MOVE gesa kerajaan jelaskan status vape nikotin

Malaysian Organization of Vape Entity (MOVE) President Samsul K Arrifin has clarified the legal status of nicotine vape products, reversing its appeal against a Supreme Court decision that exempted liquid nicotine and e-liquids used in electronic cigarettes and vape from Schedule 4 of the Dangerous Drugs Act. MOVE claims to represent over 55,000 members and urges the government and Health Minister to provide clarification and resolve the legal conflict between the 1952 Dangerous Drugs Act and the 2024 Health Promotion (Control of Tobacco Products) Act.

The organization suggests a strict regulatory approach, including defining safety standards, eligibility, and age verification under the 2024 Act. MOVE also argues that if nicotine vape products are deemed unregistered under the Dangerous Drugs Act, they could be removed from the market and cause users to turn to illicit vendors.

The group claims that the unregistered products may not undergo age checks, and the absence of quality control and production standards could increase the risk of unsafe products reaching consumers. MOVE also points out that the government may lose its ability to enforce standards and collect taxes, as well as face harsher enforcement costs.

The Supreme Court had previously dismissed the Health Minister's decision in March 2023 to exempt liquid nicotine and e-liquids in electronic cigarettes and vape from Schedule 4 of the Dangerous Drugs Act, stating that the decision was irrational and made without proper consultation with the Drug Schedule Institution. The government subsequently withdrew its appeal to the Federal Court on August 18.