The local government and town and country planning committee chairman said his team found such toys sold openly at night markets and business premises, and through online platforms.

“I received complaints from parents regarding the open sale of these toys, and my team conducted checks at a night market yesterday, confirming that they were being sold at RM5 each.

“The use of syringes as toys is concerning as they are categorised as medical devices, subject to strict regulations,” Bernama reported him as saying at his office in Komtar today.

Buletin Mutiara also quoted him as saying that his team had purchased samples of the toys to verify the complaints.

“Although the needles are not sharp, they still pose potential safety risks to children,” he said.

H’ng also highlighted concerns over the improper disposal of such toys, noting that medical needles are subject to strict waste management procedures.

“We are worried that these items may not be disposed of properly. Sanitation workers could be at risk of injury,” he said.

He said the Penang Island and Seberang Perai city councils will  act against traders who fail to comply with the ban.

“Local authorities will conduct daily spot checks at business premises and night markets to ensure no traders are selling these toys.

“We will also lodge complaints with the domestic trade and cost of living ministry to curb their sale online,” he said.