KUALA LUMPUR: The country's main medical professionals' group has urged the government to hasten the gazettement of vape regulations, saying the delay in doing so poses significant public health risks.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz said they were informed that the draft of the regulations was completed at the end of last year.
"But there has been no news about it since. The government must explain the reasons for this delay," Azizan said in a statement.
She said MMA has several concerns over the lack of gazettement, including the "trend" of mobile vaping kiosks being set up around universities and schools.
"These kiosks not only sell vaping products but also promote vaping as a lifestyle choice to young people, leading to early nicotine addiction and normalisation of vaping.
"The aggressive marketing of vaping as trendy and desirable is deeply concerning as it can foster long-term addiction, particularly among impressionable youths."
Azizan also said the surge in vaping among youths has implications for public health, including nicotine addiction.
"If left unaddressed, the current exposure to vaping among youth will complicate the management of non-communicable diseases in the future."
This, she said, would further burden the healthcare system, reduce productivity, and impose socio-economic strains on families and the nation.
In May, the 2023 Global Adult Tobacco Survey found there has been a 600 per cent surge in electronic cigarette use in the country in the past 12 years.
It said the prevalence of e-cigarette users among younger age groups was high, with the largest percentage being those aged between 15 and 24, standing at 8.6 per cent.
"Given these pressing concerns, MMA urges the government to expedite the gazettement of the regulations under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024," said Azizan.
Azizan also called on the authorities to bar the sale and promotion of vape products near educational institutions and implement stringent vape advertising and packaging regulations.
The authorities must also ensure those under 18 have no access to vape products, she said.
"MMA appeals to members of Parliament to take a strong stance on this critical issue," Azizan said, adding MPs should push for the finalisation and implementation of vape regulations.