Latest news with #ControlofSmokingProductsforPublicHealthAct
Scoop
12 hours ago
- Health
- Scoop
Vaping Risks Overstated: CAPHRA Calls For Science, Not Scare Tactics
In response to the article published by The Sun Malaysia titled 'Many harmful chemicals found in vape liquids', CAPHRA welcomes continued scrutiny of all nicotine delivery systems. However, it is essential that reporting is balanced, evidence-based, and accurately contextualized. Firstly, identifying thousands of compounds in vape aerosols is not unexpected. Modern laboratory analysis can detect trace chemicals at parts-per-billion levels—many of which are not proven to be harmful at the concentrations used in legal, regulated nicotine e liquids. According to Samsul Arrifin Kamal, of MOVE Malaysia 'Presence does not equate to risk, and suggesting otherwise misrepresents scientific principles.' Critically, no credible study to date has shown that vaping is more harmful than smoking. In fact, leading independent reviews—including those by Public Health England and the UK Office for Health Improvement and Disparities—consistently conclude that vaping is significantly less harmful than combustible tobacco. Unlike cigarette smoke, which contains over 7,000 chemicals including dozens of known carcinogens, vape aerosols contain far fewer and at much lower levels. Concerns about metals and volatile compounds should be addressed through proper regulation, not fear. Poorly manufactured or illicit devices pose real risks—this is why Malaysia's reintroduction of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (Act 852) was a necessary step. Enforcing product quality, ingredient transparency, and sales restrictions is the path forward. The public deserves clear, science-led communication. Overstating the dangers of vaping can have unintended consequences by discouraging adults who smoke from switching to safer alternatives, or pushing vapers back to combustible tobacco. Kamal further states, 'In short, vaping is not risk-free and should not be marketed to youth. But for adult smokers unable to quit nicotine entirely, switching to regulated vaping products remains a significantly less harmful choice.' We urge policymakers, the media, and the public to focus on proportional regulation, product safety enforcement, and honest harm communication.
The Star
29-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO CLEAR THE AIR?
HIS love for his baby daughter was fierce—but not fierce enough to break his addiction. Each time Desmond Lee, 41, held her, she would grimace and fuss, turning away from the smoky scent clinging to his breath and clothes. Yet every attempt to quit cold turkey left him trembling, sweating and on edge—trapped between love and addiction. Lee's struggle mirrors that of millions of smokers around the world, caught in a cycle they long to escape but find impossible to break. For many, quitting altogether feels out of reach. Recognising this, Philip Morris International (PMI) is deepening its commitment to a smoke-free future by investing in science-driven innovation, building retail partnerships and aligning closely with evolving regulatory frameworks. PMI Malaysia and Singapore managing director Naeem Shahab Khan reaffirmed the company's long-standing global ambition to phase out combustible cigarettes by harnessing science and technology for a cleaner future. 'There are nearly a billion smokers worldwide, and approximately 5.2 million in Malaysia alone. The most harmful way to consume nicotine remains through combustion—the act of burning tobacco. If you don't smoke, don't start. If you smoke, quit. If you don't quit, change,' said Naeem during the IQOS ILUMA i launch held at Heritage Valley, Kuala Lumpur recently. Science-based approach PMI's transformation into a science-led business has involved more than US$14bil in research and development investments to date—and that figure continues to grow year-on-year. 'We have over 1,400 scientists as well as research and development experts dedicated to this work. To date, we've published nearly 542 peer-reviewed studies, all of which are publicly available,' Naeem said. These efforts, he added, are part of PMI's long-term strategy to reduce public health harm by eliminating combustion. 'Our extensive research shows that exposure to harmful chemicals can be reduced up to 95% compared to traditional cigarettes when combustion is taken out of the equation. The ill of smoking is in the smoke—when you remove burning, you drastically reduce harmful exposure,' he explained. The company's findings are backed by a growing body of scientific evidence and international regulatory validation, including the US Food and Drug Administration's Modified Risk Tobacco Product (MRTP). Hinging on regulatory partnership Naeem applauded Malaysia's Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act (ACT 852)—which provides a clear regulatory framework aimed at youth access prevention and combating illicit trade. He called it a 'key enabler for future progress'. 'This law offers much-needed clarity in terms of product definitions, quality control and age restrictions. It also places stronger emphasis on youth access prevention, which we fully support.' Meanwhile, PMI Malaysia Commercial operations director Mazlan Jala Musa noted that the company has introduced internal compliance measures and retail guidelines, all of which strictly adheres to regulatory requirements. These include regular age-verification training for retail partners, in-store compliance checks and continuous education on product categories. 'We work closely with partners including convenience stores and independent retailers to help them understand the differences between products, and most importantly, to ensure they are not selling to minors,' said Mazlan. On market competition, Naeem said PMI does not view other market players as rivals. Instead, he sees them as potential allies in shifting awareness away from combustible cigarettes. 'We define leadership not just by market share, but by how effectively we can reduce smoking prevalence. Anyone aligned with that goal contributes to the bigger picture,' he said. Smoke-free potential Armed with the strong belief that a smoke-free future is within reach, Naeem remains optimistic about Malaysia's potential to transition away from traditional cigarettes—but only through joint effort. He called for continued collaboration between government, civil society, media and the private sector to provide smokers with accurate information—without targeting non-smokers or encouraging uptake. 'The elephant in the room is still cigarettes. That's where most of the harm lies. If we are serious about reducing the health burden of smoking, we must create the right environment to move adult smokers away from combustion. 'If we can pull our efforts together and create a regulatory framework that encourages cigarette smokers to switch to smoke-free alternatives, that is the only way, in my view, Malaysia can become smoke-free,' said Naeem.
The Star
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Cabinet to decide on cannabis vape factory issue, says Health Minister
KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet will make a collective decision regarding the controversy surrounding a US-based vape company manufacturing "cannabis hardware" in Johor, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. "I will address this issue later. We have to present it to the Cabinet and from there, we will make a collective decision," he said. He added that several ministries and agencies are involved, such as the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority among others. "So, we will table this in the Cabinet meeting and reach a collective decision," said Dr Dzulkefly after attending the opening ceremony of the 31st Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia (APHM) conference at the KL Convention Centre on Monday (June 9). On Thursday (June 5), Perikatan Nasional health committee chair Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi called for a police investigation into the vape factory in Senai, Johor operated by Ispire Technology Inc, a Nasdaq-listed company based in California, US. "The manufacturing licence for Ispire's factory in Senai was issued by Mida. However, questions arose as to whether Mida approvals cover the manufacturing of cannabis-related products, which is clearly illegal under the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952," said the Kuala Langat MP. The licence granted by Mida to Ispire is touted as Malaysia's first federal licence to produce nicotine products. The sale of nicotine liquids is regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act.
The Star
05-06-2025
- Health
- The Star
E-cigarette liquids legal but strictly regulated
PETALING JAYA: E-cigarette liquids can be legally sold in Malaysia, but they are subject to strict regulations aimed at protecting public health, the Health Ministry has stressed. In a statement issued yesterday, the ministry responded to recent media reports about a company that had been granted an interim manufacturing licence to produce e-cigarette devices using nicotine-infused liquids or gels. The ministry said decisions related to the importation, manufacturing and distribution of such liquids are 'collectively made by various government agencies'. It clarified that the issuance of manufacturing licences falls under the purview of the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry via the Malaysian Investment Development Authority, as provided for under the Industrial Coordination Act. 'The importation, manufacturing and distribution of electronic cigarette liquids in the local market are regulated under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act,' the statement said. According to Section 2 of the Act, these liquids are defined as smoking substances, namely products containing any combination of substances such as nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol and triethylene glycol. The ministry also noted that regulatory oversight involves multiple government agencies, including the Customs Department, which monitors the import of raw materials; Sirim, which tests devices for safety compliance; and local authorities that enforce licensing by-laws. For its part, the ministry retains enforcement powers to monitor the content and emissions of all types of smoking products. 'The Health Ministry is committed to ensuring maximum enforcement and control to safeguard public health and safety,' the statement added.
