Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society Urges New Health Minister to Reclassify vaping liquid as Poison and

The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) today stated that Health Minister Dato' Sri Zulkifli Ahmad should reclassify e-cigarette liquids containing the addictive substance nicotine as poisons and continue to promote the "Generational End Game" (GEG) plan (which aims to prohibit smoking for individuals born after a certain year).

MPS expressed appreciation for Zulkifli's appointment as Health Minister during the cabinet reshuffle today, calling it a wise and positive move, and stated that he will have the opportunity to continue the responsibilities that have been unfinished since the fall of the Pakatan Harapan government in 2020.

MPS pointed out that Zulkifli previously emphasized focusing on health promotion and preventive medicine rather than treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care, and stated that he now has the opportunity to continue advancing the reform agenda of Malaysia's healthcare system through the implementation of the "Health White Paper" submitted to Parliament on June 15.

"This framework is important as the next steps involve implementing the key projects outlined in the Health White Paper. Therefore, MPS hopes to participate in the detailed formulation of the 15-year strategic implementation efforts proposed in the Health White Paper," said MPS President Professor Amrahi Buang in a statement.

MPS suggested that Zulkifli address the issue of nicotine liquids and gels that were removed from the poison list earlier this year and requested him to restore the regulation of these items under the Poison Act.

Previously, three civil society groups had sued Zulkifli's immediate predecessor, Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, for removing these items from the poison list and requested the court to restore the Ministry of Health's regulation over e-cigarette liquids and gels.

The case is set to be judged by the High Court on February 7, 2024.

"In addition, it is recommended to incorporate the 'Generational End Game' (GEG) into the regulations of the '2023 Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act' as soon as possible, pending the creation and implementation of the regulations for this law," MPS stated.

The '2023 Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act' has not yet become law, as it has only been passed by the House of Representatives. The Senate has two days left—today and tomorrow—to discuss government bills like this one.

Dr. Zaliha previously withdrew the '2022 Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill' (which included the GEG policy aimed at prohibiting individuals born on or after January 1, 2007, from selling and using any form of smoking materials, including e-cigarettes or vaping) and submitted a revised version, the '2023 Public Health Tobacco Products Control Act' (excluding the GEG policy).

Additionally, the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS) today stated that the government should pay attention to drug safety just as it does to food safety.

MPS pointed out that lessons should be learned based on experiences since the COVID-19 pandemic, including geopolitical issues such as the Russia-Ukraine war and the Palestinian issue, as well as factors like the weakness of pharmaceutical raw materials and local currency.

MPS stated that activities related to drug safety should be increased, involving not only drugs but also supporting pharmaceutical care delivery services.

"MPS fully supports the Madani government's proposal for transparency in consumer drug pricing as a fundamental right. Consumers must have the right to choose and purchase drugs based on their ability," it said.

Based on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, MPS emphasized the issue of product disposal, such as the high impact of antimicrobial drugs on the environment, stating that strategic and aggressive measures must be taken to handle pharmaceutical waste from the manufacturer to the consumer stage.

Moreover, the President of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), Dr. Azman Abdul Aziz, congratulated Zulkifli on his return to the position of Health Minister.

"With his good record, experience, and strong leadership, we believe he is capable of addressing the complex issues and challenges within the healthcare system," it said.

"MMA has a good working relationship with Dato' Sri Zulkifli. He is willing to listen to expert opinions and regularly engage with stakeholders on any policy decisions. When necessary, he is also willing to make unpopular decisions (such as the smoking ban in dining venues) to protect public health," she said in a statement today.

MMA expressed confidence that Zulkifli will perform his duties excellently as before and looks forward to the opportunity to work closely and engage with him again.