Malaysia Classifies Nicotine Replacement As Non-toxic To Make It More Accessible To Consumers

Oct. 7 (Xinhua) — Malaysia’s Health Ministry has classified nicotine replacement products as non-toxic to make them more readily available to consumers, the New Straits Times reported.

Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the move was done by granting a nicotine exemption under the Poisons Act 1952 for products in the form of patches or chewing gum registered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Control Regulations 1984.

“This exception is expected to help smokers who are motivated to quit cope with withdrawal symptoms,” Khairy said.

Currently, smokers who want to quit have limited access to nicotine replacement products because it is regulated under the Poisons Act of 1952.

Under Malaysian law, nicotine is classified as a Group C poison and can only be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist or registered medical practitioner.

The New Straits Times article makes no mention of nicotine vapor products, which tobacco harm reduction advocates believe are the most effective nicotine replacement products on the market.

Malaysian lawmakers are currently considering the Control of Tobacco Products and Smoking Act of 2022, which includes a ban on the sale of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes, to anyone born after 2007.