MOH Expresses Concern Over Vape Products That Look Like Children's Toys
"This is very worrying because the product is designed to attract children and teenagers to use it," said Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
By May Vin Ang — 26 Jan 2023, 05:56 PM
The Ministry of Health (MOH) has expressed concern over the sale of electronic cigarettes and vape products that look like toys or children's games
In a statement on Wednesday, 25 January, Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the ministry is aware of the viral issue of the sale of vape pods that resemble cartoon tigers being sold in front of a school.
"This is very worrying because the product is designed to attract children and teenagers to use it, and the vape product even uses a liquid containing nicotine, the sale of which is regulated under the Poisons Act 1952," she said.
She added that the distribution and supply of nicotine products such as these need registration and approval from the Drug Control Authority.
The issue of vape pods looking like children's toys was brought up last week by a concerned pharmacist on Twitter
The Twitter user, Fahmi Hassan, had tagged Bandar Kuching member of parliament (MP) and Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on Health, Science, and Innovation chairman Dr Kelvin Yii to address the issue.
"The vape industry claims that they want to help smokers quit and not sell to children, teenagers, and non-smokers. But they also make vapes that appeal to children, teenagers, and non-smokers," he wrote.
Zaliha said the issue of illegal vape products can ultimately be solved with the cooperation of various parties such as the Ministry of Domestic Trade, local authorities, and other enforcement agencies
However, she added that her ministry will also continue to work with the Ministry of Education, schools, as well as non-governmental organisations to advocate the dangers of smoking to the public.
"Vape entrepreneurs should also be responsible for their products. Parents need to continue monitoring their children's activities so that they do not get addicted to habits that are detrimental to their health," she said.
The Health Minister added that a provision against the prohibition of promotional activities and advertising of vape products has also been added to the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill.
"It has already been tabled for the second reading in Parliament last August and it is yet to be approved," she said.
