Recently, the Malaysian government has been trying to implement stricter regulatory control of imported pharmaceutical products. Beginning July 2012, all drugs imported into Malaysia will be required to undergo a strict licensing scheme before entering the country. Companies who wish to import drugs and pharmaceutical products now need a Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) license.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai stated that this plan was to safeguard public health and ensure that imported drugs meet the quality and safety standards in Malaysia. Pharmaceutical companies have been given a six month grace to comply with the new regulations.