Those who continue to sell such items are doing so under the counter.

Part of the success in making the switch is the awareness among TCM practitioners that Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country and their clientele come from different backgrounds.

“Practitioners not only treat Chinese patients, but also Malay and Indian patients. So, we avoid using animal-based medicines and ingredients as much as we can and use herbal remedies to achieve the same effects,” Ng said.

The few shops that sell endangered animal parts are a minority, he said, adding that they have been affected by enforcement bans on such products.

“I estimate that there are less than 10% of shops (offering banned wildlife). And these sorts of medicines are only provided if the customer requires it. Furthermore, these animals are rare so the prices are also steep.

“Of greater concern is that more people are selling fake animal-based medicines. Ingredients like bear gallbladder and tiger bones are hard to come by, so even counterfeit goods can fetch high prices.”

Chinese Physicians Medicine Dealers’ Associations Malaysia secretary-general Choo Teik Liang said the association has urged members not to trade in animal-based medicine and ingredients during a convention four years ago.

“Since then, the association has continuously issued reminders about new laws to keep them informed that trading in such goods is illegal.

“Whether or not they’re following the laws, we cannot say for certain. That is for the enforcement agencies to investigate,” Choo said.

Past discussions between the authorities and the association show that there are still TCM shops selling animal-based medicines.

“Some are still some doing it but we do not have the complete numbers. So, we don’t have a clear picture.

“To our understanding and based on calculations involving TCM shops in the country, there are very few of them,” Choo said.

Only medicines using parts from protected species have been banned, so other products using non-endangered animals are still available, he added.

“One banned ingredient is deer antlers, for example. The list of prohibited items is also constantly being reviewed, depending if conservation targets are achieved and some items might be allowed again.

“Or if the species continues to decline, then the animal will be placed on the restriction list.

“But regardless of the law, we encourage our members to avoid animal-based medicine and to use herbal remedies exclusively.”

A TCM practitioner himself, Choo said much of the benefits of animal-based medicine can be replicated using herbs, with the caveat that the dosage should be adjusted as necessary.

Chinese Drug Dealers’ Association president Loh Kim Fong still believes not enough TCM shops have enough understanding of current legislation, although the Wildlife and National Parks Department has improved in terms of raising more awareness over time.

“Now, every operator has a Perhilitan-issued booklet that states clearly what can be sold and what is prohibited. As long as they keep up enforcement, I believe operators will no longer dare to sell such products.”

Loh said the association also frequently consults the relevant authorities to make sure it is up to date with the current laws before issuing notices to its 1,200 members.

“We have held forums and meetings to exchange views to let members know how severe the punishments are so nobody will be willing to risk it to sell such products,” he said.

On the Selangor government’s threat to review licences and revoke if necessary, Ng said the action is appropriate and will prevent the situation from worsening.

“I don’t imagine there are many shops flouting the law right now, but if the government is not enforcing the law strictly then it would be easy for relapse to happen.”

However, Choo hopes that the government will opt for discussion and awareness first, rather than revoke licences immediately.

“Take the appropriate action but do not threaten our licences. It is better to have some discussion so we all understand the relevant laws and we will comply.”

Selangor executive councillor for local government, public transport and new village development Ng Sze Han said on September 8 the state government is working with the authorities to clamp down on the sale and trade of products involving endangered animals, including by TCM businesses.

“If traditional Chinese medicine businesses are found to be using animal-based medicine, authorities will review and suspend their licences if necessary,” said Sze Han. – September 17, 2020.