In a controversial move, the Malaysian government has delisted liquid nicotine from its list of controlled substances, allowing it to be sold without regulation and opening the door to potential misuse and addiction. We will explore the implications of this decision, the need for a comprehensive tobacco and vape bill, and what the government must do to rectify the situation.
A Smoke-Free Vision Gone Wrong
Last year, Malaysia announced its intentions to create a smoke-free future by banning smoking and vaping for future generations. However, recent actions have contradicted this vision as the government has declassified liquid nicotine as a controlled substance, essentially legalizing electronic cigarettes and vape with nicotine without any regulation in place.
The Dangers of Unregulated Nicotine
By delisting liquid nicotine, e-cigarettes and vape containing nicotine are now freely available for sale to anyone, including minors. There are no labeling requirements or warnings, restrictions on ingredients, nicotine content, or volume of e-liquids for sale, or bans on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship.
The Impact on Local Manufacturers
Local manufacturers, previously unable to produce vape with nicotine due to the poison classification, can now legally do so, potentially flooding the market with unregulated products.
The Global Vaping Epidemic
While other countries are addressing vaping epidemics among adolescents and young adults, Malaysia has taken a dangerous and irresponsible step by opening the floodgates of nicotine addiction for its entire population.
The Potential for Addiction Waves
Similar to the quadrupling of marijuana addiction cases in Thailand following cannabis decriminalization, the declassification of liquid nicotine in Malaysia may lead to waves of addiction. Is the government prepared to handle this?
The State’s Role and Public Health
The State has a responsibility to protect the public from harmful products, particularly children and adolescents who may not understand the dangers of nicotine. The decision to remove liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952 goes against the spirit of the generational end game (GEG) and the Health White Paper.
Long-Term Health Care Burden
The government is increasing the country’s long-term health care burden for short-term gain. The tax revenue from e-cigarettes and vape is not worth the higher health care costs, poor health, and lost productivity that generations of Malaysians will face due to nicotine addiction.
The Urgency of a Comprehensive Tobacco and Vape Control Bill
With each passing day, the government is responsible for every case of addiction, e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (Evali), or nicotine poisoning among children and teenagers. A comprehensive tobacco and vape control bill is desperately needed to rectify this situation.
Pressuring Parliamentarians
Parliamentarians should not be pressured into passing a poorly drafted bill for the sake of urgency. The government must reverse the declassification of liquid nicotine and return it to the Poisons List, giving itself time to draft a bill that will be acceptable to the majority of MPs, stakeholders, and the general public.
Conclusion
The Malaysian government’s decision to delist liquid nicotine has put its population at risk of addiction and negative health consequences. It is crucial for the government to reverse this decision and work on drafting a comprehensive tobacco and vape bill that will protect the public and uphold the original smoke-free vision for the country.
FAQ
1. Why was liquid nicotine delisted in Malaysia? The government delisted liquid nicotine to tax e-liquids containing nicotine, going against the advice of the Poisons Board.
2. What are the dangers of unregulated nicotine? Unregulated nicotine can lead to addiction, increased health care costs, poor health, and lost productivity for generations.
3.What can be done to address the current situation in Malaysia?
The government must reverse the declassification of liquid nicotine, return it to the Poisons List, and draft a comprehensive tobacco and vape bill that is acceptable to MPs, stakeholders, and the public.
4. How does the delisting of liquid nicotine affect local manufacturers? Local manufacturers can now legally produce vape with nicotine and potentially flood the market with unregulated products.
5. What is the role of the State in protecting public health? The State has a responsibility to protect the public from harmful products, particularly children and adolescents who may not understand the dangers of nicotine.