On 27 January 2026, the inaugural MADSA-MAB engagement was organised at the Sheraton Petaling Jaya Hotel. It was a brief session that was organissed by the MADSA Regulatory Sub-committee.
We had about 60 people representing MADSA members and some representatives from NPRA and MAB.
The event Agenda was as follows:
- Opening remarks by Vice-Head of MADSA Regulatory Sub-Committee, Brian Choo
- Opening remarks by the Deputy Director General of Health (Pharmaceutical Services), Dr. Azuana Binti Ramli
- Presentation: Latest Updates on MAB Guidelines and Policies by the MAB Secretariat
- Discussion on Raised Issues
Here's the summary of salient points from the session.
Recent MAB Updates: Streamlining Medicine Adverts in Malaysia
These changes aim to clarify advertising rules for registered medicinal products, easing compliance while protecting public health under the Medicines (Advertisement and Sale) Act 1956.
New Exemption Guidelines
A major highlight is the e-book “Guidelines for Permissible Claims in Registered Product Advertisements Exempted from MAB Approval,” published in 2025 and available at pharmacy.moh.gov.my. Ads are exempted from prior approval if they avoid combining medicine info, treatment claims, and human disease mentions. Exempt categories include:
• General DCA-approved claims: Phrases like “Used as health supplement” or “Traditionally used for general health maintenance” (MAL-registered products only). Allowed elements: product name, MAL number, packaging label, maker details. Prohibited: treatment graphics (e.g., DNA, ECG), unapproved claims, pharmacokinetic info (e.g., “sustained release”), or social media icons.
• No-treatment ads: New packaging announcements, price lists (e.g., “Year End Sale”), contests (“Buy & Win”), brand logos (e.g., “WeHealth - Care For You”), and anti-counterfeit guides.
• Pharmacy replicas: Exact DCA-approved packaging replicas or giant boxes, displayable only inside pharmacies per MAB Policy 5/2007.
Policy and Guideline Revisions
MAB Policy now explicitly bans public ads for Group B/C Poisons and natural products with therapeutic claims (MAL suffix B). Guideline updates cover:
• Permitted products (Para 2.5): OTC (X), Traditional (T), Health Supplements (N), Natural with Modern Claims (M). Poisons (A) are restricted, but exceptions include nicotine replacement, newly allowed topical diclofenac preparations (Appendix 10 template required), and certain new product press releases.
• Diclofenac specifics: Ads must show product name/image/indication/dosage, side effects, ADR reporting QR code, and mandatory statement: “Advice from a healthcare professional… Seek further advice if symptoms persist.” Valid for 1 year; display limited to pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, or official sites.
• OTC symptom claims (Appendix 11, Para 5.1): Aligned with DCA indications, e.g., for osteoarthritis (stiffness, pain, swelling); hemorrhoids (itchiness, bleeding); indigestion (bloating, acid reflux). Claims must be comprehensive, non-misleading.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
The session flagged errors like mismatched product visuals/labels, missing mandatory info (MAL, KKLIU number, expiry), tiny fonts for indications, misleading disease stats, or pairing meds with non-meds. Ads can’t exaggerate, endorse celebrities, or induce fear.
These updates promote clearer, ethical advertising, reducing red tape for compliant industry players.
MADSA wishes to express its gratitude to MAB for organizing this session, which Members found extremely helpful.
