E-CIGARETTES AND VAPE REGULATIONS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED, SAYS MMA

KUALA LUMPUR, June 30 (Bernama) — The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the government to expedite the promulgation of regulations on e-cigarettes and vape products.

The company’s CEO, Dr. Azizan Abdul Aziz, said the delay had caused serious public health risks and allowed the vaping industry to exploit loopholes in the regulations.

“We were told that the draft regulations were ready at the end of last year, but there has been no news since then. The government must explain the reasons for this delay,” he said in a statement.

He added that concerns were raised about 111 reported cases of exposure to suspected vaping fluids from 2015 to last year, including cases involving minors, revealed in parliament.

Dr Azizan said the growing number of mobile vaporizer kiosks near educational institutions is a serious problem.

“These kiosks not only sell vaping products, but also promote vaping as a lifestyle choice among young people, leading to early nicotine addiction and the normalization of vaping.

“The aggressive marketing of vaping as trendy and desirable is deeply concerning because it may promote long-term addiction, particularly among impressionable youth,” he added.

He further stated that the removal of nicotine from the Poisons Act without subsequent regulation was considered irresponsible and added that the decision appeared to favor commercial interests over public health.

The 2023 Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index highlights the continuing influence of the tobacco and e-cigarette industries on Malaysian politics, often under the guise of economic gain.

“Corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities undertaken by the industry serve to build a positive public image and gain support from communities and decision-makers, despite the harmful nature of their products,” notes Dr. Azizan.

Dr Azizan also warned that the surge in young people vaping could complicate future treatment of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), thereby burdening the healthcare system.

“Early nicotine addiction not only poses serious health risks but also requires intensive behavioural management,” he said, calling on members of parliament to prioritise the health of young people and put pressure on the government to act quickly.

— BERNAMA

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