Singaporeans are exploiting the weaker ringgit by flocking to Johor to buy medicines at significantly lower prices, raising concerns about the lack of oversight in medication sales. As reported by the News Strait Times, some pharmacies in Johor are allegedly ignoring the need for doctor-issued prescriptions, leading to the unrestricted purchase of controlled drugs and other medicines.

Medications controlled under the Poisons Act 1952 fall into two categories: Group B, strictly dispensed with a doctor's prescription, and Group C, which can be dispensed by pharmacists without a prescription after a patient consultation.

A Singaporean, preferring to remain anonymous, revealed purchasing her hypertension medication in Johor Baru due to the stark price difference. She claimed never to have been asked for a doctor's prescription and could buy over the counter, unlike in Singapore.

  
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Checks by the New Straits Times found that several pharmacies in the state capital allowed anyone, including foreigners, to fill in details on a counter notebook, making purchases without restrictions or prescription inquiries.

Johor Health Department director Dr. Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad emphasized the illegality of dispensing controlled drugs without prescriptions, while Malaysian Pharmacists Society president Professor Amrahi Buang stressed the responsibility of pharmacists to verify prescriptions.

  
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Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad promised to investigate the matter, acknowledging its seriousness. 

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Source: NST