April 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. government has released all funds allocated for security at the soccer World Cup, but the ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security has affected planning and coordination, a department official told a Senate hearing on Wednesday.
Pointy end: The toy comes with acne-like bubbles that can be popped with a syringe, which has sparked alarm among parents. — CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: A jelly-like toy sold with a syringe resembling a real medical device has been banned by the Penang government over safety concerns. Those caught selling the toy risk having their goods seized, business licences revoked and a compound of RM250 under local council bylaws.
The toy is said to be stress-relieving through squeezing. It features acne-like bubbles that can be “popped” by injecting water with the syringe.
Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the toy poses multiple risks, particularly because of its resemblance to medical equipment and even carries a “discard after use” label. He said the design includes a pointed tip similar to a needle, which could cause injury, especially to children.
“These toys come with a syringe meant to mimic a medical device, which is concerning as it can easily be mistaken for a real syringe.Online tutorials show users injecting air or liquid into the jelly-like material using a syringe. The surface will then swell and form bubble-like protrusions that can be squeezed to burst, mimicking pimple popping. It comes in various forms, including chickens, as well as designs resembling faces, noses and other figures.
Gooi said the jelly component may be mistaken for candy by young children, increasing the risk of choking or accidental ingestion. He said the toys are believed to be directly imported and may not have undergone proper safety tests or certification. “This raises concerns about product safety standards, as there is no assurance the materials used are safe or comply with regulations,” he said.
Penang local government committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye had earlier said the Penang Island City Council and Seberang Perai City Council would conduct daily spot checks at business premises and night markets to ensure compliance. He said the ban was necessary following concerns raised by parents, adding that checks at a night market showed the toy was openly sold for RM5 per unit and widely available online.
He added that under the Medical Device Act 2012 , such items must be registered with the Medical Device Authority, while manufacturers and importers are required to meet stringent compliance standards. H’ng said a report had been lodged with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to curb online sales.
Syringe Toy Ban Safety Concerns Stress-Relieving Toy Penang Government Ban Medical Device Resemblance Child Safety Risk Choking Hazard Product Safety Standards Online Toy Sales
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Penang obtains approval for international logistics aeropark, earthworks underwayGEORGE TOWN, April 14 — Penang has obtained planning permission for the masterplan of the Penang International Logistics Aeropark (PILA).Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said...
Read more »
KTMB Umum 30% Potongan Harga ETS & ERT Mulai 15 April, Termasuk Dua Pas Bulanan TerbaruPenawaran diskaun itu akan bermula 15 April hingga 30 April 2026.
Read more »
KTMB Umum 30% Potongan Harga ETS & ERT Mulai 15 April, Termasuk Dua Pas Bulanan TerbaruPenawaran diskaun itu akan bermula 15 April hingga 30 April 2026.
Read more »
Green Sea Turtle Found Dead on Penang Beach: Fisheries Department InvestigatesA female green sea turtle was found deceased on a beach near Bertam Sanggul, Penang. The Penang Fisheries Department is investigating the cause of death and urging the public to report any incidents involving stranded marine mammals or endangered species.
Read more »
MMEA seizes two tankers, arrests 22 in Penang diesel smuggling bustKUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian authorities detained two tankers and arrested 22 crew members over an alleged illegal diesel transfer off Penang over the weekend.
Read more »
RM3.6mil worth of cigs and liquor seized in PenangSINGAPORE: A domestic helper who was allegedly raped by a tourist at an open field in Short Street was sexually assaulted by another man just minutes later.
Read more »