CAP calls for immediate reinstatement of nicotine under Poisons Act after ruling

 

Consumers Association of Penang representative and anti-smoking activist N. V. Subbarow. - FILE pic

KUALA LUMPUR: The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) has called on the government to urgently reinstate nicotine under the Poisons Act 1952 following a High Court ruling which struck down the 2023 decision to remove liquid and gel nicotine from the Poisons List.

CAP said the ruling was a clear victory for public health, particularly in protecting children and young people from exposure to addictive substances.

"The High Court decision is a victory for public health and for Malaysia's children," said Consumers Association of Penang representative and anti-smoking activist N. V. Subbarow.

"The delisting of nicotine was very shameless and it goes against the health of young children and youths," he said.

"The then Health Minister must apologise for the action taken. The minister went against the advice of the Poisons Board," Subbarow added.

He further noted that the court had found the decision to be irrational and made without proper consultation with the Poisons Board, describing it as "very regrettable."

"The Health Ministry should not wait anymore. The government should act immediately to reinstate nicotine under the Poisons Act," he said.

CAP also urged the ministry to clarify its stand on the matter, saying the government must restore regulatory safeguards to ensure stronger control over nicotine products.

The association stressed that the decision to remove nicotine from the Poisons List had weakened public health protections and should be reversed in line with the court ruling.

"The Health Ministry must take urgent steps to correct this and protect public health," Subbarow said.

CAP reiterated that there should be no further delay in restoring nicotine under the Poisons Act, citing the importance of safeguarding children and youth from nicotine exposure. - NST