MMA urges swift action on e-cigarette regulations

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) urges the expedited gazettement of regulations for e-cigarettes and vape.

Following an announcement by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stating that 111 cases of exposure to questionable vape liquid were reported to the National Poison Centre from 2015 to last year, the association's president, Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz, said the draft for the regulations has been completed.

"It is troubling to hear that 111 cases of exposure to questionable vape liquid were reported to the National Poison Centre from 2015 to last year. This is apart from the reported cases of E-cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury (EVALI).

"We have been informed that the draft of the regulations was completed at the end of last year but there has been no news since. This delay in gazetting regulations has led to significant public health risks and has allowed the vaping industry to exploit regulatory gaps.

"No one knows who else might have been exposed to other 'questionable' vape substances, and without regulation, who will be held accountable?" Dr Azizan said in a statement on Sunday (June 30).

Key concerns were raised, including the proliferation of vaping near educational institutions, interference from the tobacco industry, and the irresponsible management of nicotine.

"The decision by the government to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act almost 15 months ago, without promptly gazetting the necessary tobacco control regulations, is highly irresponsible.

"This move has ignored the government's duty to protect public health and has been seen by the public as favouring commercial interests over the wellbeing of our young people," Dr Azizan said.

The MMA was calling for immediate actions to be implemented following these pressing concerns, in addition to expediting the gazettement.

This included restricting the sales and promotions of vaping products near educational institutions and strict enforcement to curb illegal sales and marketing practices to those below the age of 18.

"The health and wellbeing of our youth should be a top priority, transcending political and commercial interests. We look forward to the support of all MPs in addressing this urgent matter and stand ready to collaborate on initiatives aimed at curbing the spread of vaping and protecting our youth from its harmful effects," Dr Azizan said.