MDA bans online sale of optical devices, contact lenses

KUALA LUMPUR: The Medical Device Authority (MDA) has banned the online sale of optical devices and contact lenses on e-commerce platforms to protect the health and safety of users’ vision.

Chief executive Dr P. Muralitharan stated that optical devices and contact lenses are regulated under the Medical Devices Act 2012 (Act 737) and must meet all registration requirements under the same act before they can be imported and marketed.

He explained that optical devices and contact lenses fall under the category of medical devices that require a prescription and must be prepared and dispensed by a registered optician or optometrist as stated in the Optical Act 1991, Section 30, enforced by the Malaysian Optical Council.

“In support of the implementation of the ban, the MDA will not issue any approvals related to the advertisement and sale of optical devices and contact lenses online,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (March 25).

Dr Muralitharan warned that individuals found to be carrying out such activities without MDA approval will be in violation of the Medical Device (Advertising) Regulations 2019, Regulation 2(1), and could be fined up to RM200,000 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both.

He also emphasised that as the authority responsible for the regulation of medical devices in Malaysia, the MDA will take strict action against any party that violates the regulations, including legal action against platform providers who continue to sell optical devices and contact lenses illegally.

Dr Muralitharan added that the MDA urges public cooperation to report the online sales of optical devices or contact lenses through the MDA Feedback Management System (FEMES) at https://femes.mda.gov.my/ or by emailing mdb@mda.gov.my. – Bernama