MMA president Dr R Thirunavukarasu also urged Putrajaya to immediately reinstate liquid and gel nicotine in the poisons list, saying public health is at stake.

In a statement, he said the association had repeatedly opposed the decision to remove the substances from the poisons list, particularly before a tobacco control law was in effect.

“This case exposed a pattern that MMA has long been concerned about: health policy being shaped by fiscal considerations rather than medical evidence. The Poisons Board gave unanimous expert advice. It was overruled. The court has confirmed that was wrong.

“Malaysia cannot afford for this to happen again. Every time a health decision is made to serve economic interests, it is the public, especially the young, who pay the price.

“No future public health decision should be made primarily for fiscal reasons. The health of our children is not a budget line item,” said Thirunavukarasu.

The health ministry decided in 2023 to remove liquid and gel nicotine from the poisons list, a move challenged by public health groups.

Last week, the High Court ruled that the decision was unlawful and irrational as it was made without properly consulting the Poisons Board, with the health ministry then stating it was considering possible further legal action.

This morning, health think tank Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy urged the government not to appeal the ruling and to instead increase cigarette excise duties to at least RM0.77 per stick.