Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya said they must ensure every cosmetic product manufactured complied with the regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Health.

“It is normal practice for us to monitor and test every sample of cosmetic products including Qu Puteh products. They were also tested prior to this and were found to have adhered to the regulations, however, the latest sample has mercury.

“That is why the (Health) Ministry directed that it be withdrawn within 72 hours. In addition, we also called its manufacturer to explain why the substance was found in the product concerned,” he told reporters after a constituency event at Kampung Sungai Batu, Teluk Kumbar, today.

Qu Puteh has been in the news after the company’s founder, Hasmiza Othman (“Dr Vida”) announced sponsorship of the Kelantan state football team, with Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium in Kota Baru to be painted pink. The company also sponsors the Anugerah Juara Lagu talent competition.

Newspaper reports quoting the Health Ministry has said that Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 product, manufactured by Syarikat Vida Beauty, were to be taken off the market immediately as it contained a high level of the scheduled poison mercury.

The company was reportedly given 72 hours to withdraw their stocks and the public were advised to avoid buying and using the Qu Puteh Whitening Pro 9 product as mercury could endanger their health.

Dr Hilmi, who is MP for Balik Pulau, said the ministry would boost enforcement and tests on cosmetics already available on the market, to ensure they obeyed stipulated regulations.

Dr Hilmi joined 104 nursing students to make house-to-house visits in the village to give free health checks to residents.

– BERNAMA