PETALING JAYA, Nov 12 — Pharmacists are reluctant to stock vape liquid with nicotine although the Health Ministry declared on Monday that only they can sell such products. 

Checks by Malay Mail yesterday revealed that pharmacists were hesitant to sell the vape liquid or vape juice, claiming such a move went against their principle as healthcare providers. 

They were also concerned about the lack of regulation on the product, especially since their views were not sought before the Health Ministry issued the statement. 

Malaysian Pharmaceutical Society president Datuk Nancy Ho said the association was not consulted but she was confident the ministry would soon have discussions with them.

“It is a new directive, so we have to get things ready. I am confident the ministry will engage with the association and other stakeholders soon for further discussions,” she said.

“The fact remains that we are for the promotion of health. Pharmacists now have the choice to sell them but we should take the opportunity to provide health education on the harmful effects of nicotine.”

A licensed pharmacist at Sea Park here, who only wanted to be known as Diana, 33, hoped pharmacies would not be selling vape liquid as it went against their stand, principle and ethics.

“Pharmacists advocate against smoking and provide smoking cessation methods to kick the habit. 

“However, vapes can be considered as cigarettes and selling them goes against our role as healthcare providers,” she said.

“(Vaping) can be addictive, too,” she said.

She said another concern with vape liquids was that it was not regulated.

“Nicotine patch and gum is regulated by the government and the National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau and have to be taken in recommended doses,” she said.

“This is unlike vaping, where you can inhale nicotine as you please,” said Diana, who has been working as a pharmacist for 10 years.

Another licensed pharmacist at Section 14, who requested to be known only as Anne, 55, had similar concerns on the “absence” of regulations on nicotine vape liquids, besides its health repercussions.

“If the Health Ministry and the pharmacies have accepted the selling of nicotine vape liquid, I will abide by it. However, it must be regulated to ensure public health and safety,” said Anne, who has over 30 years’ experience as a pharmacist.

Another pharmacist in a shopping mall here said there was also the question of whether vape products could really help curb the smoking habit.

“It is not that we don’t know how to advise consumers, we can. 

“But how do we know if the method (vaping) is effective to stop people from smoking?” she said.