Illegal Medical Product and Deferred Prosecution Agreement in Malaysia

Abstract

The recent covid-19 pandemic has seen a demand for medical products. The problem identified is that unscrupulous traders are seen to be taking advantage of the situation by selling illegal products. The Ministry of Health seized 23 278 illegal pharmaceutical products worth more than RM 600 000 during Operation Pangea XIII, which was conducted in 2020. One of the factors identified for such illegal activity is the prosecution and penalty imposed on the traders is ineffective in acting as a deterrent as the profits gained from selling the products are much higher than the fine imposed. Adopting a doctrinal approach, this article analyses the provisions for combatting illegal medical products in Malaysia. The article aims to assess whether the provisions successfully overcame the problems of illegal medical products on the market. It is submitted the present law is outdated. It was found that Malaysia should consider implementing DPA. This is because based on the experience of other jurisdictions, DPA is able to deter traders from selling illegal medical products by imposing hefty penalties. Thus, DPA will create healthy environments for the consumption of medical products for Malaysia consumers.