Affiliations 

  • 1 Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
  • 2 UKM Medical Centre
  • 3 Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) 43000 Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia (Malaysia)
MyJurnal

Abstract

Introduction: Discrepancies of nicotine content labelling of e-liquid products has been reported and it may
have existed to circumvent legal requirements that imposes restrictions on the sale of nicotine-containing
products in the market. Mandatory labelling requirement of e-liquid products is still pending in Malaysia.
This case study aimed to examine labelling discrepancies of e-liquid refill products declared as nicotine-free
sold in e-commerce platform in Malaysia. Methods: A total of 10 Malaysian-made e-liquid refill samples
were purchased via a popular e-commerce platform available to Malaysian. The e-liquid refills were
specifically chosen because it was declared to contain zero-nicotine. Nicotine concentrations were
measured using a Gas-chromatography with flame-ionisation detector (GC-FID). Results: About 80% (n = 8)
of the purchased e-liquid samples were contained nicotine despite being declared as nicotine-free.
The average nicotine levels were 1.092 (0.989) mg/mL. Conclusion: This case study confirmed the
presence of labelling discrepancies which non-comply with the existing Malaysian Poison Act.
Such non-compliance will contribute to the sale of unrestricted nicotine products. As a result, it will increase
addiction among novice smokers because e-liquid refills declared as “nicotine free” contained nicotine.
Implementation of stringent legal requirement on the nicotine content of local e-liquid products is
urgently needed as it will support the accomplishment of Malaysian Tobacco Endgame.