MMA calls for quick action on e-cigarette regulations

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is pushing for an expedited promulgation of regulations on e-cigarettes and vaporizers.

Following a statement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad that 111 cases of exposure to questionable vaping fluid were reported to the National Poisons Centre from 2015 to last year, the association’s president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said the draft regulations had already been finalised.

“It is concerning that from 2015 through last year, 111 cases of exposure to questionable vaping fluid were reported to the National Poisons Center. This is in addition to the reported cases of lung injury associated with the use of e-cigarettes or vaping products (EVALI).

“We were informed that the draft regulations were finalised late last year, but there has been no further news since then. The delay in publishing the regulations has led to significant public health risks and has allowed the vaping industry to exploit regulatory loopholes.

“No one knows who else may have been exposed to other ‘questionable’ vaping substances and who, without regulation, will be held accountable?” Dr. Azizan said in a statement on Sunday (June 30).

Key concerns raised included the spread of vaping near educational institutions, interference by the tobacco industry and irresponsible nicotine management.

“The government’s decision to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act almost 15 months ago, without quickly promulgating the necessary tobacco control legislation, is highly irresponsible.

“This move ignored the government’s duty to protect public health and was perceived by the public as putting commercial interests ahead of the well-being of our young people,” Dr Azizan said.

The MMA called for immediate action on these urgent issues and for the publication of the announcement to be accelerated.

This included restricting the sale and promotion of vaping products near educational institutions and rigorous enforcement to curb illegal sales and marketing practices towards people under 18 years of age.

“The health and well-being of our young people should be a top priority, above political and commercial interests. We look forward to supporting all MPs in tackling this urgent issue and stand ready to collaborate on initiatives to curb the spread of vaping and protect our young people from its harmful effects,” said Dr Azizan.