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Govt Seeks To Control Use of Non-Nicotine Vape, Shisha, And Tobacco With New Laws

This is part of the Health Ministry's efforts to create a healthier lifestyle among Malaysians.

Cover image via Voa News

Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said that a new law to control tobacco, vaping, and shisha activities will be enacted soon

Image via Straits Times

"To regulate non-nicotine vape products there is no law yet. So, that is why we are going to introduce the new legislation," Dr Lee said at the Ipoh Cardiovascular Society Scientific Meeting, as reported by New Straits Times.

The new legislation has been drafted and submitted to the Attorney General's Chambers.

“Our next step will be a session with parliamentarians and stakeholders before it is presented in Parliament,” he said.

Dr Lee said that this is part of the Health Ministry's efforts to create a healthier lifestyle among Malaysians

Image via Rand

Studies show that vapours cause inflammation and disable cells that protect the lung tissues.

In addition, vaping fluid that contains nicotine could have effects that are similar to that of smoking traditional cigarettes.

The sale of tobacco products would also be regulated if the legislation is enacted

Image via Very Well Mind

"Under current law, there are two provisions... one controls the use of nicotine under the Poison Act. Nicotine can only be prescribed by medical practitioners registered with the ministry," Dr Lee said, adding that regular people are not allowed to sell nicotine.

Dr Lee’s announcement follows the recent smoking ban, which does not extend to non-nicotine vape:

The smoking ban includes all air-conditioned and open-air restaurants, coffee shops, hawker centres as well as street stalls:

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