PETALING JAYA, Nov. 6 -- Malaysia has prohibited the sale and distribution of a popular Thai inhaler after authorities in Thailand issued an urgent recall over microbial contamination.

In a statement this afternoon, the Health Ministry said the "Hong Thai Formula 2" inhaler was not registered with Malaysia's National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

"The sale and possession of unregistered medicines is an offence under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations," the ministry noted.

The move follows Thailand's Food and Drug Administration recalling the inhaler after it failed health quality tests.

The ministry added that "Hong Thai Formula 2" is being advertised and sold on multiple e-commerce platforms.

"We have lodged c...