On 15th June 2023, the University of Malaya Public Health Master’s students’ movement submitted a memorandum on Prioritise Health Care: Pass the Tobacco Product Control For Public Health Bill 2023 and Generational End Game (GEG). The memorandum is to highlight the urgent need to re-list liquid and gel types of nicotine into the Poisons Act 1952 following the delay in approving the Bill.

When the students’ movement met the parliamentary special select committee (PSSC) led by YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, it was clear that the intention to re-list nicotine into the Poisons Act 1952 aligned among both parties.

“Health is beyond political views. The health minister should exercise her ministerial power to re-list liquid and gel-type nicotine into the Poisons Act 1952 before it’s too late. Just like when she delisted it.” said YB Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly bin Ahmad.

UM, students’ Movement is the first student representative body who submitted a memorandum on this and the PSSC is very proud of it. They emphasized that student involvement is significant and hope to get continuous support from it.

On the other hand, a press conference was held. YB Dato’ Dr Ahmad Yunus bin Hairi highlighted that the revenue from the tax is not justified for the young souls that were harmed by exposure to liquid nicotine and e-cigarettes. Expecting miracle results from the old method of purely focusing on education about the harm of vaping is not the way to move forward. Besides, governance should not be the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Health alone but a collective effort from the local government which is responsible for the issuance of certificates to run the business.

“It’s never too late if our Prime Minister is willing to make a flip-flop decision- re-listing liquid and gel form of nicotine into the Poisons Act 1952 for the sake of our People,” said YB Dato’ Dr Ahmad Yunus.

This report was written by the students’ movement.