How to check if a product is KKM-registered: MAL number, FarmaTag and QUEST3+

Why registration matters

In Malaysia, all pharmaceutical products — including imported products, traditional products and health supplements — must be registered with the Drug Control Authority (DCA) before they are marketed. The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the MOH evaluates their quality and safety and, for modern medicines, their efficacy.

According to the MOH, registered products carry two key features on the sales pack: a MAL registration number and a security hologram label. A product without both features may not be registered.

Step 1: Find the MAL number on the label

The registration number starts with “MAL”, followed by 8 digits and a letter that shows the product category. Example: MAL12345678T.

• A — controlled medicines (prescription medicines)
• X — non-prescription / over-the-counter (OTC) medicines
• T — natural products (traditional and homeopathic medicines)
• N — health supplements, such as vitamins or minerals

Step 2: Check the number on the NPRA website

Open QUEST3+ Product Search on the NPRA website (www.npra.gov.my → Product Search). Choose the “Pharmaceutical” category, then search by registration number. If there is no MAL number on the pack, you can try searching by product name, registration holder, manufacturer, importer or active ingredient.

Make sure the result matches the product in your hand: product name, dosage form (capsule, tablet, liquid), registration holder and status. Results are only valid at the date and time of the search, because registration status can change.

The MOH also offers the “NPRA Product Status” mobile app, which also lists products whose registration has been cancelled.

Step 3: Check the security hologram

Since 1 September 2019 the MOH has used the FarmaTag hologram (replacing Meditag). Visible features include the hologram image, a QR code, a blue-to-purple colour shift, a serial number and a PIN. Older FarmaTag labels can be verified with the FarmaChecker app.

The MOH announced a new FarmaTag version in use from 2 October 2025, with verification added to the MyUBAT app from 1 January 2026. You can also ask a pharmacist at a licensed pharmacy to check the hologram.

Warning signs

The MOH has found products marketed as “traditional” or “herbal” that were adulterated with scheduled poisons such as sildenafil and tadalafil. These may only be supplied with a doctor's prescription; using them without supervision can cause serious adverse effects, especially for heart patients taking nitrate medicines.

• No MAL number or hologram on the pack.
• The MAL number cannot be found on the NPRA website, or the details do not match the product.
• Claims such as “instant results”, “100% safe with no side effects” or “cures” a disease.
• A label with no ingredient list, manufacturer name or registration holder address.

How to report

If you find a product you suspect is unregistered, you can report it to the MOH Pharmacy Enforcement Division by phone, email or online through the Pharmaceutical Services Programme website, or by contacting the nearest state Pharmacy Enforcement Branch.

A note about our store

The steps above apply to any health product you buy, including from us. Check the label and registration number yourself before use, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you have any doubt.