Call for better vape regulations

KUALA LUMPUR: Vapers, whose numbers are growing, want better regulations instead of a blanket ban on the use of vape.

“We are self-regulatory at the moment and welcome the proposal by the Government to regulate it,” said Malaysia E-Vaporizers and Tobacco Alternative Association president Allan Foo.

He said they were okay with the Government’s move to introduce laws on the use of vape.

“In fact, we have set up a committee to draft recommendations on how to regulate the industry.

“We will submit it to the Gov­ern­ment by the end of the year,” he told a press conference yesterday at the launch of a sticker campaign aga­­­inst the sale of vape to those under 18.

He said the vape community was aware of the growing public concerns over the unregulated use of vape.

“That is why we are trying to educate the public on the use of vape.

“This includes initiating campaigns to prevent the sale of vape to those under 18 and intro­­ducing guidelines for users,” he said.

He said the association was also against vape being promoted as a “lifestyle” product.

“Our aim is to see vape used as an alternative by cigarette smokers who intend to quit the habit,” Foo said, adding that vape should not be promoted to non-smokers.

On Tuesday, Deputy Hea­lth Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said the Government was looking at amending the Control of Tobacco Products Regula­­tions under the Food Act to regulate the use of items such as tobacco and e-cigarettes.

The number of vapers nationwide is estimated at 300,000 since it was introduced in the country seven years ago.