Close watch on health products

The Star

27-04-2025

KOTA BARU: The Health Ministry is closely monitoring two key issues following the tariffs imposed by the United States, particularly those affecting medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said although the US had indicated an intention to exempt pharmaceuticals from these tariffs, recent developments suggest otherwise.
'Some of the announced tariffs are still unclear, so we must remain vigilant.
'It is crucial for us to stay attentive to these two matters,' he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat programme yesterday, Bernama reported.
He was responding to questions about the potential impact of the tariffs on the nation's healthcare supply chain.
On April 22, The Star reported Malaysian medical product manufacturers are bracing for the potential impact as the US considers imposing tariffs on pharmaceutical imports worth US$200bil.
Malaysia's medical device export to the United States was valued at RM13.69bil (US$3.07bil) in 2024, making up 36.97% of the country's total medical device exports, which stood at RM37.03bil.
Pharmaceutical exports to the US were worth RM560mil or 18.48% of Malaysia's total pharmaceutical exports, which amounted to RM3.03bil.
The report also quoted the Malaysian Medical Device Manufacturers Association as saying the impact was already felt when President Donald Trump announced the 24% reciprocal tariffs against Malaysia earlier this month.
On the Terengganu government's decision to ban the sale of electronic cigarette products, Dzulkefly said the ministry was determined to implement comprehensive regulation on vape products with the gazette of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act.
He said the Act, which functions as a stand-alone legislation, would serve as a strong foundation for regulating all aspects related to smoking products, including their registration, sales, advertising and nicotine content.
'Our approach is to enforce strict regulation. Sales to minors will be completely prohibited and stringent controls will be in place to ensure there is no room for any form of leniency,' he said.
Dzulkefly also said the state government would hold an important responsibility through its authority to deny business licences to entrepreneurs selling smoking products.
He viewed the collaboration as a positive step towards safeguarding public health.
The Terengganu government announced that effective Aug 1, it would enforce a ban on the sale of vape products statewide – a move to curb the sale and use of vape products, which pose health risks, particularly to the younger generation.