New Straits Times (Apr 11, 09:34 PM) PETALING JAYA, Sat. - The market for sex stimulants in Malaysia is thriving, judging by the millions of ringgit worth of unregistered stimulants seized over the years.
Datuk Che Mohd Zin Che Awang, director of the Health Ministry's Pharmaceutical Services Division, said most of the illegal drugs claimed they could improve men's sexual health and also be used for slimming.
His division seized almost RM15 million worth of unregistered drugs in the first two months of this year compared to RM7 million and RM4 million for the whole of 2003 and 2002, respectively.
Selangor topped the list with RM10.22 million in unregistered drugs confiscated, followed by Kuala Lumpur (RM488,440) and Kelantan (RM427,456).
Speaking at a Press conference, he said the increase in the amount confiscated this year was due to the division's campaign against unregistered drugs.
The Press conference was called to alert the public against buying "Shitek Tongkat Ali 400mg" and "Longeria Capsule", which have been found to be adulterated with tadalafil.
He said tadalafil, better known as Cialis, cannot be used as an ingredient in traditional medicines because uncontrolled consumption could be hazardous to health.
Similar to sildenafil (Viagra) and vardenafil (Levitra), Cialis is an anti-erectile dysfunction drug that is available by prescription only.
Nicknamed "All-weekender", it is claimed the drug helps the user to obtain a full erection in 16 minutes and maintain it for up to 36 hours.
Hailed as a breakthrough in anti-ED oral treatment, the drug does have a few side effects, namely, a mild headache or indigestion.
It also interacts with drugs taken by heart patients which contain nitrates and nitroglycerine, and therefore should not be prescribed to them.
Most of these illegal drugs are smuggled by air into the country, mainly from China and India.
"These drugs are easy to carry because they are small, light and can be hidden in bags or even pockets. Because of that, we will work more closely with Customs in monitoring the arrival of visitors from these two countries."
He said the "Shitek Tongkat Ali 400mg" and "Longeria Capsule" were manufactured locally and that legal action had been initiated against the companies involved.
It is believed these illegal drugs were marketed through direct selling companies as it was difficult to obtain them retail.
He called on those who have purchased these medicines to hand them to the authorities.
Under the 1984 Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations, individuals found distributing unauthorised drugs or medicine face a maximum of RM25,000 fine or three years jail for a first offence and a maximum of RM50,000 or five years jail for the second or subsequent offences.
A company found guilty can expect a maximum RM50,000 fine for the first offence and a maximum of RM100,000 fine for the second and subsequent offences.
