BY MIKE PAUL
KUALA LUMPUR, June 18 – The National Anti-Drug Association of Malaysia (PEMADAM) has called for stronger and more consistent enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), warning that the growing use of vape products among young Malaysians could fuel broader substance abuse problems.
Family and Community Development Bureau Chairperson Dato’ Jamelah A. Bakar said the priority should be on fully enforcing the law to address the increasing accessibility of vape products and prevent their misuse as a vehicle for illicit substances.
“From the perspective of drug prevention and public health, the priority at this time is to ensure that Act 852 is enforced effectively and consistently across the country,” she said in a statement on Wednesday.
Her remarks followed recent developments concerning the Ministry of Health’s decision to proceed with an appeal against a High Court ruling related to the exemption of nicotine-containing liquids and gels from the Poisons List.
While respecting the legal process, Jamelah stressed that enforcement efforts should remain focused on protecting public health, particularly among younger Malaysians.
Act 852, which came into force on Oct 1, 2024, provides a comprehensive legal framework governing the sale, purchase, packaging, marketing and use of smoking products, including conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vape products.
According to Jamelah, the increasing popularity of vaping among adolescents and young adults has become a matter of growing concern.
Citing findings from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS), she noted that the prevalence of electronic cigarette and vape use among Malaysians aged 15 and above rose sharply from 0.8 per cent in 2011 to 5.8 per cent in 2023.
“This significant increase requires serious attention from all stakeholders, including regulators, educators, parents and community organisations,” she said.
PEMADAM is particularly concerned about reports involving the misuse of vape devices through the addition of psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs.
“Vaping is no longer merely a nicotine-related issue. It has the potential to become a more complex and dangerous medium for the abuse of illicit substances,” Jamelah said.
She warned that such practices could lead to severe addiction, behavioural changes, mental health disorders and even death.
To address the issue, PEMADAM is advocating a more comprehensive and integrated enforcement approach, particularly against the online sale of vape products through social media platforms, e-commerce marketplaces, WhatsApp and Telegram.
“The online distribution of vape products has become increasingly difficult to regulate while remaining easily accessible to young people. Stronger enforcement measures are therefore necessary,” she said.
Jamelah also called for enhanced monitoring of vape products available in the market to ensure they are free from prohibited substances, psychoactive compounds and synthetic drugs.
At the same time, she urged authorities to intensify efforts to curb promotional and advertising activities that target young consumers.
She said Act 852 already provides the government with a robust legal framework to regulate smoking products, including vape devices and vape liquids, through controls on sales, advertising, promotion, packaging, product display and access by minors.
“The legal framework is already in place. The priority now is ensuring consistent enforcement through close cooperation among the Ministry of Health, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission, educational institutions, parents and the wider community,” she said.
Jamelah emphasised that the threat posed by vaping and drug abuse should not be underestimated, adding that preventive action taken today would play a critical role in safeguarding future generations.
“Effective prevention measures today will determine the safety, health and well-being of our young people tomorrow,” she said.
About Act 852
The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into force on Oct 1, 2024, is Malaysia’s comprehensive legislation regulating the sale, purchase, packaging, marketing and use of smoking products, including conventional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vape products.
The Act aims to protect public health, strengthen controls over smoking products, regulate vape devices and liquids, restrict youth access, and curb the promotion and advertising of smoking-related products.
- TNS NEWS