Advanced Centre for Addiction Treatment Advocacy (ACATA) on 31 March 2023 called on the Government to introduce regulations for the vape industry, following news that nicotine may be exempted from the Poisons Act, to reduce smoking incidences in Malaysia. 

Dr Arifin Fii, President of Advanced Centre for Addiction Treatment Advocacy said, “The exemption of nicotine from the Poisons Act must be followed immediately with regulations of all vape products. In the interest of time, ACATA recommends amending current tobacco regulations to include vape.

“This move will ensure vape products are subjected to stringent controls, not only to protect the safety of users but most importantly, to ensure vape is only accessible to adults." 

In regulating vape, ACATA added that there is substantial and credible evidence to support that vape products are much less harmful than smoking. Evidence also show that vaping efficiently helps smokers to quit.

“Therefore, vape regulations must also include harm reduction strategies and considerations. Evidence on risks and benefit must be studied. Educating people at risk namely smokers about vaping is important, as they are those who will benefit the most from vaping. Most important is that they are receiving the correct, accurate and evidence-based information. 

“ACATA believes that it is important for all stakeholders to work together to develop an appropriate regulatory approach which provides consumers who might otherwise continue to smoke, the accessibility and the confidence to use the less harmful products,” Dr Arifin concluded. - KitaReporters/Media Release