KUALA LUMPUR, March 19 — The Federal Territories Mufti’s Office (FTMO) announced recently that it is now looking at “productive fatwas” for Shariah-compliant alternatives to smoked tobacco.
Philip Morris Malaysia visited the FTMO in Putrajaya last Tuesday, during which the tobacco giant explained that its branch in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was focused on developing alternative products that it claimed were safer than conventional cigarettes or combustion-based tobacco products, according to the FTMO.
“The discussion between FTMO and the company focused on an exchange of views regarding Islamic legal rulings on the use of conventional and alternative cigarettes, as well as the role of productive fatwas in addressing public health issues and the development of Shariah-compliant alternatives,” wrote the FTMO on Facebook.
“This visit reflects the efforts of both parties to approach contemporary issues from a Shariah perspective and to seek responsible approaches for the well-being of society.
“FTMO welcomed this visit as an opportunity to build constructive dialogue between religious institutions and the corporate sector, particularly in addressing current issues involving public health interests and the welfare of society.”
Based on FTMO’s Facebook post of photos of the tobacco company’s meeting with FT Mufti Ahmad Fauwaz Fadzil, the Philip Morris Malaysia delegation was led by managing director Naeem Shahab Khan.
According to a 2023 article by the FTMO on conventional and electronic cigarettes, the Special Muzakarah of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia decided in 2015 that the use of e-cigarettes and vapes was “haram”.
Previously, in 1995, the 37th Muzakarah of the Fatwa Committee of the National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs Malaysia decided that smoking was forbidden.
In response to FTMO’s Facebook post, several anti-tobacco advocates urged the FTMO not to change the fatwa, besides criticising Philip Morris’ visit.
“On behalf of the Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society (MPS), we question this visit because it is nothing more and nothing less than an attempt to mislead stakeholders. Ban cigarettes and vape products!” wrote MPS president Prof Amrahi Buang.
“So much harm has already been done up to now. They have damaged the fabric of society. Tragically, this is happening during the blessed month of Ramadan.”
Public health activist Dr Aiman Alias criticised the FTMO for accepting a visit from Philip Morris, as he expressed his concern about the involvement of Islamic institutions in the tobacco industry.
He pointed out that Article 5.3 of the World Health Organization Framework on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires member parties to protect public health policies from tobacco industry influence. Interactions with the tobacco industry should be limited and transparent.
“Any space given to tobacco companies risks being misinterpreted as a form of moral legitimacy for their products,” Dr Aiman told CodeBlue.
“The principle of maqasid shariah, which emphasises the preservation of life (hifz al-nafs), should be a priority in every consideration and action.”
He urged the FTMO to explain the purpose and outcome of its meeting with the tobacco company and to state a clear position on the use of tobacco products and their alternatives.
Philip Morris doesn’t sell vapes in Malaysia, but heated tobacco products that heat real tobacco instead of burning it. Vapes contain liquid nicotine, not tobacco.
The Ministry of Health (MOH), however, considers alternative tobacco or nicotine products like heat-not-burn cigarettes and vapes as harmful.
These are subject to the same restrictions as conventional cigarettes under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2025 (Act 852).
Editor’s note: This article was amended to specify that Dr Aiman Alias gave comments in his personal capacity as a public health activist.
