The Health Ministry said it will crack down on sales and advertising of energy sticks, the latest vape-like craze among young people, because it goes against existing regulations.
The ministry’s initial probe found the manufacturers and importers failed to register the products, as required under the Sales of Drugs Act 1952 and regulations governing pharmaceutical and cosmetics products.
It found that many of the products are sold on e-commerce platforms like Shopee and Lazada, by local and international sellers.
“The Health Ministry through the Pharmaceuticals Enforcement Division will ensure the advertisements for these products are taken down,” health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said in a statement.
He said selling unregistered cosmetics or pharmaceutical products carries a fine of up to RM100,000 or jail of up to five years.
As of 12pm today, Malaysiakini’s checks found energy sticks are still accessible for purchase on e-commerce platforms.
The Health Ministry’s move comes after the Education Ministry this week announced a ban on the use of energy sticks in schools.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek also advised parents to monitor their children to ensure they do not use these products.
What are energy sticks?
But what are energy sticks and why are they supposedly the latest youth fad?
Energy sticks are aspirators, which promise aromatherapy energy boosts through inhalation.
Unlike vapes which are inhaled through the mouth, energy sticks are inhaled through the nose.
Shaped in colourful plastic containers similar to vaping devices, they come in various smells and flavours and are easily purchased online for less than RM10 per item.
Energy stick flavours are reminiscent of vape liquids and have names like ‘Mint Margarita’, ‘Guava Martini’ and ‘Mango Vodka’.
They are often marketed as a way to “prevent drowsiness while driving” or to “avoid sleeping in class”. Some sellers also claim the product can combat headaches, mosquitos and itchiness.
Some local sellers market it to school students using slogans encouraging them to have a “sniff before school”.
Manufacturers also claim the aspirators use “natural smells” and do not have preservatives, “industrial flavours”, heavy metals or pigments, making them safe for use, but the actual chemical composition of the inhalants is not disclosed.Health professionals, however, say the items are “hazardous” and can be perceived as a gateway to vaping or substance abuse.
“The alleged pricing and marketing of the product, being sold for as low as RM2.50 online raises serious concerns as it is easily accessible to vulnerable individuals, including children,” the Malaysia Pharmacists Society (MPS) said in a statement.
Gateway to vaping, nicotine addiction
MPS said the government needs to act fast, especially given the possibility of nicotine being added into the energy sticks.
The sale and promotion of nicotine has been unregulated after it was removed from the Poisons List last year, purportedly to prepare for anti-tobacco regulations.
However, the legislative gap in nicotine control has yet to be closed, allowing unregulated sales of liquid nicotine used in vapes and advertising of such products.
Kuala Langat MP Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi also called for the ban of all sales of energy sticks to prevent children from being exposed to habits, which could lead them to vaping.
Yunus said vape and cigarette addiction among school children and teenagers remains prevalent despite the passing of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Bill 2023 in Parliament last November.
“The legislative lacuna created after nicotine was removed from the Poisons List… is one of the reasons there is an increase in vaping and smoking among teenagers,” the Perikatan Nasional health committee chairperson said in a statement on Facebook.
“Now the country’s next generation is being exposed to another destructive habit in the form of energy sticks.
“The government must immediately stop the import, production or sale of this product without compromise,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MPS also reiterated its call for Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad to reinstate vape liquid, which contains nicotine, into the Poisons List.
“The government needs to prioritise the long-term well-being of the public by swiftly addressing and prohibiting the sale of any product that increases access to nicotine.
“We continue to call for the insertion of the Generational End Game into the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2023 to address the broader issue of smoking-related Products,” the MPS said. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.