I was harmed by a herbal or traditional product that turned out to contain hidden drugs. Can I claim in Malaysia?

"Natural", "herbal" or "traditional" products for joint pain, slimming, asthma, skin conditions or sexual performance are widely sold online and in shops. Some have been found to contain undeclared steroids, painkillers or other scheduled medicines. Users may suffer serious side effects, such as Cushing's-type features, adrenal problems, high blood sugar or kidney damage, without knowing why.

How are these products regulated?

• Traditional and herbal products sold in Malaysia generally need to be registered with the NPRA, the Ministry of Health's drug regulatory agency, under rules made under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. A registered product carries a registration number (often beginning "MAL") and a security label.
• Scheduled medicines such as steroids are controlled under the Poisons Act 1952. They should not be hidden in a product sold as traditional medicine.
• The NPRA publishes product searches and safety alerts about adulterated or unregistered products.

How do I know if my product was adulterated?

From a medical point of view, suspicion arises when:

• symptoms improved dramatically and quickly, then side effects appeared;
• blood tests show features of steroid use you did not knowingly take;
• the product has no registration number, or the number does not match the NPRA record;
• the authorities have issued a warning about that product.

Testing may be possible through the authorities or an accredited laboratory. Your doctor's findings are also important evidence.

What should I do first?

1. Do not stop suddenly without medical advice if you have been taking a product for a long time; steroid withdrawal can be dangerous. See a doctor and tell them exactly what you took.
2. Keep the product, packaging, leaflet and remaining contents.
3. Keep proof of purchase: receipt, online order, chat with the seller, payment record.
4. Screenshot the listing or advertisement, including the claims made.
5. Report the product to the Ministry of Health or NPRA.

Have a question about your own situation? Ask on WhatsApp

Who can be liable?

• The seller, under contract. The Sale of Goods Act 1957 implies terms about quality and fitness for purpose in many sales.
• The manufacturer, importer or brand owner, under the product liability provisions of the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Part X), which can apply where a defective product causes damage, and in negligence.
• A practitioner who supplied or recommended the product, depending on the facts. See injury by a traditional or complementary medicine practitioner.

Practical problems include sellers who disappear, overseas manufacturers and fake brand names. Identifying a defendant with assets is often the main challenge.

Where can I claim?

• For smaller amounts, the Tribunal for Consumer Claims may be an option for consumers.
• For serious injury, a civil claim in court with medical evidence is usually needed.

Common mistakes

• Throwing away the product after getting sick.
• Not telling the doctor about "natural" products.
• Relying on "halal" or "approved" stickers without checking the registration.
• Posting accusations against a named seller before the facts are confirmed.

When to speak to a lawyer

If you suffered serious or lasting harm and can identify who sold, imported or made the product. You can contact us; every case depends on its facts.

Frequently asked questions

The product had a registration number. Can I still claim?

Possibly. Registration does not prevent a specific batch from being adulterated or counterfeit.

I bought it online from an individual. Who do I sue?

The seller, if identifiable, and possibly the supplier. Platform records may help identify the seller.

Can I claim for the cost of treatment?

Medical costs caused by the product are usually part of the damages claimed.

Will the authorities test my product?

They may investigate reported products. Ask when you report.

Is it a crime to sell such products?

Selling unregistered or adulterated products may be an offence under drug-control laws. Enforcement is for the authorities; your civil claim is separate.

Sources & fact check

Legal points in this article were checked against the primary sources below. The law can change; this is general information, not legal advice.

1. National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA), Ministry of Health
2. Sale of Drugs Act 1952 (Act 368), AGC Laws of Malaysia
3. Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366), AGC Laws of Malaysia
4. Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599), AGC Laws of Malaysia
5. Sale of Goods Act 1957 (Act 382), AGC Laws of Malaysia

Fact-checked on 17 Oct 2026