Pharmacists urge continued Poisons Board engagement on nicotine gel rules

The Malaysian Pharmacists Society has praised Putrajaya's move to withdraw its appeal against the court's decision on liquid nicotine products, signalling a shift in the government's approach to regulating the contentious substance. The decision represents a significant moment for the pharmacy sector, which has long sought clarity on how such products should be controlled and distributed. However, the pharmacists' group has stressed that winning the legal battle is only the first step, and that the true challenge now lies in translating the court ruling into practical, workable regulations. The organisation has emphasised the importance of maintaining active engagement with the Poisons Board, the regulatory authority responsible for overseeing hazardous substances, to ensure that implementation guidelines are clear, consistent, and aligned with public health objectives. Industry observers note that the government's decision to drop the appeal removes a significant source of uncertainty that has complicated business operations and regulatory compliance across the sector. Moving forward, pharmacy leaders are calling for a collaborative approach that brings together government agencies, the Poisons Board, and industry stakeholders to develop comprehensive rules that address both safety concerns and the needs of legitimate retailers and consumers. The coming months will be critical as regulators work to establish enforcement mechanisms and communicate expectations to the pharmacy community across the country.