Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control urges Putrajaya to keep vape nicotine under Poisons Act, phase out commercial sales
MCTC urges the government to keep vape nicotine under the Poisons Act and phase out commercial sales.Summary
The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) is calling on the government to maintain nicotine used in e-cigarettes and vaping products under the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366) and to implement a clear, phased plan to end commercial sales. This follows a parliamentary reply from Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad confirming that nicotine in liquid and gel preparations for vapes is again subject to Act 366, after a High Court judgment and the government's decision to withdraw its appeal. MCTC welcomed the clarification and stressed that the immediate priority is upholding Act 366 while coordinating enforcement with the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The council argued that Act 852 alone should not justify removing nicotine liquids and gels from Poisons Act control. While the Health Ministry is considering a short-term exemption as a transitional measure, MCTC maintained that any exemption must be narrowly limited, temporary, and subject to clear Cabinet-level policy, a definite timetable, and a legal mechanism to end it. MCTC also called for closer cooperation between ministries and local authorities to address enforcement challenges, and for funded cessation services to support dependent users. The council outlined four immediate actions for the government: uphold the Poisons Act, set a transparent policy direction for phased withdrawal, apply strict conditions to any exemption, and deliver comprehensive enforcement and cessation support.
(Source：Newswav)
