MOVE urges Malaysian government to clarify legal status of nicotine vape liquids

The president of MOVE, Samsul K Arrifin, highlighted that the recent government stance has generated uncertainty about the simultaneous enforcement of the Poison Act 1952 and the Public Health Smoking Products Control Act 2024 (Act 852). He urged the authorities to promptly address the legislative overlap to avoid continued ambiguity for the vape industry and its users. MOVE, which claims to represent more than 55,000 members, contends that the decision to keep nicotine liquids on the poison list raises questions about the legal position of nicotine vape products.

The group recommends a strict regulatory approach under Act 852, including safety standards, traceability, and age restrictions, rather than an outright ban. It also proposes that licensed retailers enforce identity checks and stricter operating procedures to block under-age sales. MOVE warns that if nicotine vape products are deemed illegal under the Poison Act, legitimate retailers could be excluded from the market, driving consumers toward unlicensed sellers lacking age verification and product transparency, which could increase health risks and reduce tax revenue.