Counterfeit Halal Products Online Threaten Consumers in Malaysia
The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) expresses deep concern over the proliferation of counterfeit health products sold online. These products, bearing fake Halal certificates, pose risks to consumer health and adherence to Islamic law.
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) on Thursday voiced significant concern over the rise of counterfeit health products being sold on Malaysian e-commerce platforms. The association warns that products marketed with fraudulent Halal certificates threaten public health and erode the confidence of Muslims in the authenticity of goods adhering to Islamic law.
Nadzim Johan, Chief Activist for PPIM, urged authorities to investigate and take immediate action against those involved in distributing these illegal products. He highlighted the emergence of counterfeit items, such as Holista Colltech's PRISTIN® Omega-3 fish oil supplements, which laboratory tests revealed were made from low-grade palm oil instead of fish-derived Omega-3, on popular platforms like Lazada and Shopee, as a major issue.
Holista Colltech, a market leader in Malaysia for Omega-3 supplements, recently filed a police report after discovering the fake products. Independent laboratory testing confirmed the counterfeit items were produced using palm oil. While Holista's genuine products are Halal-certified, the counterfeit versions allegedly use fraudulent certification.
Johan emphasized that Holista's authentic products are exclusively available through pharmacies licensed by the Malaysian Ministry of Health or via the company's official online stores. He expressed fears that more counterfeit products may exist undetected on the rapidly growing e-commerce market. PPIM has called upon the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) to investigate the e-commerce platforms and identify the perpetrators.
The issue extends beyond immediate health risks. The misuse of Halal certification violates Islamic principles and could permanently damage consumer trust in the Halal system. It also creates unfair competition for legitimate businesses and may harm Malaysia's reputation for upholding Islamic practices and Halal compliance.