Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah told vapers to think of the Health Ministry's efforts to stop the practice, when they are diagnosed with cancer.

He said this in an exchange with critics on his Facebook page, after he posted an announcement that vaping fluids containing nicotine can only be dispensed by pharmacists.

"A gentle reminder, God forbid in the future if ever you are admitted to the hospital for chronic lung disease or cancer please remember the conversation and lengthy discussion we had today.

"In fact, it is not a question of 'if ever' but a question of 'when' and time will tell," Noor Hisham (left) said.

The critics questioned why the ministry is targeting vaping fluids and not cigarettes, which also contain nicotine but are sold openly.

The critics also argued that nicotine is not the only element which leads to cancer among smokers.

“Yes, it’s not nicotine only that causes cancer but it is a poison controlled under the Poisons Act. Both cigarettes and e-cigarettes have various substances we may not know.

“I totally agree with you and the Health Ministry (MOH) supports you call to ban both. It’s up to the government to decide as MOH does not have the power to do so,” he said.

“It is our hope that cigarettes, e-cigarettes and vapourisers are banned, but this requires high political will.”

Food Act vs Poisons Act

He said the ministry can only act based on existing laws.

Cigarettes are regulated under the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004, which is part of the Food Act.

Liquid nicotine is regulated under the Poisons Act, which states that all substances gazetted under the Act can only be sold by a licensed seller, and cannot be sold to those under 18 years.

Under the Act, nicotine can only be sold by an authorised retailer for medicinal purposes.

Proponent of vaping are up in arms after the Health Ministry started raiding retailers to confiscate vaping fluids containing nicotine.

The ministry cautions that intake of high level of nicotine could lead to death.

Consumer groups are also concerned that the flavoured liquid is attracting younger users.

The vaping industry, reporting worth a billion ringgit, has flourished under a grey regulatory environment for several years.

The UK Public Health Department this year released findings that e-cigarettes are 95 percent safer than cigarettes.

However, the findings come in question after leading medical journal Lancet criticised the study for lack of evidence.