Pharmacists' group declares war on tobacco, vape products

New Straits Times

25-07-2025

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) has issued a strong declaration against the use of tobacco and vape products, reaffirming its commitment to a smoke-free and vape-free Malaysia.
The declaration, adopted at the National Pharmacists Convention 2025 in Putrajaya today, outlines a six-point stand opposing the promotion, normalisation, and use of all forms of nicotine products, particularly among youth.
MPS president Professor Amrahi Buang said that in light of aggressive marketing targeting adolescents and health risks, the declaration reflects pharmacists' ethical responsibility to protect public health.
"This is a call to action for a healthier Malaysia. Pharmacists stand united in rejecting all forms of nicotine harm and industry interference. This declaration also supports tobacco endgame policies such as the Generational Endgame (GEG) and calls for full enforcement of the Control of Smoking Products for the Public Health Act," he said in a statement today.
He also praised the principled stance of His Majesty Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, who recently called for a national vape ban.
Amrahi said the declaration reinforces pharmacists' zero-tolerance stance on tobacco and vape-related harm and calls for flavour bans, stricter age enforcement, and widespread public education. It also warns against industry narratives framing vape as a 'safer' option.
"The MPS today outlined five key action areas: public education, early intervention, policy advocacy, community engagement, and surveillance. Pharmacists are not just dispensers of medication, we are community protectors," he added.