In a statement given by the Health Ministry yesterday, the direct-selling firm responsible for selling health supplements laced with illegal drugs risks a maximum fine in tune of RM50,000.

According to Health Minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, more than RM42 million worth of health food supplements which contained prohibited drugs were seized by the Health Ministry in the past two years. Out of them, more than RM14 million were male sexual health products.

“Most of the seizures were made following public tip-offs adding that so far, the ministry had not received any report of death due to usage of such products”, said Liow, adding that “it was difficult for the ministry to identify those involved in distributing health food supplements which contained prohibited drugs because of the abundance of such products in the market”.

Speaking at a press conference after launching the Chinese New Year celebration and road safety campaign at the Bentong rest area near here on Thursday, Liow said, "The ministry cannot ascertain the number of companies which abused their license, but they should be more discipline by selling products which are approved by the ministry”.

“The Ministry views the matter seriously. Selling prohibited products is a serious violation of the law", said Liow.