MCTC gesa jualan vape dihentikan berperingkat

Majlis Kawalan Tembakau Malaysia (MCTC) has urged the government to maintain restrictions on nicotine levels in vape liquids and cartridges under the Poisons Act 1952 and to implement a phased plan for halting commercial sales of such products. The agency states that this measure is crucial for ensuring continued public health protection, particularly for children, while providing effective treatment for those already dependent on nicotine.

MCTC welcomes confirmation from Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad that nicotine levels in vape liquids and cartridges will again fall under the Poisons Act following the High Court's decision and the government's appeal. The agency also urges the government to establish uniform standards at the national level, including a schedule of implementation and responsibilities of relevant agencies, to ensure the temporary rule does not provide a loophole for continued vaping sales without limits.

Efforts to halt nicotine vape sales must be accompanied by support for quitting and nicotine dependency, including counseling, approved medications, and referral services. Malaysia needs a phased approach to end the commercial sale of nicotine vape products, not a one-time exemption. Public health must set goals and approaches to achieve them, said MCTC.

The implementation of the Poisons Act must be aligned with the Tobacco and Vaping Products (Public Health Protection) Act 2024 (Act 852), while emphasizing that the new legislation should not be used as an excuse to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act's control. The Health Ministry has previously explained several challenges related to legal interpretation, existing commercial stock, trade issues, and enforcement, requiring coordination among government agencies.

However, these issues do not change the public health goal or justify the temporary exemption from the Poisons Act. The temporary exemption can only be considered if the government proves it is truly necessary, with limited scope, clear time frame, termination mechanism, and control to prevent the vaping market's growth, said MCTC.

Last month, the High Court in Kuala Lumpur struck down a ministerial order exempting nicotine liquids and cartridges from the Poisons Act list. The court ruled the order illegal as it was made without proper consultation with the Poisons Institute. The government subsequently withdrew its appeal to the Court of Appeal on August 18.