KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2 – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has seized illegal weight-loss and diabetes medicines worth more than RM400,000.
The seizures involved Retatrutide and Ozempic. The enforcement operation covered unauthorised online sales between 2025 and September 2026.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the action followed concerns about medicines sold without proper medical supervision or regulatory approval.
Retatrutide and Ozempic Seized in Raids
The Pharmacy Enforcement Division carried out 12 raids involving Retatrutide. Officers seized 697 units worth RM341,000.
Retatrutide is still an investigational drug. It is not yet included in the MOH formulary.
The ministry also conducted seven raids involving illegal Ozempic sales. These operations led to the seizure of 62 units worth RM64,170.
Ozempic contains semaglutide, a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It may also be prescribed for other approved medical uses.
Dzulkefly shared the figures during a question-and-answer session in the Dewan Rakyat on Monday. He was responding to a question from Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, the MP for Sekijang.
MOH to Tighten Online Drug Monitoring
The ministry plans to strengthen monitoring of medicines sold through e-commerce platforms and social media.
Dzulkefly said public safety remains the priority. He also warned against the misuse of online platforms to sell medicines outside regulatory controls.
Consumers should be careful when buying medicines online. They should check the product and seller with the relevant health authorities before making a purchase.
No Dedicated Budget for GLP-1 Medicines
Dzulkefly also addressed funding for GLP-1 medicines under Budget 2026.
He said the government had not set aside a specific allocation for medicines such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
However, patients who need these treatments can apply through the ministry’s Special Approval Medicines Unit. Approved applications are funded through existing allocations.
From January to September 2026, the ministry approved 240 applications. The total expenditure reached RM2.56 million.
The ministry will continue seeking dedicated funding for these medicines in future budgets.
New Rules Proposed for Sugary Drinks
Meanwhile, the ministry is finalising draft rules for a mandatory Nutri-Grade system.
The proposed system would classify beverages according to their total sugar content. It aims to help consumers make healthier choices.
The draft regulations will be introduced through amendments to the Food Regulations 1985. They are expected to be submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers this month.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
