THE Penang government will move to ban the sale of syringe-style toys in the state following complaints from parents over potential safety risks to children.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye said the decision came after several parents from South Seberang Perai, particularly in Jawi, raised concerns about the growing popularity of such items among children.
He said the toys, which resemble medical devices such as syringes, had gained traction after being featured on social media and are now easily available at night markets, shops and online platforms.
“Some of these products are designed in ways that are very appealing to children. They are being sold openly, including at night markets, making them easily accessible,” he told a press conference at Komtar.
H’ng said his team had purchased samples of the toys, including so-called syringe-style or tube-based items that simulate injection tools, to verify the complaints.
“Although the needle is not sharp, it still poses potential safety risks as even non-sharp items can be dangerous, especially when used by children,” he said.
He stressed that local authorities, namely the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP), view the matter seriously as such products could pose harm to children, including those in primary and secondary schools.
According to him, items involving needles fall under the purview of the Medical Device Authority and are regulated under the Medical Device Act 2012.
“Needles are classified as medical devices and must be registered. Their usage must be strictly controlled due to risks such as infection and misuse, and they should only be handled by qualified professionals,” he said.
H’ng added that the sale of such items to the general public was not permitted due to safety concerns, including the risk of misuse.
He noted that enforcement action could be taken under the Local Government Act 1976, with local councils empowered to act in the interest of public health and safety.
“Among the actions that can be taken are seizure of the items, issuance of compounds and revocation of business licences,” he said, adding that fines could reach up to RM250 under certain provisions.
He noted that MBPP would conduct daily monitoring and inspections at business premises and stalls, including night markets, to ensure compliance.
“If traders fail to comply, we will confiscate the items immediately. Repeat offenders risk having their licences revoked,” he said.
H’ng said similar enforcement would also be carried out by MBSP, where compounds ranging from RM50 to RM500 could be imposed under relevant by-laws.
He also highlighted concerns over improper disposal of such items, noting that even medical needles are subject to strict waste management procedures.
“We are worried that if these items become widespread, they may not be disposed of properly. Sanitation workers could be at risk of injury,” he said.
H’ng said he had also raised the matter with the Education Ministry and relevant agencies, calling for coordinated action to address online sales, which are harder to control.
“It is difficult to monitor online platforms as these items may be imported from overseas. However, we will work with the relevant authorities to curb their distribution,” he said.
He added that enforcement officers would carry out spot checks and urged the public to report any sale of such items to the authorities.
“We will not compromise on this matter. If we find anyone selling these items, we will take immediate action,” he said.
H’ng stressed that the ban was a proactive step to prevent potential harm, noting that children, especially those below 12, may not understand the risks.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi warned that the gel-like substance found in these toys poses a significant safety risk, particularly to young children.
He explained that if the material is accidentally swallowed, it could lead to choking incidents and other serious health complications.
“The issue has already been conveyed to the state Health Department, with further coordination now taking place with the Health Ministry to assess the potential dangers and determine appropriate action regarding these products,” he said.
He stressed the importance of vigilance when it comes to monitoring the types of toys children are using, noting that some of these items are easily accessible and may appear harmless at first glance.
“Parents must regularly check and supervise their children’s belongings, and immediately remove any hazardous toys to safeguard their children’s well-being,” he added.
MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran said strict monitoring would be carried out, with swift action taken against those selling the items.
Also present at the press conference was MBPP Public Health and Licensing Committee chairman Tan Soo Siang.
Story by Edmund Lee