Tag: Malaysia

Drone Used to Smuggle Smokes Into Prison

Credit: Adragan
Three men were arrested in Malaysia for attempting to smuggle tobacco products using a drone into the Machang Prison, according to the New Straits Times.
The trio aged between 35 and 39 were arrested after the Machang district criminal investigation division received a report involving a drone being flown above a compound near the prison at Jalan Kuing Indah, Kampung Pangkal Meleret, at 1:05 a.m.
Kelantan Police Chief Datuk Muhamad Zaki Harun said the prison, which is equipped with tracking device technology, detected the drone near the premises.
The police deployed a team to the location before the three men sped off in a Honda CRV. “A chase ensued between the police and the three men before they were arrested near the main Kuala Krai-Kota Baru road in Kampung Bukit Belah,” Zaki said in a statement, according to media reports.
Zaki said police also found an RC123 drone remote control device, 13 packets of tobacco and 41 small compressed packages believed to contain tobacco.
December 29, 2022
Campaigners Welcome Delay Tobacco Bill

Photo: sezerozger
Legalizing vape sales in Malaysia remains on the table despite the heath minister postponing the “generational endgame” anti-smoking bill after considerable public and political pressure, according to the Malaysian Organization of Vape Entities (MOVE).
Malaysia’s Minister of Health, Khairy Jamaluddin, made the decision not to table the bill despite the bipartisan special parliamentary select committee making amendments and reaching consensus.
Samsul Arrifin
“This delay now gives MPs time to get the country’s tobacco control strategy right. We strongly believe that vaping should be not part of the generational endgame bill. It would only criminalize vape consumers and retailers,” said MOVE President Samsul Arrifin.
MOVE would like vaping and noncombustible products out of the legislation and for the government to treat them as harm reduction tools.
Tobacco harm reduction (THR) advocates were heartened in April when the regulation of vaping devices was announced to take effect in August. It was assumed the move would precede the legalization of vape sales in Malaysia.
They also took heart from a visit last month to New Zealand by a Malaysian parliamentary delegation to understand what policies are required to achieve smoke-free. New Zealand has legalized and regulated vape sales and is now on track to achieve its national ambition of Smoke-free 2025—where 5 percent or less of the population smoke regularly.
New Zealand is also looking to implement a similar generational smoking ban, which would see the prohibition of tobacco product sales to anyone born in 2009 or after. However, Malaysia’s proposal for those born in 2007 or after would also ban vaping product sales.
“New Zealand’s smoking rate is less than half of ours because they’ve regulated adult-only retail access to vaping products. New Zealand actively steers smokers toward safer nicotine products, with vaping an incredibly effective off-ramp to smoking. If Malaysia is to reduce smoking to below 5 percent by 2040, then we need to regulate, not ban, vaping products,” said Arrifin.
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) says about 70 countries have already proven that a THR approach works. In contrast, Australia is showing just how badly vaping bans fail.
“As well as giving the 21 percent of Malaysians who smoke a less harmful alternative, regulating vaping will ensure Malaysia has product safety standards, not to mention extra tax revenue. We are pleased the government is taking its time on this one. An evidence-based approach will serve them well,” said Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
October 7, 2022
Malaysia Removes NRT from Poisons List

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Malaysia’s Health Ministry has categorized nicotine-replacement products as nonpoisons to make them more accessible to consumers, reports The New Straits Times.
Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the move was done by granting an exemption to nicotine under the Poisons Act 1952 for products in the form of patches or gum registered under the Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.
“This exception is expected to help smokers, who are motivated to quit smoking, in dealing with the withdrawal symptoms,” said Khairy.
At present, smokers who want to quit smoking have limited access to nicotine-replacement products as they are regulated under the Poisons Act 1952.
Under the law, nicotine is classified as a “Group C poison” and can be dispensed only by licensed pharmacists or registered medical practitioners.
The New Straits Times article made no mention of nicotine vapor products, which tobacco harm reduction advocates consider to be the most effect nicotine-replacement products on the market.
Malaysian lawmakers are currently considering the Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Bill 2022, which, among other measures, would ban the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone born after 2007.
October 7, 2022
Malaysia to Table ‘Endgame’ Bill

Photo: PX Media
The government of Malaysia plans to table its ‘generational endgame’ (GEG) bill during the next parliamentary session in October after making amendments to address concerns by some lawmakers, reports Bloomberg.
Announced in February, the GEG would make it illegal for people born after 2007 to buy, possess or use tobacco-related products, including e-cigarettes. The bill was referred to a parliamentary select committee in August for further scrutiny amid criticism that some of its features would infringe on personal freedom.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin believes the amendments have addressed critics’ concerns.
“The enforcement powers really are focused and restricted only against distribution, manufacturing and supply,” Khairy said on Sept. 23. “We’ve clarified that in the latest amendments, so if you contravene the law in terms of GEG smoking offense, then the enforcement officer cannot frisk you; they cannot take away your computer or your phone or things like that.”
Malaysian lawmakers delayed a vote last month on the bill and referred it to the select committee to examine and make recommendations for improvement.
September 26, 2022
Hospitality Sector Frets About ‘Endgame’ Bill

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Representatives of the hospitality business have asked the government of Malaysia to consider the impact of its proposed “generational endgame” (GEG) law on operations of food and beverage outlets in the country, reports the New Straits Times.
On Feb. 17, Minister of Health Khairy Jamaluddin announced that Malaysia would introduce bold new legislation to ban smoking and vaping and possession of tobacco products and e-cigarettes for people born after 2005.
“We are supportive of the Health Ministry’s agenda in reducing the number of smokers in the country,” said Wong Teu Hoon, president of Malaysian Singapore Coffeeshop Proprietors’ General Association (MSCSPGA) “However, we strongly believe any new measures should be carefully evaluated when it has a socioeconomic impact.”
The MSCSPGA, which has 43 affiliates under it, is one of the largest trader associations in the country, boasting a membership of 20,000 coffeeshop operators nationwide and employing some 500,000 people.
Wong’s view was echoed by C. Krishnan, deputy president of the Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association, who called for a detailed study and consultation with the retailers and other stakeholders.
Krishnan worries that the ministry has insufficient manpower to control and inspect every tobacco-based product purchase.
“Therefore, we (retailers) automatically become the frontliners in the implementation of the GEG bill,” he said. “Let’s not forget the issue of asking for identity cards. We are afraid that this will lead to arguments and unpleasant situations in our outlets, which any coffeeshop owner knows is bad for business.”
September 23, 2022
Activists: Differentiate Smoking and Vaping

Photo: Andrey Popov
Malaysian lawmakers must distinguish between smoking and vaping it they want to tackle Malaysia’s smoking epidemic, according to tobacco harm reduction advocates.
Legislators are currently scrutinizing a bill that would ban smoking and vaping for those born after 2007 in Malaysia. The bill is modelled on legislation in New Zealand, which in December 2021 revealed a plan to phase out smoking by gradually raising the smoking age until it covers the entire population.
Unlike Malaysia’s proposal, however, New Zealand’s generational ban would prohibit only the sale of tobacco products to anyone born during or after 2009, with vaping products remaining available to those 18 years and older to purchase in retail outlets as was regulated in 2020.
Samsul Ariffin
“You can’t ban cigarettes for future Malaysian adults without providing a safer, viable alternative,” said Samsul Ariffin, president of the Malaysian Organization of Vape Entities. “It’s like banning sugary drinks and sugar-free drinks all at once and hoping it will get people off sugar. If our political leaders are serious about eradicating deadly smoking, Malaysia’s generational endgame bill must only ban the purchase of combustible tobacco, not safer nicotine products.”
According to the Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA), New Zealand’s encouragement of smoking cessation through vaping has contributed to a rapid decline in the country’s smoking rate. New Zealand’s current adult daily smoking rate stands at 9.4 percent, down from 18 percent in 2006-2007.
“New Zealand’s smoking has halved in recent years not because they banned vaping but because they embraced it,” said Nancy Loucas, executive coordinator of CAPHRA.
September 5, 2022
‘Generational Ban Violates Human Rights’

Photo: By Alexey Novikov
Malaysia’s proposed Control of Tobacco Product and Smoking Act breaches basic human rights, according to the nation’s leading tobacco industry group. Tabled for its first reading on July 27, the bill bans individuals born in 2007 or later from smoking, buying or possessing tobacco and related products. Offenders face stiff penalties, including imprisonment.
The Confederation of Malaysian Tobacco Manufacturers (CMTM) says adult Malaysians are protected under Section 6 of the Consumer Protection Act 1999, which allows them to make their own choices without worry of prejudice or repercussions.
“Moreover, these laws give the authorities too much power as it allows them to check your personal details, raid your home, inspect your telephone or luggage and access your personal details,” the group said in a statement dated July 31 and cited by the Malay Mail.
“Then you will have to give them your password, face arrest, be subject to body checks and see your home entered without permission for inspection.
“In the end, instead of creating a smoke-free generation, we are creating a generation of criminals who are being punished for buying a product others can buy.”
The CMTM also argued that prohibition will boost the illegal tobacco trade, which currently supplies 60 percent of the market estimated at MYR5 billion ($1.12 billion). The group said individuals will have to hide their habit and be stigmatized as criminals.
Meanwhile, the Special Parliamentary Select Committee on Health, Science and Innovation has urged the government to ease the punishment for teenagers caught smoking cigarettes, according to the New Straits Times.
Instead of threatening jail time, the law should penalize juvenile offenders in practical and positive ways, through community service or mandatory counseling sessions for example, the committee argued.
“We are also concerned over aspects of enforcement power in the bill itself, especially involving juveniles and even children,” said committee chairman Kelvin Yii.
“The power to inspect, possibly conduct body checks and punish a child for possession must be heavily controlled to prevent abuse. This is why the guidelines for enforcement must be very clear and specific on this to ensure the vulnerable, especially the poor, are not victimized by the law.”
August 1, 2022
‘Endgame’ Revised to Those Born After 2007

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After considering the views of stakeholders, the government of Malaysia has pushed the year limit of its tobacco generational endgame law to 2007 from 2005, reports New Straits Times.
Earlier this year, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin tabled a new Tobacco and Smoking Control bill to replace the current tobacco product control legislation under the Food Act 1983. Modeled on similar legislation in New Zealand, the proposal included a provision to ban smoking and prohibit the ownership of tobacco and vape products by those born after 2005.
Postponing the year limit will allow more time for community education, a robust implementation plan and to ramp up enforcement, according to Khairy.
The health minister has been pushing for the Tobacco and Smoking Control Bill in line with efforts to make Malaysia a tobacco-free country by 2040.
He said cigarette smoking would cost the government MYR8 billion ($1.8 billion) to treat lung cancer, heart problems and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by 2030.
The cabinet gave the green light for the bill on July 14, and it will be tabled and put to a vote in the Parliament’s Lower House this week.
BAT Malaysia said the proposed generational smoking ban is a prohibitive way to reduce the health impact of smoking and will only fuel the illicit tobacco market, which already accounts for almost 60 percent of tobacco sold in Malaysia.
“It has never been tested in the real world, lacks any scientific evidence of effectiveness and is likely to be detrimental to our country’s health agenda,” BAT Malaysia Managing Director Nedal Salem was quoted as saying by The Edge Markets.
He said the Ministry of Health (MOH) should pursue a science-based regulatory framework, informed by the positions of countries such as the U.K., where vaping is acknowledged as significantly less harmful and a viable alternative to reduce smoking prevalence.
BAT Malaysia called on the MOH to include industry players in the overall consultation process in developing appropriate regulations for vapor products.
July 26, 2022
Malaysia: Cabinet to Consider Generational Smoking Ban

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Malaysia’s Cabinet will review a bill this week that would ban smoking for those born after 2005, reports The Edge.
According to Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin, the bill’s “implementation of the generational endgame” provision aims to prevent Malaysia’s younger generations from picking up the smoking habit and getting addicted to tobacco products when they grow older, as well as to reduce the number of smokers in Malaysia to less than 5 percent by 2040.
“This will be able to reduce the risk of premature deaths, chronic diseases and treatment costs that have to be borne by the government due to smoking complications among the community,” Jamaluddin said.
Presently, some 40.5 percent of men and 20 percent of women smoke in Malaysia.
Anticipating resistance to the bill from cabinet members worried about tax revenues and tourist spending, Khairy said that without the legislation, the government would have to bear treatment costs of about MYR8 billion ($1.81 billion) to treat health problems linked to smoking.
Malaysia’s bill, which would also regulate vapor products, is modeled on legislation in New Zealand, which in December 2021 revealed a plan to phase out smoking by gradually raising the smoking age until it covers the entire population.
July 11, 2022
Study: Malaysians Vape to Cut Smoking

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Nearly half (49 percent) of Malaysian smokers choose to vape to cut down on cigarette consumption or quit smoking completely, reports The New Straits Times, citing a 2021 survey of 500 people carried out by Kantar Group
“This appears consistent with mounting scientific evidence that smokers prefer vaping and is effective to help them kick the habit,” said Delon Human, president and CEO of Health Diplomats, a health, nutrition, and wellness consulting group.
“Available evidence so far shows that most smokers want to quit the habit. For example, in the United Kingdom, around two-thirds of smokers, regardless of their social group, want to stop smoking, and vaping has become the method of choice to quit smoking in that country,” Human said.
The survey also found that 52 percent of Malaysian smokers perceive vaping to be less harmful than smoking cigarettes. Eighty-six percent said that vaping should be made available to smokers as a less harmful product, and 90 percent believed that vaping should be actively promoted as a less harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes.

This study shows vaping in Malaysia has great potential to help the government reduce smoking prevalence as it is a popular tool used by smokers to cut down and quit smoking.
Delon Human, president and CEO, Health Diplomats
“Studies on the use of e-cigarettes have pointed to the fact that vaping is not risk-free but significantly less harmful than smoking cigarettes,” said Human. “Interestingly, the rate of Malaysian smokers understanding this fact is high compared to other countries,” he said.
In the U.K., by contrast, only 29 percent of smokers believe vaping was less harmful than smoking, despite the country’s adopting a harm reduction approach in encouraging cigarette smokers to switch to vaping, according to Human.
Malaysia is currently contemplating new rules for e-cigarettes.
Most of the Malaysians surveyed support regulations for e-cigarettes and believe they should be regulated as consumer products instead of medicinal products.
At the same time, 81 percent believe regulations must be put in place to ensure the products are not defective and meet product and quality standards and are not sold to minors or underage children.
“This study shows vaping in Malaysia has great potential to help the government reduce smoking prevalence as it is a popular tool used by smokers to cut down and quit smoking,” said Human.
June 6, 2022