Kota Kinabalu: A 33-year-old, who is seven months pregnant , was fined a total of RM1,300 for having and selling cosmetics without notifications and unregistered products.
Sofinah Osman, a first offender, pleaded guilty before Sessions Court Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan, to four charges against her on Wednesday.
On the first count, Sofinah was admonished and charged with having for sale pne box of unregistered product “Herba Kurus Tradisi” at 11.30am on Feb 15, 2024 at the Rania Fashion and Cosmetic at Taman Kedai Pengalat Besar in Papar.
The offence under Regulation 7 (1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetic Regulations 1984 and punishable under Section 12(2) of the Drug Sales Act 1952 carries a jail term of up to three years, or a fine of up to RM50,000 or both, on conviction.
On the second count, she was fined RM300 in default seven days’ jail for selling a set of Glow Glowing Beauty skin without notification at the same place and time.
On the third count, Sofinah was fined RM500 or jailed 14 days for having 12 products which were not registered with the Health Ministry at the same place and time.
On the fourth count, she was fined another RM500 or jailed two weeks for having 13 cosmetics without notification at the same place and time.
In mitigation, Sofinah asked for leniency saying that she is pregnant and forced to sell the products because of financial problem during confinement after giving birth to her first child.
She also told the court that she was no longer operating the business.
However, Prosecuting Officer Norhidayu Soon Gin Yee from the Pharmacy Department, urged the court to impose an appropriate sentence saying that the unregistered products and cosmetics without notifications worth RM2,761 were seized during raid on the premises based on public’s complaint.
She submitted that the processing method and production of the products were questionable and its safety was uncertain, adding it was possible that they were handled and packaged in a factory that does not practise safe and hygienic methods.
So the quality and safety of the products were doubtful, said Norhidayu.
