Reinstate liquid nicotine in Poisons Act, urges Opposition MP

KUALA LUMPUR: A Perikatan Nasional MP has called for liquid nicotine to be reinstated in the Poisons Act 1952.

"I urge the government to reinstate nicotine in the Poisons Act," Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN-Kuala Langat) said while debating the Finance Ministry’s motion on Excise Act 1976.

"The Minister has powers to rescind and reinstate until we have an Act that can regulate the use of nicotine and e-cigarettes," he added.

Ahmad Yunus said this citing the recent death of a two-year-old which was suspected to be due to nicotine poisoning.

"The Prime Minister said he can flip flop in a decision for the people. I believe reinstating nicotine into the Poisons Act can also be a flip flop for the sake of the people and public health as well as the (anti-smoking) Bill will be tabled," he said.

He was referring to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s remarks on June 13, that he was willing to flip-flop on a decision if it benefited the people.

The exemption of nicotine as a controlled substance from the Poisons Act 1952 drew flak from health experts and advocates who felt the controversial move might lead to vape and e-cigarettes being accessible to children.