Two cosmetic products under the brand name Karisma have been banned in Malaysia, says health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
He said the products, Turmeric Booster Cream and Flashhskinzz Treatment Cream, were found to contain mercury, which is a scheduled poison, Bernama reported.
“Mercury is prohibited in cosmetic products because it can be harmful to health. It can be absorbed into the body and cause damage to the kidneys and nervous system,” he was quoted as saying.
He added that it can also interfere with the brain development of young or unborn children and can cause rashes, irritations and other changes in the skin.
Noor Hisham said the sale and distribution of the two cosmetic products must be stopped with immediate effect as they violate the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
Any individual found to be selling or distributing the two products can be fined not more than RM25,000 or imprisoned not more than three years, or both, for the first offence, and fined not more than RM50,000 or jailed not more than five years, or both, for subsequent offences.
A company found guilty can be fined up to RM50,000 for the first offence and up to RM100,000 for subsequent offences.
“Members of the public who are currently using these cosmetic products are advised to immediately stop using them and seek advice from health professionals if they experience any discomfort or adverse effects,” he said.
The public is encouraged to visit the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency’s (NPRA) official website to check on the status of any cosmetic product.
Alternatively, they can check the status using the “NPRA Product Status” mobile app which can be downloaded from Google Play Store. – FMT