PUTRAJAYA: A total of three ministries will be entrusted with monitoring the use of e-cigarettes and vapes nationwide.
The Domestic Trade, Cooperatives and Consumerism Ministry, in a statement today, said the decision was made by the Cabinet yesterday.
Apart from the Domestic Trade ministry, the other two ministries involved are the Health as well as Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) ministries.
“The Health Ministry will monitor the sale of e-cigarette liquids containing nicotine under the Poisons Act 1952 and the Sale of Drugs Act 1952.
“MOSTI, through the Malaysia Standards Department, will develop standards for e-cigarettes and vape batteries and devices, as well as the packaging of e-cigarette liquids without nicotine under the Malaysia Standards Act 1996,” said the ministry.
The Domestic Trade Ministry, in the meantime, will monitor and enforce safety standards of e-cigarettes, vape batteries and devices under the Consumer Protection Act 1999 (Act 599).
It added the ministry would also monitor and enforce relevant laws relating to labeling of the device and liquids without nicotine used in e-cigarettes and vapes.
In view of the Cabinet's decision, amendments to existing laws including the Control of Tobacco Product Regulations of 2004 would be made.
The Domestic Trade Ministry will also draft a new law relating the control of e-cigarettes and vape without nicotine within the next two years.
“During the transition period, the sale of e-cigarettes and vapes will still be governed by existing regulations and relevant agencies,” it added.