Skip to content 
AMM 299: Navigating Beauty’s Risks: Trust Registered Aesthetic Professionals
December 19, 2024
This episode explores the ongoing issue in Malaysia’s Klang Valley, where unregulated beauty centers are conducting medical procedures without proper oversight. With only a limited number of registered aesthetic doctors, these centers are taking risks with procedures like lasers and injectables, which can result in severe harm, including blindness or nerve damage. Dr. Ungku Mohd Shahrin and Dr. Amelia Siah highlight the dangers posed by this lax enforcement and emphasize the importance of seeking services from qualified professionals. Listeners will gain insight into the risks associated with non-professional treatments and the need for regulatory vigilance in the beauty industry.
Quick Takes
- Health Ministry’s seal of approval does not hold weight at some beauty centres in Malaysia
- Risks of mishandled procedures extend to potential blindness or permanent nerve damage
- Legal loophole allows non-professionals to use medical devices like lasers without penalty, posing serious dangers
Episode Transcript
On this December 19th, let’s dive into an unfolding situation out of Malaysia, where the world of beauty and healthcare seem to be colliding—or rather, clashing. In the bustling Klang Valley, even less than 1,000 registered aesthetic doctors aren’t enough to keep beauty centres from sprouting like mushrooms. But there’s a catch, and it’s causing quite a stir.
The Health Ministry’s seal of approval seems to mean little to some of these centres where procedures best left to the pros—like lasers and injectables—are being conducted. Leading the charge against this trend, Dr. Ungku Mohd Shahrin Ungku Mohd Zaman, President of Registered Aesthetic Doctors Malaysia, stresses that such procedures, when mishandled, could leave clients with more than just damaged skin; the risks extend to potential blindness or permanent nerve damage.
While anyone can grab an unbranded laser online for a mere RM1,600, Dr. Amelia Siah Siang Yee of Aglow Clinic cautions that lasers are no toys—they’re complex medical devices whose misuse can yield serious harm. Yet, despite glaring risks and an evident legal loophole allowing non-professionals to operate these devices sans penalty, enforcement remains lax.
So what does this mean? Quite simply, the glamour of quick fixes poses hidden dangers not covered by the allure of non-medical practitioners. It’s a reminder to always trust your beauty and health with registered professionals who understand the delicate intricacies of the human body. Stay informed and safe this holiday season!
