MMA has urged the government to reaffirm its commitment to a nationwide vape ban amid reports of a proposal to exempt liquid nicotine from the Poisons List.
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad to clarify a reported proposal to exempt liquid nicotine used in vape products from the Poisons List and reaffirm the government’s commitment to a nationwide vape ban.
In a statement today, MMA president Dr Sivanaesan Letchumanan said the association was “deeply troubled” by a report published by a local medical news portal claiming that the Poisons Board had approved the minister’s proposal to exempt liquid nicotine from the list.
He said MMA would strongly oppose the move if the report was accurate, warning that it raised serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting public health.
Dr Sivanaesan said the government should not repeat the events of 2023, when the Poisons Board opposed the removal of liquid nicotine from the Poisons List, but the government proceeded with the move.
In May, the High Court ruled that the removal was irrational and had been carried out without proper consultation with the Poisons Board. The court also found that the then health minister’s decision had been motivated primarily by economic considerations.
The government subsequently withdrew its appeal against the ruling.
“Are we now heading down the same path again?” he asked.
While acknowledging that the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) was now in force, having taken effect on Oct 1, 2024, Dr Sivanaesan said regulation alone was insufficient and that the ultimate goal should be a complete nationwide ban.
MMA also expressed concern over the growing problem of drug-laced vape products.
The Home Ministry disclosed in July that 718.43kg of vape products suspected of containing prohibited substances had been seized between 2023 and June 2026, while 585 individuals had been arrested in 400 cases.
Dr Sivanaesan said the problem had extended beyond nicotine addiction, warning of the risks of drug dependency, serious medical complications, increased pressure on healthcare services and wider public safety concerns.
MMA also recalled that Dr Dzulkefly had said in June that police data involving 402 vape cases linked to synthetic drugs provided a strong basis for a nationwide ban.
In December 2025, he reportedly said the question was no longer whether vaping would be banned, but when, with the ministry targeting enforcement in 2026.
“What has changed?” Dr Sivanaesan asked.
He questioned why the government would consider a move that could allow the continued sale of nicotine vape products despite its commitment to a ban. He also questioned whether commercial interests and tax revenue were being prioritised over public health.
MMA urged the minister to provide an immediate explanation, reaffirm the government’s commitment to a nationwide ban and establish a clear implementation timeline.
Dr Sivanaesan added that the minister should be prepared to accept responsibility if drug-laced vaping and its associated harms continued to escalate.
“Malaysia should be moving towards eliminating vape, not normalising it,” he said.
