KOTA BARU, April 26 — The Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on two major concerns arising from tariffs imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump, especially those impacting medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
KOTA BARU, April 26 — The Health Ministry is keeping a close watch on two major concerns arising from tariffs imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump, especially those impacting medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that although Trump had previously indicated plans to exempt pharmaceuticals from the tariffs, recent developments suggest otherwise.
“Some of the announced tariffs remain unclear, and given Trump’s unpredictability, we must stay alert. As the Health Minister, it is essential for me to monitor these two areas closely,” he said at a press conference after officiating the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat Programme in Tunjong today.
He was responding to questions on how the US tariffs could affect Malaysia’s healthcare supply chain.
Dr Dzulkefly added that the ministry was making early efforts to identify alternative markets and sources to ensure the nation's healthcare supply remains uninterrupted.
On April 2, Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs on several countries, including a 24 per cent tariff on imports from Malaysia. However, enforcement has been postponed for 90 days.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Terengganu government’s decision to ban the sale of electronic cigarettes (vape) effective August 1, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry is committed to enforcing comprehensive regulations on vape products under the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024.
He said the act, as a stand-alone piece of legislation, would form a solid legal foundation for regulating all matters related to smoking products, including registration, sales, advertising, and nicotine content.
“Our focus is on strict regulation. Sales to minors will be fully banned, and strict controls will be enforced to eliminate any loopholes,” he said.
He stressed that state governments have an important role, particularly through their authority to deny business licences to those selling smoking products.
Dr Dzulkefly welcomed Terengganu’s proactive stance, viewing it as a positive move to protect public health.
The Terengganu government recently announced that it will prohibit the sale of vape products at all business premises across the state starting August 1.
Terengganu Local Government, Housing and Health Committee Chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the enforcement aims to curb the sale and use of vape products, which pose health risks, especially to the younger generation. — Bernama
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