A file picture of Dzulkefly receiving the award from WHO director-general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva, Switzerland on May 20, 2025. – WHO/Pierre Albouy
DUBLIN: The World Health Organization (WHO) has "no doubt" that Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad will safeguard the public health of Malaysians.
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) Secretariat senior lawyer Kate Lannan said the minister, who was among the recipients of a prestigious WHO award last month, had been "carefully vetted and clearly researched" before being acknowledged for his contributions.
"The award is an important recognition of the progress Malaysia (has achieved in tobacco control).
"The recipients have done a great job. And, there is no doubt in our minds that the minister will protect public heath in Malaysia. We have every confidence in that," she said when asked to comment on Malaysia issuing a nicotine manufacturing licence to a company after three health experts were acknowledged by the global body recently.
Lannan was speaking during a press conference at the World Conference on Tobacco Control on Tuesday (June 24).
At the opening session of the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland on May 19, three Malaysians – Dr Dzulkefly, the Health Ministry's Disease Control Division deputy director Dr Noraryana Hassan and Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) president Assoc Prof Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, were honoured with the WHO World No Tobacco Day Award, making it a first for the country.
Three days later on May 22, a Nasdaq-listed vape company based in California, the United States, revealed that it had received the "first and only nicotine manufacturing license" from the government that allows it to begin manufacturing nicotine products in Malaysia immediately, causing the ministry to come under fire.
Lannan said it is not the role of the Secretariat to take a party to task for elements not specifically covered in the FCTC.
"But what this indicates to me is that this is an example of interference by the industry in public health. The Health Minister may not have known about this as there are other authorities involved," she said.
On June 2, the ministry said the issuance of interim licence was under the purview of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry. And, while the import, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are legal, it will be strictly regulated under the Smoking Products Control Act for Public Health 2024.
"Any decision related to the import, manufacture and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are made collectively by the relevant government agencies.
"The Health Ministry (however) is committed to ensuring maximum enforcement and monitoring to protect the health and safety of the public," it said in a press release.
