Govt plans to introduce legislation to regulate vaping

He said nicotine in vaping fluids were scheduled poisons which came under the Poisons Act 1952 and were only exempted for cigarettes and tobacco products.

"As the sale of vaping fluids with nicotine content in the market is not regulated, there is an urgent need for legislation to control it," he said when winding up debate on the 2016 Supply Bill at the committee stage for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat, Wednesday.

Dr Subramaniam said currently, nicotine in fluid form was only sold in controlled quantities at licensed pharmacies and registered medical practitioners for medical purposes. READ: Vapers need to visit pharmacy for their next fix

"Based on research, nicotine intake can lead to addiction and even death if taken in high doses," he said.

On another matter, Dr Subramaniam said the issue of price hikes of medicine would not arise even though the government would be signing the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) soon.

He said his ministry had been told by the International Trade and Industry Ministry that this would not happen as the TPPA would open up competition to ensure prices were subject to market forces.

The Dewan sits again Thursday.