Malaysia should carry out own study on effects of vaping - National Poison Centre

Malaysia needs to conduct its own study instead of depending on foreign studies on the use and effects of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) or vape, and the flavoured liquids in the market before deciding to ban the product.

Universiti Sains Malaysia's National Poison Centre director, Associate Professor Razak Lajis said only an indepth study, which would take a long time to complete could determine whether e-cigarettes should be banned or have its sale or usage restricted.

"Currently, there are studies from foreign countries on vape based on its existing content, product safety and health-related issues. Even studies on the implication and health affect of cigarettes took many years to complete.

"However, vape has only been introduced in the country for between seven and 10 years. Therefore, the long-term health-related effects have not been identified," he told reporters after presenting his paper on a community-based inhalant prevention education programme at a selected area in Penang (Teluk Kumbar).

Razak was presenting a paper at the Plenary II session at the 26th International Federation of NGOs (non-governmental organisations) for the Prevention of Drug and Substance Abuse (IFNGO) conference and the concurrent 22nd IFNGO ASEAN NGOs Workshop here Monday.