Whether or not vaping is safe or healthy, the debate is never-ending. Doctors, professionals, as well as “vapers” have been locked in arguing the pros and cons for years on end now.
Though most people would agree that vaping is a healthier alternative to smoking traditional cigarettes, the Health Ministry in Malaysia announced today that they will start confiscating products with nicotine content soon.
According to The Star Online, Health Minister Datuk Seri S Subramaniam told reporters that the Ministry is instructed to take action against those who are involved in selling products with nicotine content such as electronic cigarettes or vaping devices.
At a press conference on healthy eating during Deepavali, he said:
We will start operations soon. We will definitely move and move hard.
“I have stated in Bangi very clearly that the human body was not made by God for inhaling fumes which were made from other things,” he added.
As nicotine is categorised as a Group C poison under the Poisons Act 1952 (revision 1989) and Food Act 1983, Dr. Subramaniam said that the Ministry is empowered to confiscate products with nicotine content.
In fact, those who are manufacturing, distributing, and selling it need to be licensed too.
News of a ban on vaping surfaced last week when Dr. Subramaniam revealed that vaping will be banned once they have settled the legalities. This was followed by an incident where a man’s vape battery suddenly burst into flames on board the Malindo Air flight OD1003.
However, Malaysia’s Rural and Regional Development Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob later confirmed that the Cabinet had decided against imposing a ban on electronic cigarettes/vape or vaping. Deputy Health Minister also confirmed that there were no plans to ban or regulate vaping at the moment.
While many vapers argued that vaping is safer than smoking cigarettes, doctors have repeatedly reiterated that the vape juice (e-juice) “could be unhealthy”. It is still a little tricky to prove scientifically its health consequences as the vape culture hasn’t been around for long.
But, what do you think of the Ministry’s action? Do you think that the Health Ministry should confisticate vaping devices? Will it kill the vaping trend? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
Sources: The Star Online, The Malay Mail Online.
