MOH Wants Malaysians To Only Use Regulated Thermometers
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The Health Ministry (MOH) wants Malaysians to use government regulated non-contact infrared thermometers.
Following the events of the Covid-19 pandemic, the public were made aware of thermometers and temperature scanners, which have become a common tool in the “new normal”, that were providing inaccurate readings.
Well according to MOH and the Malaysian Medical Device Authority (MDA), any medical devices used to detect medical conditions and diseases are supposed to be subjected to regulations under the Medical Devices Act 2012.
According to regulations, medical devices such as the non-contact infrared thermometers, can only be imported, exported or placed on the market, if the device has been appropriately registered by businesses licensed under MDA.
Going against this rule can land companies with a fine of no more than RM200,000 or a maximum prison sentence of two years, or both.
(Anton/Unsplash)
However, due to the circumstances of the pandemic, authorities had given businesses permission to import and distribute unregistered medical devices for a limited time period after attaining special permission and oversight from the MDA.
Authorities also have the right to stop or call back any devices with performance and safety issues from the market.
But now confusingly, MOH wants the public to be more critical in our purchase and use of thermometers.
MOH recommends that Malaysians inspect the instruction or user manual for thermometers to ensure that we use the “correct” ones, without really explaining what it is the public should be looking for.
Pengimbas Suhu Infrared Tanpa Sentuh yang digunakan untuk periksa suhu badan kita sebelum masuk ke premis tertentu adalah peranti perubatan Kelas B (Berisiko Sederhana Rendah).
— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) June 30, 2020
Alat ini perlu berdaftar dgn PBPP.
Info lanjut dan pertanyaan lawat laman sesawang yang tertera. pic.twitter.com/p3bXsghQJ5
We’ve reached out to the MDA for comments regarding this and are still waiting on a reply.
For now, TRP suggests for our readers to just stay away from those “cheap” thermometers and only use ones with the official SIRIM certification stamp of approval as recommended by the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP).
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