While strict regulation of the e-cigarette was expected in Malaysia, we now learn that it should be strictly regulated as a pharmaceutical product. Another victory for Big Pharma?
FROM A TOTAL BAN TO A REGULATION AS A PHARMA PRODUCT ...
One can clearly wonder what is going on in Malaysia. While the original recommendation was to ban e-cigarettes altogether, the chairman of the health ministry's technical committee said in an interview in Kuala Lumpur that the best thing was to enforce strict regulations.
In this interview, the Dr. Abdul Razak Muttalif, a former director of the Kuala Lumpur Institute of Respiratory Medicine said: “ We recommended regulation as a pharmaceutical rather than a consumer product, because you cannot see people selling e-cigarettes as cosmetics. "Before adding" Once they are classified as consumer products, you lose control"
When the concerns of pro-vape groups are raised and they announce that the fact of classifying the e-cigarette as a pharmaceutical product will increase costs and make them inaccessible to smokers who want to quit, Dr. Abdul Razak responds with a amazing way: " Is it difficult to buy medicine in Malaysia? There are however many pharmacies all over the country "
A REASONING OF THE SPEECH BY KONSTANTINOS FARSALINOS
In his speech, Dr Abdul Razak does not stop there and does not hesitate to question the words and the work of the Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos declaring " be skeptical that Malaysians actually quit smoking"
Indeed, the Dr. Konstantinos Farsalinos must present at the end of the month the conclusions of a study on Malaysian vapers. According to a statement from the Doctor recognized in the world of vape, this study would show a significant rate of smoking cessation among vapers in the country. For Dr. Abdul Razak, skepticism is in order and he questions " Is the study carried out in an appropriate manner? ethics? Let me see the results before I say anything. We know very well that e-cigarettes lead to nicotine addiction. »
STRICT REGULATIONS FOR THE END OF THE YEAR
Regarding the deadlines, regulations were already planned for the end of the year. According to the Dr. Abdul Razak, The objective is to de-normalize smoking by 2045, he remains wary of vaping and does not hesitate to declare " We do not want the e-cigarette to be a gateway to something more harmful". According to him, it is also important to have " zero vapotor "Que" zero smoker"
« The Ministry of Health will therefore regulate e-liquids containing nicotine while the internal trade, cooperatives and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs will be responsible for e-liquids without nicotine“, Explains Dr Abdul Razak.
Regarding e-cigarettes, they must comply with Malaysian standards and comply with a technical document that will specify the minimum quality and safety requirements for public use. The committee would also like to re-examine the 1952 Poisons Act to include the e-cigarette.
And the work has progressed well! Dr Abdul Razak said: “ We gave our recommendations two months ago to the competent authorities involved in the regulatory framework. Now it's up to them to write the law "
TO USE FOREIGN REGULATIONS BUT NOT FORCE FOLLOWING
If Malaysia obviously looked at what was being done abroad, it preferred to turn to a regulation " suitable »Has its condition, a bit like Australia.
« While we are aware of decisions made by other countries around the world, we must take their recommendations with a grain of salt. What may work in the US and Europe may not work for us due to various factors such as the costs involved and the laws. We therefore take note of their regulations, we examine our situation, and we take what we think is appropriate for our country. "Announces Dr Abdul Razak.
He expects the Department of Health to take strong positions along with the US and the EU. All of its efforts have one goal: to reduce the prevalence of smoking by strengthening existing laws.
Source : Daily Star.
