KUALA LUMPUR: Nicotine pouches, marketed as a smoking alternative or a quit smoking product, is slowly turning into a worrying trend.
Experts cautioned that the tobacco-free, smokeless products which contain nicotine and flavourings can be a health hazard.
These products are sold online without much restrictions and available also in some pharmacies.
While some brands do ask the buyer to verify that they are above 18, others do not have such restrictions.
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Checks found that some nicotine pouches are marketed as a “healthier alternative” and smokeless solution.
They come in various flavours with catchy packaging and punchy taglines.
Consumers Association of Penang education officer NV Subbarow claimed that minors are starting the habit of using these pouches.
“During my talk at some secondary schools, there were students who admitted that they have taken it.
“Many of them said since there is no smoke and no need for it to be lit, it is very easy to use.
“They bought it online. It costs only about RM15,” said the anti-smoking advocate.
Subbarow also said the flavours and the discreet nature of the product attracts youngsters.
“Unlike cigarettes and vaping devices, nicotine pouches are more discreet and harder for parents to notice.
“They are tucked in between a person’s lip or cheek and gums. It is like chewing gum.”
Subbarow said stronger enforcement is needed to curb the trend.
While these pouches can be bought online, it is not so easily accessible in pharmacies.
Visits to several pharmacies found that the product can only be bought after consultation with a pharmacist.
A pharmacist said while age verification is not necessarily a requirement, they will first assess whether the product can be prescribed to the buyer.
“We will ask a set of questions to assess the need, dosage and whether it is the correct form of product for them. It is not on the general sale list items.”
She also said the pouches are generally used for nicotine replacement therapy, which is given to those wanting to quit smoking.
“It is not for non-smokers. There are some side effects that can affect brain development and cause headaches,” she said.
Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control chairman Prof Dr M. Murallitharan said the product should not be marketed as being able to prevent cancer.
Dr Murallitharan, who is also the managing director of the National Cancer Society Malaysia, said nicotine is a harmful chemical and can cause a lot of health issues.
“The product could turn addictive. Non-traditional smokers may find it attractive,” he said.
Public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said users should be aware of the concentration of nicotine in the pouches.
“Some studies have linked nicotine pouches to the development of oral, throat and laryngeal cancers due to contaminants found in certain products.
“This has previously been reported in India where non- pasteurised nicotine pouches were used and found to contain several harmful contaminants.”
In Sweden, nicotine pouches are used as a harm-reduction tool for smokers and are sold as adult consumer products.
“The country has the lowest rate of chronic respiratory disease and among the lowest lung cancer rates in the European Union.
“This has been attributed to the widespread use of nicotine pouches among the Swedish population, particularly among men,” she added.
The Star has contacted the Health Ministry for comments.
