According to a report by The Sun on July 1st, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is urging the government to expedite the implementation of regulations for e-cigarettes and vaping products.
The president of the association, Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, stated that the delay in regulations has resulted in significant public health risks and has been exploited by the e-cigarette industry due to regulatory loopholes.
She pointed out in her statement
We have learned that the draft of these regulations was completed since the end of last year, but there has been no news so far. The government must explain the reason for the delay.
Azhan stated that from 2015 to last year, there were 111 reported cases of exposure to suspicious e-cigarette liquid, including cases involving minors, which is concerning.
She pointed out that another major issue is the sharp increase in mobile e-cigarette kiosks near educational institutions.
These stalls not only sell e-cigarette products, but also promote vaping as a lifestyle to young people, leading to early nicotine addiction and normalizing e-cigarette use.
The aggressive marketing of e-cigarettes as a fashionable and ideal lifestyle choice is deeply concerning, as it may foster long-term addiction among vulnerable young people.
Furthermore, she stated that removing nicotine from the Poisons Act without any follow-up regulatory measures is irresponsible, and this decision seems to be more in favor of commercial interests rather than public health.
The Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index 2023 points out that the tobacco and e-cigarette industry still has influence in policy-making in Malaysia, often using economic interests as justification.
Azhan mentioned that,
The industry's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities are used to create a positive public image and garner support from the community and decision-makers, despite the harmful nature of their products.
Azhan warned that the surge in e-cigarette use among teenagers could complicate the management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the future, thereby increasing the burden on the healthcare system.
She urged legislators to prioritize the health of young people and pressure the government to take swift action.
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