New smoking law finally in force, MMA wants govt to share vape guidelines

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has called on the government to provide clear plans on how it will regulate the sale of vaping products.

This is as the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act takes effect today.

“There must be clear guidelines on what is permissible for sale and consumption,” said MMA president Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira in a press statement yesterday.

The law, which the Dewan Rakyat passed in November last year, reintroduces a ban on selling nicotine products to minors.

This ban was previously lifted after nicotine was removed from the Poisons Act.

High rate of vaping teens

The MMA expressed concerns over the wide availability of vaping products in the country, especially through vending machines and other unchecked channels, which have led to early addiction among minors.

The association cited the National Health and Morbidity Survey 2022, which reported an increase in vaping among Malaysian teenagers aged 13 to 17, rising from 9.8 percent in 2017 to 14.9 percent in 2022.

Teen vaping prevalence among males is at 23.3 percent and 6.2 percent among females, it added.

“Enforcement of the Act by the relevant authorities on a continuous basis will be crucial to meet the intended aims of the Act,” Kalwinder said.

The MMA also emphasised the importance of public health education, urging the government to implement comprehensive campaigns to raise awareness among youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping.

Unlicensed vape vending machines will be seized - minister

Rules on sale of e-cigarettes, vape to take effect soon, says Dzulkefly

NGO shocked vape tax revenue not used for health as promised

LETTER | Kudos to govt for prioritising public health over vape industry interests