PUTRAJAYA, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) has cancelled the notification of the cosmetic product GB Daily Glow Skin Cream after it was found to contain scheduled poisons, mercury, and is no longer allowed to be sold in the country.
It said that mercury is banned in cosmetics because it can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system.
"It (mercury) can also disrupt the brain development of young children or unborn babies.
"It can also cause rashes, irritation, and other changes to the skin," according to the MOH in a statement today.
Following that, the ministry urged the public to avoid buying and using the involved cosmetics.
Members of the public who are using this cosmetic are advised to stop using it immediately and seek advice from a healthcare professional if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects.
"The public is encouraged to check the notification status of a cosmetic product and the list of cancelled cosmetics by visiting the official National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website www.npra.gov.my," according to the statement.
The statement said that the involved sellers and distributors of the cosmetics must immediately cease the sale and distribution of the cosmetics.
"The sale and distribution of this cosmetic are in violation of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984," added the statement.
Individuals who commit an offence under the relevant regulations may be subjected to a maximum fine of RM25,000 or imprisonment not exceeding three years or both for the first offence, and a maximum fine of RM50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both for subsequent offences.
Companies that commit offences can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
-- BERNAMA