KUALA LUMPUR: Electronic cigarettes, which have become a fad, are found to contain preservatives which can cause cancer, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya.

He said substances in electronic cigarette liquid including nicotine and propylene glycol when heated by more than five volts, will combine to become preservative-like chemicals.

“Most consumers smoke by more than five volts to get more vapour.

“These preservatives can raise the risk of cancer,” he said when winding up debate on the Allied Health Professions Bill 2015 at the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

The issue was raised by several MPs including Datuk Irmohizam Ibrahim (BN-Kuala Selangor) who said the usage of electronic cigarettes could lead to a rise in drug abuse.

Dr Hilmi also said the proposal on the 1Malaysia People’s Pharmacy by Irmohizam was practical based on the congestion at pharmacies at government hospitals.

He said it would help to facilitate the supply of medication without having to go to a hospital, especially in rural areas.

“The proposal to build pharmacies on this concept is a good idea,” he said.

The Allied Health Professions Bill 2015 among others is aimed at setting up a Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council to regulate the practice of health professionals in the country.

The Act when adopted will entail regulating 23 professions in allied health among them audiologists, physiotherapists, dietians, therapists, diagnostic cardiographers, medical laboratory technologists, environmental health officers, forensic science officers and social medical officers.

The bill was later passed with a majority voice vote. — Bernama