MDA bans online sale of optical devices, contact lenses

 

Selling optical devices or contact lenses without MDA’s approval can lead to fines of up to RM200,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both. (Envato Elements pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The Medical Device Authority (MDA) has banned the online sale of optical devices and contact lenses on e-commerce platforms to protect the health and safety of users.

Its chief executive, Dr P Muralitharan said these products are regulated under the Medical Devices Act 2012 and must be registered before being imported and marketed.

He said optical devices and contact lenses fall under the category of medical devices that require a prescription and must be prepared and dispensed by a registered optician or optometrist, as outlined in Section 30 of the Optical Act 1991.

“In support of the implementation of the ban, MDA will not issue any approvals related to the advertisement and sale of optical devices and contact lenses online,” he said in a statement.

Muralitharan warned that individuals advertising medical devices without MDA’s approval violate Regulation 2(1) of the Medical Device (Advertising) Regulations 2019 and will face penalties of up to RM200,000, two years imprisonment, or both.

He also said that MDA would take legal action against e-commerce platforms that violate the regulation, including continuing to facilitate illegal sales of optical devices and contact lenses.

The public is encouraged to report online sales of optical devices or contact lenses to MDA via its feedback management system (Femes) at https://femes.mda.gov.my/ or by emailing mdb@mda.gov.my. - FMT