03/11/2025

MONDAY | NOV 3, 2025

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Local firm set to produce first halal pet food in Asia

Unregistered medicine syndicate crippled KUALA LUMPUR: The Selangor Health Department busted a syndicate involved in the sale and distribution of unregistered medicines, seizing 402 types of drugs worth more than RM6 million in an operation conducted in Klang on Oct 23. In a statement yesterday, the department said it conducted raids on two premises used as illegal storage facilities and four retail outlets linked to the syndicate, while assisted by teams from Pahang, Negeri Sembilan and the Kuala Lumpur Pharmacy Enforcement branch. “The unregistered medicines, believed to have been imported, were allegedly obtained from unauthorised suppliers for distribution in the local market. “Among the seized items were medicines containing controlled substances, including sexual stimulants (Sildenafil), antibiotics (Tetracycline and Amoxicillin), steroids (Dexamethasone), contraceptive pills (Ethinylestradiol/ Levonorgestrel) and antihistamines (Chlorpheniramine),” read the statement. The sale and possession of unregistered medicines are offences under Regulation 7(1)(a) of the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984 and are punishable under Section 12 of the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. Individuals may be fined up to RM25,000 or sentenced to a maximum of three years’ imprisonment, while companies are liable to a fine of up to RM50,000. It said the move is part of efforts to curb the sale and distribution of unregistered medicines, aimed at safeguarding public health, adding that it is also working to intensify the “Tolak Ubat Tidak Sah” campaign launched in 2024. The public is advised to verify the registration status of medicines by checking for the hologram security sticker and registration number (MAL), or by visiting the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) website at http://www.npra.gov.my, or calling NPRA at 03-7883 5400. The public is also encouraged to report any suspicious medicines through the Public Agency Complaint Management System at

backed pet nutrition by combining Malaysia’s pet wellness expertise with Thailand’s globally recognised manufacturing standards. The event was attended by Tengku Faizwa Tengku Razif, representing the Malaysia International Economic and Social Development Association, alongside IPF president Kitisak Limamphai and senior executives from both organisations. Tengku Faizwa said the partnership embodied Asean’s spirit of regional unity and innovation. “This partnership is more than a commercial alliance. It is a commitment to quality, care and cross-border growth,” she said. “It reflects how Malaysia and Thailand can collaborate to create high-value industries that benefit communities and economies alike.” Chin said the partnership would enable both companies to co-develop pet food formulas that meet human-grade standards, focusing on nutritional transparency, ethical sourcing and preventative health – a concept he calls the “preventative diet” for pets. “We aim to bridge the gap

between maintenance diets and prescription diets,” he said. “Just like humans who eat clean to stay healthy longer, our preventative diet helps pets maintain wellness before illness occurs.” The partnership also aligns with Asean’s 2025 theme of “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, promoting responsible innovation, ethical sourcing and regional cooperation in Asia’s rapidly growing pet care industry. Chin said transparency remains a cornerstone of the company’s philosophy, especially in a market in which product claims are not always strictly regulated. “We disclose everything – ingredient percentages, sources and production standards – so pet parents know exactly what they are feeding their pets,” he said. “Every batch is tested for bacteria such as salmonella before entering the market. We never use GMOs, colourings or fillers. Every ingredient is fresh, raw and natural.” He added that the company’s long-term goal is to build a trusted, premium pet food brand rooted in transparency, scientific validation and cultural inclusivity. “We believe pets deserve the same integrity and nutrition as humans,” he said. “If we can create the first halal certified, science-backed pet food in Asia, it’s not just a market opportunity – it’s about trust, values and care.” Meanwhile, Kitisak said the partnership extends CP Foods’ legacy of sustainable, human-grade production into the pet industry. “Pets are more than companions, they are family,” he said. “Our collaboration with Pet Universe NOURISH bridges Thailand, Malaysia and the world, setting new benchmarks in pet wellness and nutrition. “This partnership represents a perfect alignment of values. Their expertise in science-backed, transparent and humanised pet nutrition complements CP Foods’ capabilities in agriculture, food production and sustainable supply chains.

o Company secures endorsement from Thailand Islamic Association and will seek Malaysian certification once standardising mechanism by authorities becomes available

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

recognised by the Thailand Islamic Association under the Suci Embassy – a halal -equivalent certification for pet products. Once Malaysia opens this framework, we intend to be the first to apply.” He said the halal aspect is becoming increasingly important for Muslim pet owners who want assurance that products for their cats meet ethical and religious standards. Chin was speaking during an interview held in conjunction with the signing of a strategic partnership between Pet Universe NOURISH and International Pet Food Company Limited (IPF) of Thailand – a subsidiary of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods). The collaboration aims to transform the regional market for premium, sustainable and science

KUALA LUMPUR: A Malaysian brand is gearing to make history by producing Asia’s first halal- certified premium pet food, and it has already secured international backing to make it happen. Pet Universe NOURISH CEO Patrick Chin said while Malaysia lacks an official certification framework under the Islamic Development Department for pet food, the company is ready to seek recognition as soon as such mechanism becomes available. “As of now, there is no local association or authority that regulates halal certification for pet food,” Chin said. “But our wet food line is already

From left: Pet Universe NOURISH chief international officer Youssef Housni, Kitisak, Chin and IPF deputy director of Pet Food International Trades Suwit Kalyasiri at the event. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN http://moh.spab.gov.my, by visiting the nearest Kuala Lumpur Pharmacy Enforcement office or by calling the hotline at 03-7841 3200. – Bernama Malaysian man shot dead in Thailand, border security stepped up “Combined with Pet Universe NOURISH’s consumer insights and vision, this will undoubtedly set new benchmarks for excellence in the pet product industry.”

Ű BY THESUN TEAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

occurs on the Thai side, we on the Malaysian side are always vigilant. “I have instructed all officers and personnel stationed along the border to remain on high alert and continue implementing preventive measures,” he said at a press conference at the Tactical Company headquarters in Pengkalan Kubor yesterday. He said roadblock inspections and patrols have been further tightened as a precaution to maintain border security and ensure effective control.

Meanwhile, General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade has stepped up security and tightened inspections along the Malaysia-Thailand border following the shooting. Its acting commander ACP Ijid Landu Binju said although the GOF has intensified control measures, officers remain on constant alert and do not act only in response to isolated incidents. “Regardless of any incident that the

suspect, who fled after discarding at the scene a 9mm pistol used in the shooting. The suspect, who reportedly lived nearby, had earlier been seen arguing with the victim, allegedly over a financial matter. The exact circumstances of the altercation remain unclear. Fuad, a native of Kampung Kepas Apam in Kelantan, was married to Wan Fatihah Mat Hussin, 35. The couple had no children.

The victim, identified as Mohd Fuad Fahmie Ghazali, 33, was reported by a Malay daily to have died at 9pm while receiving treatment at the Sungai Golok Hospital. His mother Zaiton Abdul Rahman, 64, said she was informed at about 8pm that her son had been attacked and was being treated at the hospital. About an hour later, she received a call notifying her of his death. A Thai police spokesperson said investigations are ongoing to locate a

PETALING JAYA: A Malaysian man was shot dead at a house at Sungai Golok, Narathiwat in Thailand on Saturday night in what is believed to be a dispute between neighbours. Kelantan police chief Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mamat confirmed the incident when contacted by Bernama. “Yes, I can confirm it occurred,” he said.