Malaysia faces controversy over possible removal of nicotine from poisons list

On March 29, it was reported that the Malaysian Medical Association has sounded the alarm over the potential action to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act of 1952.<\/p>

They claim that this move is intended to allow the government to tax e-cigarette products containing the substance.<\/p>

Dr. Muruga Raj Rajathurai of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) stated that the association has learned that nicotine has been removed from the controlled substances list under the Act.<\/p>

He claimed that this move is imminent, expected to take place as early as the first week of April.<\/p>

He expressed concern that doing so before the Tobacco Control Act is passed would lead to a lack of control over the sale of e-cigarette products.<\/p>

"We are concerned that this move will allow the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in public without restrictions for minors. According to the 2023 budget, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes will be taxed, but this seems to be a de facto legalization of sales in the public domain. To sell nicotine-containing e-cigarettes, nicotine must be removed from the controlled substances list of the Poisons Act," he said.<\/p>

Dr. Muruga Raj stated that so far, there have been no appropriate regulations regarding e-cigarette use.<\/p>

He said that removing nicotine from the list would allow both nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes to be sold openly and legally to anyone, including children.<\/p>

"It is important to note that the current Tobacco Control Product Regulations (CTPR) only apply to nicotine in cigarettes and to whom they can be sold, namely those over 18 years old. Nicotine is highly addictive, which is why we only allow those over 18 to purchase even cigarettes," he said.<\/p>

He stated that removing nicotine from the Poisons Act before the Tobacco Control Act is passed would enable children to access nicotine-containing e-cigarette products without hindrance—leading to a new generation of children and young people becoming addicted.<\/p>

"The Ministry of Health mentioned through various stakeholders that addressing smoking and e-cigarette addiction is a gradual process. For example, the passage of the Tobacco Control Act—which comprehensively regulates the sale of tobacco and e-cigarettes—should come before removing nicotine from the list of controlled substances, prior to implementing any taxes."<\/p>

"But this latest news indicates that the government is more concerned about potential tax revenue and is hardly worried about its impact on the health of Malaysians," he said.<\/p>

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) has also strongly opposed the proposal to exclude liquid or gel nicotine from the Act. <\/p>

Professor Amrahi Buang, president of MPS, stated that this move would be detrimental to the health and safety of Malaysians.<\/p>

"We know that the Poisons Board will hold a meeting to discuss the exemption of nicotine regulation under the 1952 Poisons Act so that the government can tax it as soon as possible, but we completely oppose this idea due to various health reasons."<\/p>

"Research shows that nicotine use can lead to cardiovascular diseases, lung diseases, and cancer. Additionally, using nicotine during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and lead to complications during childbirth, while e-cigarettes are currently a growing trend in Malaysia," he said.<\/p>

Amrahi urged the government to reject the proposal to remove nicotine from the 1952 Poisons Act and to protect public health and safety.<\/p>

He said: We urge the government to strengthen regulations on e-cigarettes and vaping devices, including limiting marketing and advertising, and to enhance public education on the dangers before considering this proposal.