KUALA LUMPUR: Consistent and widespread enforcement is key for the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 to be effective, said the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA).
MMA president, Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira said the act, which will finally take effect from tomorrow, is a crucial step towards reducing the health risks associated with smoking and vaping in Malaysia.
However, he said MMA is especially concerned about the wide sale of vaping products throughout the country through numerous channels including vending machines, which have been allowed to go unchecked.
"Many of these vaping products sold in the market contain nicotine, leading to early addiction among minors where according to National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2022, e-cigarette and vape use among Malaysian teens aged 13 to 17 rose from 9.8 per cent in 2017 to 14.9 per cent in 2022.
"Teen vaping prevalence among males is at 23.3 per cent and 6.2 per cent among females. Continuous enforcement of the act by the relevant authorities will be crucial to meet its intended aim."
He hoped the Health Ministry would also share its plans to monitor and control the import and sale of vape products.
"This is because certain vape liquids may contain other harmful ingredients apart from nicotine.
"There must be clear guidelines on what is permissible for sale and consumption," he said.
He said public health education is also equally important, especially in raising awareness among youth about the dangers of smoking and vaping.
He also urged the government to implement comprehensive public health campaigns alongside the legislation to ensure long-term success in safeguarding the health of all Malaysians.
Last Wednesday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the act, which was gazetted on Feb 2, will come into force tomorrow.
The law aims to ban the sale and purchase of tobacco products, smoking materials and tobacco substitutes to minors, as well as to prohibit providing any smoking-related services to minors.