KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called on Poisons Board officials to resign after the health minister overruled their decision to keep nicotine on the list of Poisons Act 1953.
CAP education officer N.V. Subbarow said the government's decision to remove nicotine from the poisons list was a "big mistake".
The move, he said, disregarded the efforts of teachers and non-governmental organisations who had worked hard to promote anti-smoking campaigns.
He said this exemption could provide access to electronic cigarettes and vaping products containing nicotine to users, particularly children, students and youth, as well as allowing local manufacturers to produce these products lawfully.
"CAP calls on members of the Poisons Board to resign as the government (Health Ministry) is not listening to them.
"The ministry is educating children and thousands of students and youth to take poison.
"We are going to see more vapeaholics in Malaysia."
He said he had been bombarded with calls from teachers questioning the relevance of awareness programmes when nicotine was no longer a poison.
Subbarow urged the ministry to reconsider its decision to ensure a healthier generation.
"I met 5,000 students who are vapers, telling them that they are taking poisoned liquid. Some gave up vaping.
"Now students and teachers who listened to us on the dangers of poison are asking if they can take 'poison'.
"It's a big setback for us. It's a black day for the nation.".
The New Straits Times reported today that the ministry had approved an amendment to the Poisons Act 1952 to remove nicotine from the list of poisons.
This was to pave the way for the legalisation of nicotine-laced products to allow them to be taxed.
Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa, when contacted, said it would issue a statement today.