The Ministry of Health (MOH) takes a serious view and regrets the issue of selling electronic cigarettes or vaping products in front of a school that recently went viral.
Its minister, Dr Zaliha Mustafa, said the Ministry of Health also received information, promotional activities, advertising and sales of electronic cigarettes or vapes resembling children’s games or ‘Tiger Pod’ which are now becoming more widespread.
“This matter is of great concern to parents and teachers because the product involved is designed to attract the attention of children and teenagers to use it.
“What is more worrying is when these electronic cigarettes or vapes use nicotine-containing liquid, the sale of which is controlled under the Poisons Act 1952,” she said in a statement today.
She said the distribution and supply of any preparation containing nicotine requires registration and approval as a drug from the Drug Control Authority, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Regulations 1984, the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
“Aware that the Poisons Act 1952 does not have a provision against the prohibition of promotional activities and advertising of electronic cigarette liquid or vaping, then the provision has been included under the Tobacco and Smoking Product Control Bill (RUU), aimed at regulating the production of the product.
“It has already been presented for the second reading at the Parliament session in August last year and the implementation of it is still delayed until now,” she said.
She said, solving the sale of products that can harm the health of the young generation such as ‘Tiger Pod’ requires the cooperation of various ministries and agencies such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living, local authorities (PBT) and other enforcement agencies.
“I also want to emphasize that vape entrepreneurs should take a high responsibility in producing their products.
“Parents are also asked to continue to monitor their children’s activities so that they do not get caught up in practices that can damage their health,” she said.
She added that the MoH will continue to work with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Higher Education, public and private universities and non-governmental organizations in advocacy and prevention activities.
“This is to ensure that continuous education regarding the dangers of smoking can be widely disseminated to all levels of society,” she said.
