KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet will make a collective decision regarding the controversy surrounding a US-based vape company manufacturing "cannabis hardware" in Johor, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
"I will address this issue later. We have to present it to the Cabinet and from there, we will make a collective decision," he said.
He added that several ministries and agencies are involved, such as the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority among others.
"So, we will table this in the Cabinet meeting and reach a collective decision," said Dr Dzulkefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) conference at the KL Convention Centre on Monday (June 9).
On Thursday (June 5), Perikatan Nasional health committee chair Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi called for a police investigation into the vape factory in Senai, Johor operated by Ispire Technology Inc, a Nasdaq-listed company based in California, US.
"The manufacturing licence for Ispire’s factory in Senai was issued by Mida. However, questions arose as to whether Mida approvals cover the manufacturing of cannabis-related products, which is clearly illegal under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," said the Kuala Langat MP.
The licence granted by Mida to Ispire is touted as Malaysia’s first federal licence to produce nicotine products.
The sale of nicotine liquids is regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act.
