National harmony is not merely desirable; it's a necessity, asserts Anwar.
Stepping Up Enforcement on Vaping Products in Malaysia 🚨🇲🇾
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is tightening its grip on the vaping industry, vowing to maintain a firm hand in controlling the contents and emissions of all vaping-related products. This move aims to safeguard public health and well-being.
In a recent announcement, the MOH made it clear that the manufacture, import, and distribution of e-cigarette liquids within Malaysia fall under the purview of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (AKA Act 852).
The Disease Control Division revealed that the responsibility of issuing interim manufacturing licenses for these devices rests with the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), specifically the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), following the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and local by-laws.
The MOH reminds us that, under Section 2 of Act 852, e-cigarette liquids are classed as smoking products, making them subject to rigorous regulation. Multiple government agencies contribute to the regulation of the vaping industry in Malaysia, with the Royal Malaysian Customs Department playing a significant role, overseeing import controls through the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2008.
Safety standard testing for vaping devices is performed by SIRIM, under the auspices of the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, and enforced via the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. Any decisions related to the import, manufacture, and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are joint decisions made by all relevant government agencies.
The MOH's announcement comes after news surfaced on May 28 that U.S.-based vaping company Ispire Technology Inc. had been granted a temporary license to operate in Senai, Johor.
💡 Note: E-cigarette liquids consist of nicotine, propylene glycol, glycerol, and triethylene glycol, according to regulations outlined in Act 852.
(Regulatory Framework: The importation, manufacturing, and distribution of e-cigarette liquids are regulated by multiple government agencies, with the Ministry of Health responsible for enforcing standards related to content and emissions, and the Royal Malaysian Customs Department overseeing import controls.)
(Licensing and Enforcement: The issuance of manufacturing licenses for e-cigarette devices falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), specifically through the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), while local authorities also play a crucial role in enforcing licensing by-laws. Safety standard testing for devices is conducted by SIRIM under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.)
(Compliance Requirements: Any decision regarding the import, manufacturing, and distribution of e-cigarette liquids must be collectively made by relevant government agencies.)
(Current Status: The MOH has clarified that while e-cigarette liquids are legal for trade in Malaysia, they remain strictly regulated under Act 852. There is ongoing pressure from medical groups for the Ministry of Health to fully enforce these regulations to stem the tide of vape products.)
- The Malaysian government is taking steps to regulate the vaping industry, focusing on the health and well-being of its citizens.
- The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852) dictates the regulations for the manufacture, import, and distribution of e-cigarette liquids in Malaysia.
- The Disease Control Division has delegated the responsibility of issuing interim manufacturing licenses for vaping devices to the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), under the Industrial Coordination Act 1975 and local by-laws.
- Safety standard testing for vaping devices is carried out by SIRIM, under the Trade Descriptions (Certification and Marking of Electronic Cigarette Devices) Order 2022, and enforced by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
- Multiple government agencies work together to regulate the vaping industry in Malaysia, including the Ministry of Health, the Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living.
- Medical groups are calling for stricter enforcement of vaping regulations in Malaysia, citing concerns about respiratory conditions, mental health, and other medical-related issues related to vaping.
