PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry is fuming and has expressed regret regarding the issue of e-cigarettes and vaping products being sold in front of a school that went viral recently.
Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said that the ministry received information regarding the promotional, advertising and sales activity of e-cigarettes or vape products resembling toys or "Tiger Pod" which has become widespread.
"This is very worrisome for both parents and teachers alike as the products in question have been created and designed in such a way that it attracts the attention of children and teenagers to try and use it.
"What is even more worrying is the fact that this particular e-cigarette or vape product uses nicotine based liquid, where the sale of such products is controlled and under the Poison Act of 1952," she said in a statement today.
She added that the distribution and supply of any products and items containing nicotine must be registered and obtained the necessary approval as a medicine from the relevant authorities for drug control, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Regulations of 1984, Drugs Sales Act of 1952.
"Realising that the Poison Act of 1952 does not have any provision or allocation to prevent the promotion and advertising for vape and e-cigarette liquid, provisions have already been included, inserted under the smoking and tobacco products Control Bill aimed at regulating the production of such harmful products.
"It has already been tabled for a second reading during the Parliament sitting in August last year and the implementation has been postponed till now," she said.
Dr Zaliha said that the solution for the sale of products that can be detrimental to the health and well-being of the younger generation such as the "Tiger Pod" required the cooperation from various agencies and ministries such as Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry, local governments and other related enforcement agencies.
"I would also like to stress that vape entrepreneurs must be responsible and take responsibility when producing and selling their products.
"Parents must also help to observe and monitor their childrens' activities to make sure that they do not end up picking up the bad habit as it can be detrimental to their health," she said.
She added that the ministry would continue to cooperate and work together with the Education and Higher Education ministries, public and private universities as well as Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) for advocacy and preventive activities.
"This to ensure continuous education on the dangers of vaping and smoking which can be widely spread to all layers and levels of society and the community," she said.