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It is "quite drastic" to ban the usage of vapes and cigarettes in Malaysia, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said in Parliament on Tuesday (Apr. 4).

Anwar was replying to a supplementary question by Kuala Langat Member of Parliament (MP) Ahmad Yunus Hairi, who asked about the government's decision to remove nicotine liquids and gel used for vapes from the Poisons Act 1952.

The removal means that the substance is now legal.

With effect from Apr. 1, 2023, vape liquids containing nicotine are taxed at 40 sen (S$0.12) per millilitre in Malaysia.

Taking a "moderate approach"

In response to Ahmad, Anwar told the Dewan Rakyat (Malaysia's lower house of parliament):

"Although I am not a doctor, I understand your concerns. I also agree that we should heighten awareness regarding this issue.

However, taking quite extreme action to ban vape, nicotine, or cigarettes is quite drastic and cannot be done by any country in the world. Many people still smoke despite us holding various campaigns."

Anwar added that while the government runs a campaign on the negative effects of smoking and vaping, it will continue with the taxation measure to prevent the substances from being cheap and widely available.

Anwar also noted that health professionals and agencies are strongly against the removal of vape liquids from the Poisons Act.

But he reiterated that as of this moment, it is "difficult" for the government to ban the products, although it will continue to raise awareness on the dangers of smoking and vaping so that individuals can "choose for themselves".

"This is why we are taking a moderate approach by taxing [these products] but remaining firm on prohibiting [smoking and vaping] in places such as Parliament and schools.

We will also impose widespread restrictions to deny access to these devices among the youth."

Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill to be tabled in May 2023

Anwar also announced that the long-awaited Tobacco Products and Smoking Control Bill will be tabled in Parliament in May.

The Bill regulates all smoking products, including smoking materials containing nicotine.

Anwar apologised for the delay in tabling the Bill, stating that many MPs have asked for some provisions to be reviewed.

"We are clear with our decision to introduce the Bill... But due to the many objections, I have suggested that the health minister re-negotiate with the MPs and health bodies for the purpose of tabling the Bill by this year.

For a better understanding on several provisions in the Bill, specifically its implementation which is considered too harsh, I feel that it is important to give some room for MPs to have a discussion either through the public select committee or other means."

Top images via Unsplash & Anwar Ibrahim/Facebook.