A former Malaysian health ministry official suggested that the sale of vapes should be limited to pharmacies or institutions with smoking cessation services licenses and that the content and taste of nicotine should be restricted in line with the British approach to promoting the integration of vapes with smoking cessation guidelines.
A former health ministry official in Malaysia has suggested that the sale of vapes should be limited to pharmacies or establishments licensed for smoking cessation services.
Anita Suleiman, a former Department of Health’s Disease Control Unit official, said, “I think it’s especially important to make sure these devices are only used by people who are genuinely seeking to quit smoking.” She acknowledged that the measure would also help the Health Ministry to effectively monitor the sale of vapes and ensure rational use of the devices to reduce cigarette consumption.
She further suggested limiting the nicotine content of e-liquids, as is the practice in the UK, to curb addiction. In addition, the taste of some vapes should be limited. Sulaiman noted that social support is strongly linked to the use of vapes as a tobacco alternative, as research has shown that vapes combined with smoking cessation guidance can be more effective in helping us quit smoking.
Malaysian Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad has previously said that while the current focus remains on regulating the use of vapes, the government is prepared to consider a total ban on these devices if needed seriously. (Related reading: Malaysia or ban vapes altogether? Minister of Health: will be reassessed according to the situation)
To prevent users from developing chronic diseases such as lung cancer, Anita stressed that the government needs to develop clear policies to guide the use of vapes.
