Last April, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad announced a new bill, pointing out that presently tobacco cigarettes and e-cigarettes are regulated under different directives. Cigarettes are regulated by the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations 2004 under the Food Act 1983, while e-cigarette liquid containing nicotine falls under the Poisons Act 1952. “The new bill will underline all regulations and controls on e-cigarettes and vapes, including the sales guidelines,” he said in the report.
The new act, which may even address the country’s tobacco contraband issue, will include all aspects of cigarettes and e-cigarettes, including the product contents, its manufacturing and the supply chain of the tobacco industry. Additionally, the measure would prohibit promotions and advertising, usage in public areas and use by minors.
The EVALI effect
Back in April, Dr Dzulkefly had said that the aim was to submit the new act to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) for review by the end of the year. However, the ministry has now said that the recent events which took place in the US, have increased the urgency to review the policies, and the final draft of the Act has been completed and submitted for a final review.
“Increasingly more studies have shown vape/electronic cigarettes … are still harmful to human health. Furthermore, vapes/e-cigarettes are still not proven to be an effective modality to quit smoking,” said the ministry inaccurately. “We really hope that the new Act can be tabled in parliament next year.”
Read Further: Reuters
