Malaysia’s Home Ministry Urges Study of IQOS Tobacco Device Ahead of Potential Legislation

Key Points

• Institution & Lead:Malaysia’s Home Ministry, led by Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, is calling for early research into IQOS, a device that heats rather than burns tobacco.
• Purpose of the Study:The ministry seeks to equip the government with scientific data and regulatory readiness before IQOS and similar devices gain widespread use.
• Health and Policy Concerns:Saifuddin acknowledged that the health effects are still unknown, but warned that waiting for conclusive evidence could delay protective action.
• Legal Adaptation:The minister emphasized that drug and poison laws must remain dynamic, urging the adoption of flexible, generically worded legislation capable of addressing future innovations in nicotine delivery.

2Firsts, November 27, 2025 — According to Bernama,Malaysia’s Home Ministry has recommended that the National Poison Centre undertake a scientific study on the IQOS tobacco heating device, developed by one of the world’s leading cigarette manufacturers.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the study would allow the government to better prepare for potential future legislation governing new tobacco technologies.

“Even before the vape issue has subsided, another device has already been created by the tobacco industry,” Saifuddin said during a seminar organized by the National Anti-Drug Agency (NADA). “Perhaps the National Poison Centre can start detecting IQOS as well.”

He explained that the device differs from conventional cigarettes in that it heats rather than burns tobacco, and noted that the company’s marketing campaign advises non-smokers not to start and encourages smokers to quit or switch to IQOS.

“Whether it has any health effects or not, we don’t know yet,” Saifuddin said, adding that such innovations present both regulatory and public health challenges for Malaysia.

He stressed that laws related to drug control and toxic substances cannot remain static but must evolve to keep up with emerging substances and technologies.

“If we wait for new poisons to be officially listed before taking action, nothing will happen,” he warned.

“We must craft laws that are flexible yet comprehensive enough to cover new threats.”

Separately, Saifuddin announced that the government had approved RM500 million in funding for NADA to bolster nationwide anti-drug programs, calling on both the public and private sectors to share responsibility in curbing substance abuse.

Photo credit: Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama)