Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called for the immediate implementation of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill to regulate the sale of vape liquids, following the exemption of nicotine liquids and gels from poisons control.
Khairy noted that without a new Act, there will be a loophole in the law that allows vapes to be sold and marketed without any regulation, resulting in a “free for all” situation. In a series of Twitter posts, he emphasized the need for controls and highlighted the importance of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill.
The bill, which would regulate vape products containing nicotine, was proposed in August last year but lapsed when Parliament was dissolved in October. Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa has stated that she intends to table a new bill in May to regulate all smoking products, including those containing nicotine.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control has accused Zaliha of abusing her ministerial powers to override the Poisons Board’s decision not to exempt the substances from the Poisons Act.
The Importance of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill
Khairy stated that his position had always been that a new law must be in place to regulate the sale of vape liquids before granting an exemption from the Poisons Act. He believed that the introduction of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill would provide the necessary regulatory framework for the sale of vape liquids.
The bill proposes that vape products containing nicotine would be regulated and taxed, with provisions for licensing and penalties for non-compliance. The bill also seeks to regulate the marketing and advertising of vape products and restricts the sale of vape products to minors.
Khairy emphasized that the implementation of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill would ensure comprehensive control over nicotine preparations or gels containing nicotine in e-cigarettes or vapes. The regulation of these products is essential for public health, he said.
The Exemption of Nicotine Liquids and Gels from Poisons Control
In a gazette notice published recently, the health ministry announced that exemption from poisons control had been granted for nicotine liquids and gels used in e-cigarettes and vape products. The exemption allows for over-the-counter sales of these products as well as nicotine patches used to stop smoking. Previously, products containing nicotine could only be obtained on prescription from doctors or pharmacies.
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control has criticized the exemption, arguing that it would lead to an increase in the use of nicotine products and undermine efforts to curb smoking. The council urged the government to prioritize public health over economic gains from taxes on nicotine products.
The Need for Comprehensive Regulation
Khairy stressed the need for comprehensive regulation of vaping products, including those containing nicotine. He expressed concern that the exemption of nicotine liquids and gels from poisons control without a new law in place would result in unregulated sales and marketing of these products.
He urged the health ministry to table the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill as soon as possible to address the existing loophole and protect public health. The bill would provide the necessary regulatory framework to control the sale, marketing, and use of vape products in Malaysia.
FAQs
1. What is the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill?
The Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill is a proposed law in Malaysia that seeks to regulate the sale and marketing of vape products containing nicotine. The bill also regulates smoking products, restricts the sale of tobacco products to minors, and provides for licensing and penalties for non-compliance.
2. Why is the bill important?
The bill is important because it provides the necessary regulatory framework to control the sale, marketing, and use of vape products containing nicotine. The regulation of these products is essential for public health, particularly to protect minors from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction.
3. What is the current status of the bill?
The bill was proposed in August last year and referred to a parliamentary committee for review. However, the bill lapsed when Parliament was dissolved in October. The health minister has stated that a new bill will be tabled in May to regulate all smoking products, including those containing nicotine.
4. What is the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control’s stance on the exemption of nicotine liquids and gels from poisons control?
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control has criticized the exemption, arguing that it will lead to an increase in the use of nicotine products and undermine efforts to curb smoking. The council has urged the government to prioritize public health over economic gains from taxes on nicotine products.
5. What are the consequences of unregulated sales and marketing of vape products?
Unregulated sales and marketing of vape products can lead to an increase in the use of these products, particularly among minors. This can result in a rise in nicotine addiction and related health problems. Comprehensive regulation of these products is necessary to protect public health.
Conclusion
The exemption of nicotine liquids and gels from poisons control in Malaysia has raised concerns about the unregulated sale and marketing of these products. Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin has called for the immediate implementation of the Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill to regulate the sale of vape liquids and prevent a “free for all” situation. The bill proposes to regulate vape products containing nicotine and provide the necessary regulatory framework to control the sale, marketing, and use of these products. The regulation of these products is essential for public health, particularly to protect minors from the harmful effects of nicotine addiction.