Frequently Asked Questions
  1. How do you know a product is registered or not?

  1. You can check a product is registered or not by looking for the registration number of the product on the bottle or pack of the medicine.

The number can be recognised with the alphabets MAL or PBKD followed by 8 or 6 digits. The alphabet at the end denotes the category of the product:

T – traditional medicines
X - medicine which does not contain scheduled poison
A - medicines which does contain scheduled poison

[e.g. MAL19991234T or PBKD995678T for traditional medicine]

  1. You may also search for product registration or particular regarding registration at www.bpfk.gov.my

  1. Where do you make a complaint if you suspect a product is not registered with MOH?

    You may contact Pharmaceutical Services Division Ministry of Health or any pharmacy enforcement officer in the respective state.

  2. Can a traveller bring medication to Malaysia?

    Yes. A traveller may bring as part of his luggage medication for his own use a reasonable quantity for 1 month consumption.

    For medicines containing dangerous drugs , the traveller need to declare to the customs officer his medication and may be subjected to medical examination.

  3. What is the control regarding import of drugs and cosmetics in the country?

    Under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984, drugs and cosmetics need to be registered with the Ministry of Health before such a product can be imported or manufactured in Malaysia.

    The registration of cosmetic product falls under phase IV which has not started yet. However there are a few groups of cosmetic products which contain therapeutic substance or have medicinal claims which are registrable under phase I or II; for example face creams containing hydroquinone (depending on the content of hydroquinone), hair dyes and anti-dandruff preparations. The exporter has to appoint a local agent for the registration and importation of these products.

  4. Where do you register drugs & cosmetics?

    You may get the relevant forms to register drugs or cosmetics from the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Jalan University, P.O. Box 319, 46730 Petaling Jaya (tel: 60(3) 7957 3611 on fax 60 (3) 7956 2924.
    You may also print the application forms from their website : www.bpfk.gov.my

  5. What are the control for import of veterinary medicine?

    Only poison licence A holder can import veterinary medicine containing substances listed in the First Schedule of Poisons Act 1952. Registration of veterinary medicines has not started yet.

  6. Where do you apply for a poison licence?

    Application can be made to the respective State Health Department (refer to Pharmacy Enforcement Unit).

  7. How can a person import an unregistered product?

    Unregistered product may be imported for treatment of life-threatening illness as provided under R15(6) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations. You may write to the Director of Pharmaceutical Services Division stating the patient’s name, name of the drug and the quantity required; and the reason for importation of the said drug.

  8. How long does it take to process the application for an import of unregistered product?

    2 weeks

  9. What are the requirements for a person to be registered as a pharmacist in Malaysia?

    In order to register as a pharmacist in Malaysia, a person must

  1. Possess a degree recognized by the Pharmacy Board of Malaysia
  2. Undergo pupilage training not less than a year that is recognized by the Pharmacy Board
  3. Pass a Forensic examination conducted by the Pharmacy Board

For a foreigner, additional requirements are:

  1. He/she is married to a Malaysian
  2. He/she is the spouse of a foreigner working in Malaysia under a valid working permit. There must also be no restriction in the applicant's own visa
  1. How many times a year is the forensic examination held?

    Usually 2 times a year in June and November.


  2. Do we have to do pupillage for 6 months before we can sit for the forensic exam?

    Previous to May 2002, you have to do 6 months pupillage before you can sit for the exam. But after May 2002, there is no more restriction on time limit.


  3. Do all the candidates for forensic exam called for oral examination?

    No, only candidates with borderline marks were called for oral (viva) examination.


  4. If a graduate has extra degree e.g. masters, Ph.D. is there any exemption for doing pupillage training.

    No, there is no exemption. Everybody who want to register as a pharmacist with the Malaysian Pharmacy Board must do pupillage training.