Materia Medica Malaysiana

No law against 'shisha', says Dr Chua

The Health Ministry's tough anti-tobacco stance does not include the shisha which was banned by Thailand two years ago for containing toxic substances.
Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the tobacco used in shisha was not classified as regular tobacco.
He said shisha had not been categorised as smoking and there was no law against teenagers smoking it.
"Youngsters smoke shisha at foodstalls all night, hoping to look cool and hip. We have more pressing issues, but the ministry will look into this soon," Dr Chua said when asked about the shisha-smoking fad which has caught on here.
Then Thai Health Minister Sudarat Keyuraphan had stated that the habit was harmful and would make it easier for the young to graduate to cigarettes.
There is also an on-going debate in some Middle Eastern countries on shisha.
It is an offence for anyone under 18 to buy cigarettes or indulge in smoking under the Control of Tobacco Products Regulations 1993 (Amendment 1997).
Those found smoking or chewing tobacco or in possession of cigarettes in a public or private place can face fines of not more than RM1,000.

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