Malaysia’s tobacco control council calls for measures to curb nicotine harm

Today, on April 11, news reports indicate that after the Malaysian Ministry of Health exempted nicotine liquids and gels from the Poison Act of 1952, the Malaysian Tobacco Control Council (MCTC) has called on the government to study measures to limit youth exposure to nicotine harm and access.

"We are outraged by the Ministry of Health and the government's decision to continue removing nicotine liquids and gel formulations from the poison list, intended for use in e-cigarettes and liquid or electronic vaporizing devices." MCTC stated.

"Despite the advice and requests from thousands of health professionals under the MCTC umbrella, this action was still taken."

"We are deeply concerned that this sets a dangerous precedent, threatening the health of Malaysians, especially children and young people, merely for the sake of increasing revenue."

"There is almost no transparency regarding actual tax measures, so it remains unclear when actual taxation will truly begin."

"We urge the Ministry of Health and the federal government to ensure the well-being of its people through short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures."

"For short-term measures, the government needs to take proactive steps to limit children's and young people's access to nicotine in e-cigarettes and other vaping devices. This can be achieved through collaboration with other agencies and ministries, as there are currently no significant health legislative tools available to limit harm."

"Medium-term measures include the need to put the control of tobacco products and smoking laws to a vote as soon as possible, as intended and in content. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has committed to completing this in the next parliamentary session in May, and we urge adherence to this timeline. The bill includes comprehensive measures against e-cigarettes and vaping, including key provisions to prohibit e-cigarette use by individuals under 18 years of age." the committee stated.

MCTC stated that long-term measures should include a comprehensive strategy to curb and control nicotine addiction.