THE Health Ministry has vowed action against those selling the Ghost Smoke candy if it is found to contain nicotine.

Deputy Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said it is an offence to sell products containing nicotine without a licence.

“We view this matter seriously, and have formed a task force to find out if the candy has adverse effects on children’s health.

“If the candy is found to contain nicotine, the ministry can immediately order its removal from the market, and those selling it will face action,” he said after appearing on Bernama News Channel’s Ruang Bicara programme last night.

He was commenting on parents’ concerns about the cigarette-shaped candy, which emits a smoke-like “vapour” when sucked.

He said the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry and Customs Department can also take action if the sale of the sweets is found to be in breach of regulations.

“On the part of the Health Ministry, we’d rather have the sale of this product banned because it has elements that encourage children to take up smoking.”

Meanwhile, Kelantan Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry director Adnan Abd Rahman said an enforcement team seized 40 packs of the candy from premises in Kota Baru yesterday.

He said the action was taken after parents complained that the candy was being sold to pupils of a nearby school. – Bernama, July 24, 2019.