The Health Ministry has banned the sale of two cosmetic products by Vida Beauty Sdn Bhd which were found to contain high levels of mercury.
In a statement, the ministry advised anyone in possession of cosmetic products Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 and Qu Puteh Whitening UV Block to immediately stop selling, distributing and using the products.
"The above cosmetic product has been tested and detected to contain mercury which is prohibited in cosmetic products. Cosmetic product Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 is no longer allowed to be sold in Malaysia," the ministry said in the statement.
"The National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau (NPCB), Ministry of Health Malaysia had received a report of adverse effects of tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hair loss from a consumer following the use of cosmetic products Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 and Qu Puteh Whitening UV Block for about three months. The conditions resolved after stopping use," it said.
The ministry said the NPCB had sampled and tested both Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 and Qu Puteh Whitening UV Block and results showed that Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 was found to contain a high level of mercury.
Cosmetic products adulterated with mercury are usually marketed for skin lightening and anti ageing treatments such as for freckles, blemishes and wrinkles, the ministry said.
"Such products are prohibited and can cause harm to human health. Exposure to mercury can damage the kidneys and the nervous system. It may also interfere with the development of the brain in unborn and very young children," it further said.
"The notification of Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 has been cancelled and the company responsible for placing the product in the market have been instructed to immediately stop its sale and supply and to remove all physical stocks from the market within 72 hours," it said.
Astro Awani
Fri Jan 22 2016
The Health Ministry has banned the sale of two cosmetic products by Vida Beauty Sdn Bhd which were found to contain high levels of mercury. - Filepic
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.