Advertising rights in Malaysia will be granted only for medical devices that have obtained registration permits from the country’s health regulators, according to new guidance published in April by the country’s Medical Service Authority (MSA).
The guidance is designed to ensure that medical devices offered for sale on the Malaysian market are safe and effective. The restrictions represent a significant bolstering of consumer protections in Malaysia.
The guidance applies to all forms of advertising, whether disseminated via the Internet, printed materials, press releases, or printed displays. It also applies to sponsorships and broadcasting. The guidance also regulates the form that advertisements for registered devices may take and requires advertising content to be accurate, specific, backed by data, and to contain warnings to consumers about potential product risks.