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Banned Slimming Pills Still On Sale In Brunei
By Za'im Zaini

Bandar Seri Begawan - Despite warnings, there are still some people in society who refuse to believe that there are no short cuts to shedding flab for a fit and trim body.

Kintop, a traditional medicine that promises to burn the extra pounds, is not only popular among ladies, but also men.

A source told the Bulletin that the slimming pills are not only popular among the general public but also among uniformed personnel.

A former user, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Bulletin that instead of seeing her weight go down all she got was a swollen ankle. Another user, who wants to be known as 'Az', surprisingly gained two kilos instead.

Despite a warning from Brunei's Ministry of Health last year, some still continue taking the pills because their perception of the medicine is that it only contains a "small amount of poison" and is worth the risk considering the pounds the pills may help them to shed.

Some also argued that the product is harmless to one's health.

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The Bulletin found out that the medicine is still being sold discreetly in the market giving indications that the medicine is still in demand here.

Meanwhile, Malaysia's News Strait Times reported that 33-year-old housewife, Normala Shahidan from Alor Star, died from blood poisoning and kidney complications and her husband claims that she took Kintop capsules.

The husband, 39-year-old Roslan Khamis, said her wife weighed 72kg before she started taking the pills and within six months she had lost 17 kg.

"She lost weight but she became more and more sick," he said.

The report also added that the distributor of Kintop Slimming capsules will be charged under the Poisons Act 1953 and will face a fine or a year in jail or both.

The Director-General of Health in Malaysia, Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican, said the distributor of the slimming pills might face further court action if it is proved that Normala's death was related to taking the product.

In Kedah, at least four people developed side effects after taking Kintop Slimming capsules.

A press release last year from Brunei's Ministry of Health informed the public that based on a report from the Drug Control Authority of the neighbouring country, the traditional medicine, Kintop Capsules, manufactured by Nature's Grace Medicine Sdn Bhd, Malaysia, was found to contain Sibutramine.

Sibutramine is a slimming agent and long-term consumption of the drug may lead to high blood pressure, heart palpitation and insomnia. The drug cannot be used by individuals with a history of cerebrovascular disease or cardiovascular disorders such as cardiac arrythmias, heart failure, peripheral arterial occlusive disease, coronary and artery disease, the ministry added.

It should also be avoided by individuals suffering from severe hepatic or renal impairment.

Under the Poisons Act (Chapter 114) it is an offence to import, sell or offer for sale any product containing a poison without licence issued by Brunei's Ministry of Health. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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