The Legalisation of Nicotine-Laced Vape Products in Malaysia

The debate on the legalisation of nicotine-laced vape products in Malaysia has been a topic of discussion between the Finance Ministry and the Health Ministry. The Finance Ministry is pushing for the removal of liquid nicotine from the Poisons List to expedite the legalisation of these products and boost government revenue through taxation. However, the Health Ministry insists that the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Bill 2022, also known as the Generational End-game (GEG) Bill, should be passed first to protect the young from nicotine addiction. This article explores the conflicting views of these two ministries and sheds light on the possible implications of legalising the vape industry.



The Finance Ministry's push for legalising the vape industry

During the tabling of the 2023 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim voiced his support for the GEG Bill. However, Anwar, who is also the finance minister, acknowledged that the vape industry had already sold RM2 billion worth of products despite being illegal. He proposed imposing an excise duty on liquid or gel products containing nicotine, with half the proceeds going to the Health Ministry to improve the quality of health services.

To expedite the taxation of nicotine-laced vape products, the Customs Act was amended to allow their entry into the country. However, for these products to be sold openly, the government must remove liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952. The Finance Ministry has been pushing for this to happen, but it requires the approval of the Health Ministry's Poisons Board.

The Health Ministry's stance on the legalisation of the vape industry

The Health Ministry's Poisons Board is against the removal of liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act. The ministry believes that passing the GEG Bill is crucial to protect the young from nicotine addiction. The bill proposes regulating tobacco products and vape devices to prevent their sale to minors and restrict the advertising and promotion of these products.

The Malaysian Medical Association and Malaysian Pharmacists Society have also expressed their opposition to the legalisation of the vape industry. They believe that removing nicotine from the controlled substances list ahead of the implementation of a new tax for vape products is not in the interest of public health and safety.

Possible implications of legalising the vape industry

Legalising the vape industry may have both positive and negative implications. On the one hand, it could generate significant revenue for the government through taxation and create job opportunities. On the other hand, it could increase the prevalence of nicotine addiction among the young and pose health risks to users.

Conclusion

The conflicting views of the Finance Ministry and Health Ministry on the legalisation of nicotine-laced vape products in Malaysia highlight the need for careful consideration of the implications of such a move. While the Finance Ministry sees it as an opportunity to boost government revenue, the Health Ministry insists on passing the GEG Bill first to protect the young from nicotine addiction. Ultimately, it is up to the government to weigh the potential benefits and risks of legalising the vape industry and make an informed decision.

FAQs

What is the Generational End-game (GEG) Bill?

The Generational End-game (GEG) Bill is a proposed legislation that seeks to regulate tobacco products and vape devices in Malaysia to prevent their sale to minors and restrict the advertising and promotion of these products.

Why is the Health Ministry against the legalisation of the vape industry?

The Health Ministry believes that passing the GEG Bill is crucial to protect the young from nicotine addiction. The bill proposes regulating tobacco products and vape devices to prevent their sale to minors and restrict the advertising and promotion of these products.

What are the possible implications of legalising the vape industry?

Legalising the vape industry may generate significant revenue for the government through taxation and create job opportunities. However, it could also increase the prevalence of nicotine addiction among the young and pose health risks to users.

What is the Malaysian Medical Association's stance on the legalisation of the vape industry?

The Malaysian Medical Association is opposed to the legalisation of the vape industry. They believe that removing nicotine from the controlled substances list ahead of the implementation of a new tax for vape products is not in the interest of public health and safety.

What is the Malaysian Pharmacists Society's stance on the legalisation of the vape industry?

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society is also opposed to the legalisation of the vape industry. They believe that removing nicotine from the controlled substances list ahead of the implementation of a new tax for vape products is not in the interest of public health and safety.

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