Health Ministry closely monitoring new US tariffs, focusing on medical devices, pharmaceutical products

KOTA BHARU, April 26 — The Health Ministry is closely monitoring two key issues following the tariffs imposed by United States (US) President Donald Trump, particularly those affecting medical devices and pharmaceutical products.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said that although Trump had previously indicated an intention to exempt pharmaceuticals from these 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 the Minister of Health, to stay attentive to these two matters,” he told a press conference after opening the state-level 2025 Madani Afiat programme in Tunjong today.

Dr Dzulkefly was responding to questions about the potential impact of the US tariffs on the nation’s healthcare supply chain.

He added that the ministry was also making early preparations to find alternative markets and sources to ensure the continuity of the country’s health supply is not affected.

On April 2, Trump announced a series of reciprocal tariffs imposed on many countries, including 24 per cent on imports of goods from Malaysia. This has since been postponed for 90 days.

Meanwhile, regarding the ban on the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products by the Terengganu government effective August 1, Dr Dzulkefly said the ministry is determined to implement comprehensive regulation on vape products with the gazette of the Smoking Products Control for Public Health Act 2024.

The Act, which functions as a stand-alone legislation, will serve as a strong foundation for regulating all aspects related to smoking products, including their 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 ensure there is no room for any form of leniency,” he said.

The minister noted that state governments hold an important responsibility through their authority to deny business licences to entrepreneurs selling smoking products.

He viewed the collaboration as a positive step towards safeguarding public health.

Recently, the Terengganu state government announced it will enforce a ban on the sale of vape products at all business premises across the state starting August 1.

Local Government, Housing and Health Committee Chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the enforcement is a proactive move to curb the sale and use of vape products, which pose health risks, particularly to the younger generation.

— Bernama