The Addiction Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM) takes note of the recent call by the World Health Organization (WHO) urging nations to ban flavoured tobacco and nicotine products.
We fully acknowledge and support the intent behind this call—flavoured products have been shown to act as a gateway for youth initiation into nicotine addiction and eventual tobacco use.
In Malaysia, the rise in vaping—especially among adolescents and young adults—has become an alarming public health concern. The widespread availability of flavoured vape products, often marketed with appealing packaging and flavours, creates the illusion of safety and glamorises usage.
There is now ample evidence that these products do lead to nicotine addiction, cognitive impairment, and increase the risk of transition to traditional tobacco use.
However, the enforcement and regulatory landscape in Malaysia is complex and fragmented. While an all-out ban may appear desirable in principle, AMAM believes that an outright prohibition will require absolute political will and leadership to over-ride the commercial interests that are driving the vape industry.
In the current landscape, we strongly advocate for a firm, multi-pronged regulatory framework that includes:
- Strict age restrictions with penalties for non-compliance across retail and online platforms.
- Mandatory regulation of vape devices and liquids, including control over nicotine concentration, flavourings, and safety standards.
- Licensing and accountability of manufacturers, importers, and sellers to ensure full traceability and compliance.
- Public health education campaigns to dispel the myths surrounding vaping and its supposed “safety.”
We urge policymakers to move urgently toward regulation that treats vape products including nicotine—flavoured or otherwise—as harmful substances that must be tightly controlled, not freely marketed consumer goods.
The long-term health risks to our population, especially the young, are too great to ignore. There is an immediate need to relist nicotine back into the Poisons List.
Malaysia must craft its own solution that reflects local realities while aligning with global health priorities. Regulation, not inertia, is our best path forward.
This statement was issued by Dr Steven KW Chow, president of the Addicition Medicine Association of Malaysia (AMAM).
- This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of CodeBlue.
