IPOH: The Health Ministry is drafting a new legislation that will allow the government to regulate tobacco, vaping and shisha activities.
Its Deputy Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the legislation, once enacted, would also regulate the sale of tobacco products.
He said this was part of his ministry's efforts to create a healthier lifestyle among Malaysians.
"Under current law, there are two provisions... one controls the use of nicotine under the Poison Act. Nicotine can only be prescribed by medical practitioners registered with the ministry.
"Regular people are not allowed to sell nicotine," he said, adding that the second provision controlled the use of tobacco under the Food Act.
He said this to reporters after launching the Ipoh Cardiovascular Society's (ICVS) Scientific Meeting here today.
Present was ICVS president Dr Chong Choon Hui.
Dr Lee said the ministry does not have the authority to prevent people from vaping non-nicotine products.
"But if the vape products contain nicotine, the ministry can take action against users under the Food Act. However, this can still be contested," he said.
He said a bill would be tabled soon after the draft legislation was completed.
The draft of the new legislation, he said, has been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC).
"The ministry is waiting for the AGC's feedback before we table it (in Parliament)."
Last week, Dr Lee said that the impending ban against smoking in public places and eateries would not include vaping.
He had said under current laws, the authorities could only take action against those who used vape products that contained nicotine.