KOTA BHARU: The Health Ministry (MOH) is closely monitoring the implications of new tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, with a particular focus on medical devices and pharmaceutical products.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said although Trump had earlier indicated that pharmaceuticals might be exempted from the tariffs, recent developments suggest otherwise.
“Some of the announced tariffs remain unclear, and with Trump’s unpredictability, we must remain vigilant. It is crucial for me, as Minister of Health, to stay attentive to these two matters,” he said at a press conference after officiating the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat Programme in Tunjong on Saturday.
He was responding to questions regarding the potential impact of the tariffs on Malaysia’s healthcare supply chain.
Dzulkefly said that early preparations are underway to identify alternative markets and sources to ensure that the country’s healthcare supply remains uninterrupted.
On April 2, Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs on imports from several countries, including a 24% tariff on Malaysian goods. However, the implementation has been postponed by 90 days.
Separately, Dzulkefly addressed the upcoming ban on the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products by the Terengganu state government, effective August 1. He said the MOH is committed to enforcing comprehensive regulation under the newly gazetted Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024.
The Act will serve as a standalone legislation to regulate all aspects of smoking products, including registration, sales, advertising, and nicotine content.
“Our approach is to enforce strict regulation. Sales to minors will be completely prohibited, and stringent controls will be in place to eliminate any form of leniency,” he said.
Dzulkefly also welcomed the Terengganu government’s initiative, noting that local authorities have an important role in denying business licences to vendors selling smoking products.
The Terengganu state government announced its decision to enforce the ban at all business premises starting August 1. Terengganu Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah described the move as a proactive measure to protect the health of the younger generation.–BERNAMA
