Liquid Nicotine Exemption Issue: MCTC Concerned Over Government Move

Published 2026-10-19

The Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) recently expressed concern regarding the possibility that the government might once again remove liquid nicotine from the list of controlled substances under the Poisons Act. This move is feared to undermine public health efforts in controlling the use of tobacco and vape products in Malaysia.

The issue began when allegations surfaced that the government might be reconsidering the exemption of liquid nicotine from the Poisons Act 1952. Previously, such an exemption had allowed vape products containing nicotine to be sold openly to the public without strict restrictions.

According to the MCTC, the act of removing nicotine from the list of controlled substances could pose significant risks to public health, especially among the youth. Without strict control, vape products containing nicotine could be easily purchased by children and adolescents, thereby increasing the risk of nicotine addiction at an early age.

The MCTC urges the government to maintain liquid nicotine as a controlled substance in order to protect the health of the people. They emphasized that any decision on this matter must take into account the long-term impact on the national healthcare system and the expenditure for treating tobacco-related diseases.

As of now, the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) has yet to issue an official statement regarding these allegations. The public is currently awaiting further clarification from the authorities to ensure that the policies adopted are in line with the government's efforts to create a healthier generation free from the dangers of nicotine.

Sources: CodeBlue

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