Vexed over planned anti-vape move

PETALING JAYA: Vape Street co-owner Yazuan Yatim (pic) has been enjoying brisk sales of various vape flavours and e-cigarettes since operating his colourful shop in Seksyen 16, Petaling Jaya two months ago.

Now, he is worried that his business would come to an end.

Yazuan appealed to the Government over plans to ban vaping, saying that this would only force vapers and outlet owners to go underground.

“How do you think the authorities will ban vaping? We have the second largest market after the United States.

“Will it solve the problem? I don’t think so,” he said when interviewed at his shop yesterday.

The 36-year-old, who is also a vaper, said he wanted to know the reason behind the plan to ban vaping.

“It is not as harmful as smoking. I stopped smoking and I prefer to vape. I believe this is a better option as cigarettes contain tar and other harmful chemicals.

“I am sure those who stopped smoking to vape will go back to cigarettes if vaping is banned,” he said.

Yazuan sells about RM2,000 worth of vape devices and its flavours every day.

“My customers are mostly working adults and most are trying to stop smoking. They buy a few bottles and it can last them for a month,” he said.

The flavours of juices that he sells range between RM45 and RM115 per bottle.

Yazuan urged the authorities find a way to regulate the industry instead of banning vape.

Vaper Nancy Nais, 33, a corporate manager, said banning it would be unreasonable as it would not solve the smoking problem.

“Cigarettes and vaping are the same. If they want to ban vaping because it is harmful, they should also ban cigarettes.

“They might as well legalise vaping and tax customers,” she said.

University student Mohd Edry Firdaus, 23 said the plan was unfair.

“If they think it can cause cancer, they should really look into the effects of smoking. It is more harmful. Once you ban, vapers will find other ways,” he said.