Don't implement exemption of nicotine liquid products, gels yet, say pharmacists

SHAH ALAM - The Malaysian Pharmaceutical Association (MPS) has urged the government to withdraw or delay implementating the nicotine liquid products or gels exemption from the Poisons Act 1952.

The Malaysian Pharmacy Association President Amrahi Buang said although the exemption has been gazetted, the implementation can be delayed until the Tobacco and Smoking Products Control Act was presented and approved in the Dewan Rakyat.

He said the vape liquid can still be added with any prohibited substance, which in turn increases the risk of drug abuse or other prohibited substances, causing drug addiction to worsen.

"If there is no control over nicotine level in vape liquid, the nicotine level can be very high. There are now vapes on the market that contain nicotine levels of up to 50 milligrammes per millilitre (mg/ml), so the risk of poisoning and addiction will increase.

"In addition, the lack of control over the flavour and shape of the vape device can also attract the attention of children," he told Sinar.

He said school children were also on vape but it was difficult the detect, creating a cluster of vape smokers," he said,

It was reported that the government has removed nicotine liquid or gel products from the Poisons Act 1952 and imposed a tax on the sale of vape liquid for electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) at a rate of 40 cents per mL, effective April 1.

The federal government gazette notice was issued on Saturday by the Prime Minister, who is also the Finance Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Amrahi said the announcement of the exemption of nicotine liquid or gel products from the Poisons Act 1952 has been done in haste. "It should be done in an orderly and timely manner for the benefit of all parties involved," he said.

"As a result of this decision, this vape is not regulated by any act or regulation like ordinary cigarettes. So there is no direct control over nicotine, which is poisonous," he stressed.

Following that, Amrahi recommended that the gazetting of the exemption of nicotine liquid or gel products from the Poisons Act 1952 be delayed until the End Generation Policy (GEG) is implemented to stop the threat of nicotine addiction for the benefit of future generations.

"Free the country from this dangerous nicotine addiction. So the drafting of the Tobacco and Smoking Products Control Act needs to be expedited by the government and supported by all members of Parliament," he said.