Alor setar: The Home Ministry (KDN) has recommended that the National Poison Centre conduct a study on the tobacco heating device, IQOS, manufactured by a leading cigarette company. Its Minister, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, highlighted the need for an initial study to prepare the government for potential legislation concerning the device, despite the unknown health effects of its use.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin Nasution noted that the device heats rather than burns tobacco, presenting a new challenge for the country. He emphasized that while the device is marketed with the message, “If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you smoke, try to quit. If you can’t, switch to our product,” the health impacts remain unclear. Speaking at the Seminar on Dealing with Drug Symptoms and Appreciation of the National Anti-Drug Agency (AADK) 2025 Recovery, officiated by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin, he acknowledged the challenges posed by such innovations.

Saifuddin Nasution remarked on the evolving nature of drug and poison regulations, stressing the need for dynamic legal provisions to adapt to the discovery of new substances. He warned against waiting for new substances to be officially recognized before taking action, advocating for generic amendments to existing laws to address emerging challenges adequately.

Furthermore, he announced that the government had allocated no less than RM500 million to the AADK for its crucial role in combating drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts, involving both public and private sectors, to tackle such issues effectively.