Malaysia's possible removal of nicotine from poison list sparks controversy

2023-03-31

Blue Hole New Consumer Report, March 29 news, according to foreign reports, the Malaysian Medical Association has sounded the alarm about possible action to remove nicotine from the 1952 Poisons Act.



They claimed that this was done so that the government could tax vaping products containing the substance.



Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) claimed the association was aware that nicotine was removed from the list of controlled substances under the Act.

He claimed the move was imminent, expected as early as the first week of April.

He expressed concern that doing so before the Tobacco Control Act passed would result in a lack of control over the sale of vaping products.

"We are concerned that this move will lead to the sale of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes in public, with no restrictions on minors. Under the 2023 budget, nicotine-containing e-cigarettes will be taxed, but the move seems to be the fact that they are sold in the public domain In order to sell e-cigarettes containing nicotine, nicotine must be removed from the Poisons Act’s list of controlled substances,” he said.

Dr Muruga Raj said that so far, there are no proper regulations on the use of e-cigarettes.

He said removing nicotine from the list would allow the sale of nicotine and non-nicotine e-cigarettes to be openly and legally sold to anyone, including children.

“It is important to note that the current Control of Tobacco Products Regulation (CTPR) only applies to the nicotine in cigarettes and to whom it can be sold, i.e. people over the age of 18. Nicotine is highly addictive, which is why even cigarettes, We also only allow people over the age of 18 to buy," he said.

He said removing nicotine from the Poisons Act before the Tobacco Control Act was passed would give children unhindered access to vaping products containing nicotine - which would lead to a new generation of children and young people becoming addicted.

“The Ministry of Health mentioned through various stakeholder engagement that addressing smoking and vaping addiction is a gradual process. For example, the passage of the Tobacco Control Act – which brought in comprehensive controls on the sale of tobacco and vaping , and then there is the removal of nicotine from the list before any tax is implemented."

"But this latest news shows that the government is more concerned about the potential tax revenue and has little concern about its impact on the health of Malaysians," he said.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Pharmacists' Society (MPS) also strongly opposed the proposal to exclude liquid or gel nicotine under the Act in a statement.

MPS chairman Prof Amrahi Buang said the move would be detrimental to the health and safety of Malaysians.

"We know that the Poisons Commission will be meeting to discuss exempting nicotine from regulation under the Poisons Act 1952 so that the government can tax it as soon as possible, but for various health reasons we are totally opposed to the idea."

“Studies have shown that nicotine use can lead to cardiovascular disease, lung disease and cancer. Also, nicotine use during pregnancy can harm the developing fetus and lead to delivery complications, and vaping is now a growing trend in Malaysia.” He said.

Amrahi called on the government to reject proposals to remove nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952 and protect public health and safety.

He said: "We urge the government to increase regulation of e-cigarettes and vaping, including restrictions on marketing and advertising, and to increase public education about the dangers before considering this proposal.
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