Regulating E-cigarette Sales: The Importance of Control and Support

Feb.20
Regulating E-cigarette Sales: The Importance of Control and Support
Malaysian ex-Health Official suggests e-cigarette sales be restricted to pharmacies or licensed Smoking Cessation Centers.

According to a report by Freemalaysiatoday on February 20th, a former official from the Ministry of Health in Malaysia suggested that the sale of e-cigarettes should be restricted to pharmacies or institutions holding a smoking cessation services license.

 

Anita Suleiman, a former official from the Ministry's Department of Disease Control, believes it is crucial to ensure that these devices are only used by those genuinely seeking to quit smoking. She stated that this measure will help the Health Department effectively monitor e-cigarette sales, ensuring these devices are used appropriately to reduce tobacco consumption.

 

She further suggested that, taking a cue from practices in the UK, limiting the nicotine content in e-cigarette liquids could curb addiction. In addition, certain flavors of e-cigarettes should be restricted. Suleiman pointed out that societal support and the use of e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool need to go hand in hand, as research has found that combining e-cigarettes with smoking cessation counseling can more effectively help people quit smoking.

 

According to reports, Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously stated that while the current focus is on regulating the use of e-cigarettes, the government is prepared to reconsider implementing a comprehensive ban on these devices if necessary.

 

Anita emphasized the need for the government to establish clear, evidence-based policies to regulate the use of e-cigarettes in order to prevent users from developing chronic diseases such as lung cancer.

 

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