KUCHING: A beauty clinic operating illegally in the city has been fined RM150,000 for violating health regulations and operating without a valid licence.
The clinic, which has been under surveillance for two years, was jointly investigated by the Ministry of Health (MoH) and the Malaysian Consumer Protection Council (MTPN) Sarawak.
According to MTPN Sarawak’s President, Wynson Ong Teck Ping, the clinic’s operator is a repeat offender who was previously involved in a similar case in 2017.
“This shows a clear pattern of non-compliance and raises serious concerns over public safety,” he said.
The enforcement comes amidst ongoing monitoring, which has uncovered that numerous beauty clinics across Sarawak are continuing to operate without proper authorisation, offering services that involve health risks without meeting safety standards.
MTPN Sarawak expressed its appreciation to all relevant agencies, particularly MoH, for their cooperation and dedication in pursuing the case.
Ong added that the council has also received several public complaints concerning unlicensed beauty clinics, though many victims remain silent out of embarrassment or fear of being stigmatised.
“Every consumer complaint matters and must be voiced. It’s not just about one person, it’s about public health and safety,” he said.
Another growing concern is the surge in unregulated mobile beauty services, especially injection-based treatments conducted in inappropriate settings such as hotel rooms and private residences.
Ong highlighted that these procedures demand sterile environments and should only be administered by qualified medical professionals.
Many of these illegal operators promote their services via social media, drawing unsuspecting clients with attractive offers.
“These practices are not just illegal; they pose real risks of infection, complications and even cosmetic fraud,” Ong warned.
He urged the public to be proactive in verifying the licensing and registration status of any beauty clinic before seeking treatment.
“Ensure that the clinic is registered with the Ministry of Health and staffed by recognised professionals,” he advised.
